Forum Discussion
Tired with swollen lymph nodes
Still trying to get to the bottom of why I am so tired a year after chemo. I sleep 11 to 14 hours in every 24. My psychiatrist though it might be depression and put me on anti-depressants.
A few months ago my GP did a gamut of blood tests and couldn't find anything there amiss either.
For months the lymph nodes under my jaw have been huge yet there is no dental problems. I thought perhaps it was a side affect being on Tamoxifen or something? Lately there is another node behind my jaw under my ear and another on one side of my throat and recently one in my good arm in the arm pit.
I told my oncologist about it this week and he sent me off for another blood test to try and tell what the problem is, including testing for Ross River Virus. He also ordered an ultrasound of my good breast and the lump under the arm pit and I will be having that Friday next week.
Just drives me crazy that I always seem to have the quirky things wrong with me lately. Just want to get on with my life but no energy to do it. <sigh>
A few months ago my GP did a gamut of blood tests and couldn't find anything there amiss either.
For months the lymph nodes under my jaw have been huge yet there is no dental problems. I thought perhaps it was a side affect being on Tamoxifen or something? Lately there is another node behind my jaw under my ear and another on one side of my throat and recently one in my good arm in the arm pit.
I told my oncologist about it this week and he sent me off for another blood test to try and tell what the problem is, including testing for Ross River Virus. He also ordered an ultrasound of my good breast and the lump under the arm pit and I will be having that Friday next week.
Just drives me crazy that I always seem to have the quirky things wrong with me lately. Just want to get on with my life but no energy to do it. <sigh>
27 Replies
- Sending you hugs @Brenda5 and hoping angels of healing and health find you feeling better. Depression and tiredness go hand in hand but the down spiral seems to be the more you rest (or withdraw from life) the worse the depression is. Its hard but do something for yourself - a minute at a time or an hour - whatever it takes. Slowly onward and upward. :) xx
- Oh just to have them agree would make you feel more confident. I hope you feel much more spritely soon and this torrid time will be behind you soon. X
- Saw the surgeon today who wasn't happy that the ultrasound read 2mm nodes and 5mm cyst. He said since there is nothing showing in the breast, we'll leave the next check for 6 months but if there's anything amiss at all, see my gp who will order tests again. He wasn't real impressed that my gp said its low immunity and don't come back unless its something making me really sick. We'll just put it down to a reaction to the escitalopram meds which I don't take any more and see what happens.
- Oh...ok got it. Thought it was only used for appetite / nausea and pain in oil form. Having worked in detox units ...its "not oil" version actually causes depression and in some cases psychosis in many people ...so needs use with caution.
- Sounds like Brenda is using the same sort of product I was using during chemo for nausea, Kath. That which shall not be named. It certainly wouldn't work as an antidepressant or a recreational product for me as it makes me quite anxious now. The penalty for a misspent youth perhaps, but I'll hopefully not need it again.
- Hi Brenda it sure has been a merrygo round ..glad that body has a become calmer!
Now dont over do that joyful oil .Enjoy the better times ahead Maybe try afemale GP. i found a younger one who was up on all the best tests and could carry the conversation.All best Bright - What's the oil Brenda? Glad all good with the appt. What about the neck nodes?
- Saw my oncologist who ordered the blood tests and the ultrasound today. He is such a lovely man and praised me up saying my blood tests were absolutely perfect! LOL
The ultrasound which I have a copy of says nothing in the breast part but in the axilla some benign appearing simple lymph nodes and a 5mm cyst. No abnormality apart from that. We'll review in 6mths.
I am loads better since I am off the Escitalopram pills which at the time were an anxiety necessity but it played havoc with my body so back to just the Tamoxifen from now on. :)
Ps-
Ok now I take 2mls a day of some lovely medicinal oil for depression too which isn't on prescription. Shhhhhhh ;) - Hi, dont understand how a gp can know anything when he hasn't examined you.
Especially in our case when we all need that little extra care.
Seeing as you are seeing other drs, they will have the answer for you, make sure you write your questions before going.
And I agree with zoffitels comment above.
Take care and goodluck...xxx - Give the GP the flick. He can hang out with your husband all he likes, in their time not yours.
