I agree, it’s difficult not to think about the possibility of lymphoma and it’s frightening. But if that is the case and you have a lymphoma, it is a treatable disease with good outcomes. So it won’t be the end of the line for you. It will change your story but it won’t define you.

I am a survivor of acute myeloid leukemia…that’s a very aggressive blood cancer and it didn’t have a good prognosis. Well, here I am 3.5 years later in a very durable remission. It’s my mission in life after cancer and a bone marrow transplant to help other people see hope for their future when things are looking grim. You are young, your body is resilient and you’re being proactive in finding answers. You have good gut instincts by seeking another opinion. Should this turn out to be a blood cancer, you’re going to get through this!

My best advice right now is to stop “searching and researching” symptoms. That’s why you have this new doctor. Knowledge is power. However, searching when you don’t have a diagnosis can lead down rabbit holes that don’t even pertain to you and instills yet more fear. So wait for the rest of the tests and for your doctor’s diagnosis. Not Dr Google. 🙂

I’m going to share a story that was written last year about a young member I was mentoring. She and I have gone through a lot separately and together.
Here’s our story:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/mayo-clinic-connect-brings-together-2-women-with-leukemia-46-years-apart/

I’m here for you too, whatever your journey might be. We’ll be highly optimistic that this nothing of issue. But if it is, you’re not alone. You’ve just joined a big family…I’m another auntie. 😉 Okay?
Distraction is a really good de-stressor. What types of things do you enjoy doing?