Hematologist

[Seans113]

Hey everyone!

So I have some good news.
I went to my GP with my lymphoma fears and he basically checked me out and said that I seem like a normal healthy 22 year old. But he felt my neck nodes and after telling him I had one in my groin, he wrote me a referral letter to the insurance to let me see a hematologist.

I'm a bit relieved that he is sure I am okay, and also that I will be able to see a specialist who can clear my fears (hopefully)

But I am a bit fearful of going to this specialist. Only because I don't really know what it entails. Has anyone here been to a hematologist? Any ideas on what to expect?

[Vigilante]

I have seen one very recently, just before xmas and just after. I was sent to her because I keep showing a high level of vitamin b12 in my blood as well as the Immunoglobin A, things which can come up in Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.

She was very nice, assured me based on Full blood count that she was sure there was nothing major going on, then just did blood testing for various things like jak2 mutation, calcium and LDH all of which came back negative and I was discharged back to my GP at my 2nd appointment.

LDH blood test is a pretty decent test for Lymphoma I understand.

I am sure you will be fine, nodes are pretty common to find, I can feel them in my groin and armpits. Have you had any blood work done?

Most likely that would be the outcome of your appointment.

[Andrash]

Hey everyone!

So I have some good news.
I went to my GP with my lymphoma fears and he basically checked me out and said that I seem like a normal healthy 22 year old. But he felt my neck nodes and after telling him I had one in my groin, he wrote me a referral letter to the insurance to let me see a hematologist.

I'm a bit relieved that he is sure I am okay, and also that I will be able to see a specialist who can clear my fears (hopefully)

But I am a bit fearful of going to this specialist. Only because I don't really know what it entails. Has anyone here been to a hematologist? Any ideas on what to expect?

I once took my mother to haematologist (she had mild anaemia). Basically, nothing unusual-he'll probably do his own blood and urine tests, check your nodes and possibly ultra-sound that. If he finds something suspicious, he might request further tests, but since your GP virtually gave you the all clear-I'm positive it won't come to that.

All in all-completely normal appointment, nothing unusual, invasive or scary. Put your mind at rest, and do listen to your GP-he seems to be a very good, careful practitioner who leaves nothing to chance.

[Seans113]

Thank you both for the quick responses!

Yes I did get my blood work done in December. In fact I have a copy of the results because my GP wanted me to show the hematologist them.

I agree Andrash, my GP definitely looks out for me. I am just a little concerned because Lymphoma is my "one" and lymph nodes just keep showing up everywhere!
So hopefully this will put my mind at ease.

[Andrash]

Yes, lymphoma is one of the most common fears for all HA sufferers, as lymph nodes often rise and swell.

Still, there are million other reasons than lymphoma, all much more common and benign. :)

And even if a person does develop lymphoma-it's one of the most curable cancers, with new treatments being really successful in killing the disease.

[LE]

I have been to a haematologist in the summer. My gp consistently told me I was well but in a last bid attempt to make me believe it she said I could see a haematogist for my reassurance only.

She examined my neck, my groin and my armpits. Also my stomach, getting me to breath in around liver area and spleen.

She then took bloods and included 'lymphoma markers' her words. I believe these included LDH and others.

I then went back for a review 6 weeks later and she repeated the exam and said that my bloods were all normal. I was discharged as she said the findings warranted no further testing.

The haematOloist and my gp told me that the haematogist is the person who diagnosed blood cancers and including lymphoma. They are specialists in this area. Despite me seeing this specialist I still doubted her! My gp was in disbelief at me as she couldn't convey enough to me that 'the haematOlogost is THE person who deals with this kind of ca'!!

[Seans113]

Wow thank you all for your input!

You're making me more excited for this appt than worried about it! Haha

I will definitely use this as a way to give me some closure for the whole lymphoma fear and hopefully be done with it forever!