Hodgkin's Symptoms? I Don't Really Fit

Since I saw the hematologist/oncologist I have been researching  Hodgkin's Lymphoma. One thing I have discovered is that I DON'T FIT. Read this:

The risk factors according to the Mayo Clinic.


  • Your age. Hodgkin's lymphoma is most often diagnosed in people between 15 and 30 years old and those over 55.
  • A family history of lymphoma. Having a blood relative with Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases your risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Being male. Males are slightly more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma than are females.
  • Past Epstein-Barr infection. People who have had illnesses caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, such as infectious mononucleosis, are more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma than are people who haven't had Epstein-Barr infection. 

I am a 48 year old woman, who has no history of Epstein-Bar. I have a family history of cancer, but I don't remember ever hearing anything about Hodgkin's. So NONE! No risk factors. 

Now let's look at the symptoms. Why did I not see this coming? Here are the symptoms according to the Mayo Clinic.

  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Severe itching

  • Increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
I have a swollen lymph-node in my neck. Just one. It also can get swollen when you are recovering from a flu, cold or other infection. And that's it. That is literally the only symptom. I am tired, but I have fibromyalgia, work full time, have a teen boy I am a taxi for and, oh right, I'm 48 years old!!!! I get tired. But I still get it all done, so I wouldn't say "persistent fatigue". I have not had a fever in years, don't have night sweats, I have actually gained weight since changing jobs (I don't stand, walk and do the stairs as much), have no itching and my alcohol intake has been totally normal. 

As you can see, I don't fit. My brothers have always said I was an odd duck, but this is kind of ridiculous. I do plan on asking the doctor on Thursday, but I'm not hopeful at a solid answer. 

Source Cited: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352646


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