So, I’m spiralling right now. My dad was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma 5 months ago. Since then, my anxiety has been all over the place. 2 weeks ago I got a swollen node under my jaw, no other major symptoms. It was movable and painful to the touch. After a week of it not going away, I went to the GP and she said not to worry, it’s probably some kind of an infection, otherwise it wouldn’t be painful and it my throat wouldn’t be red. She gave me antibiotics. Now, I’m almost done with the antibiotics, and I can still feel the node. I think it decreased in size, but I’m really not sure and I keep touching it (it’s a compulsion, I know :( ), but it’s not painful anymore. I’m really anxious and my dad’s diagnosis is just making everything seem more real :( But, at the same time, the rational part of me knows I’m overreacting. Aah, this is so idiotic :(

Thank you :) I went through CBT 2 years ago (had diferent obsession then) and I’m trying to apply tehniques learned there to this obsession but it’s kinda hard when what dad’s going through makes everything seem even more real. Btw. His lymphoma was discovered in an early stage and doctor said that it’s highly curable (he said that their success rate is at 95%) but the whole thing is pretty hard on everyone. I am planning on seeing a therapist soon.

First off, I’m so sorry about your dad. I had literally the exact same compulsion and obsession recently. I had a swollen node under my chin that did not go away for over two months. It came out of the blue with no signs of infection or illness. I had an ultrasound on it and it verified it was a mildly swollen node. I requested a biopsy which was denied simply because with lymphoma the nodes do not decrease in size, they dramatically increase overtime. As far as a genetic link in the disease, from my research there is none. Try and stop touching the node, that can prevent it from shrinking. My doctor said that mine will probably never go away and will mildly fluctuate in size. Essentially it’s scar tissue. No googling— it will only make matters so much worse. Are you seeing a therapist? If not, consider it. Especially with what you’re going through with your dad. I’m really sorry, again.

I had a enlarged lymph node in front of my ear for ages, was painless and all. For about a month or two I was in absolute agony thinking it’s something bad. I went privately to an oncologist and he not only discovered several more nodes but also said it is nothing to worry about and usually stays after some serious infection for example, or recent infection will do it as well. The node is still there and it’s been a year, and I went for a checkup and again it was nothing, only one of the nodes went down a lil tiny bit. So yeah, there are so many different reasons for the lymph nodes including hormonal issues as well and stress. Filling your life with good things and activities will help ❤️ if you do obsess try engaging in something else. If you say to someone don’t think about blue, they will think about blue. The only thing they can do to stop is think about red ❤️

Hey Girl, I’m kind of happy, I found your post! My dad was diagnosed with Gliomatosis Cerebri (brain cancer) 3 months ago...Since then my hypochondria is all over the place too...Not only I was in fear to have his illness as well, my nodes were also swollen, my doctor said it might be because of my wisdom teeth. As the girl above me already said, if you’d have a lymphoma they would be really big, you even could see them without trying. Maybe it might help you to make blood tests every month (I do). I hope we can get in contact, because of our similar stories. Good luck with everything and best wishes to you father!