Listening to My Body: Understanding Lymphoma Symptoms

By Racheli Alkobey

1 min read

I want to share the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma that I noticed prior to my diagnosis with you. Most importantly, I hope this video reminds you to continue to listen to your body and that you know your body best.

Picking up on lymphoma symptoms

Even when things feel just a little bit off, raise your concerns to the people around you and be sure to connect with your doctor. Tell your friends and your family about what you are experiencing. Schedule a visit to see your physician to discuss your concerns, even if you think what you're feeling might not be serious. Don’t worry about seeming like a hypochondriac. Any little thing that is “off” or not normal for you needs to be brought up and investigated.

Your body isn’t meant to settle. Your body is going to fight and you will physically see signs of your body gearing up for a fight. I saw this with my own experience with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Know your normal

My greatest advice is to pay attention to your body and stay in tune with what is different from your typical normal. What symptoms did you notice before going to the doctor? Share in the comments below!

Editor's Note: Symptoms of blood cancer can vary from person to person. Fever, night sweats, and a unexplained weight loss of greater than 10% of body weight over six months are typically considered "B" symptoms. Many of the general symptoms of blood cancers can also be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions.^1,2

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Blood-Cancer.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
I couldn't agree with you more. Many people fail to tune in when clearly our bodies show us all signs of problems; The problem we don't want to address or we overlook these signs. SMH
1. Racheli Alkobey Moderator & Contributor
 Thank you so much Yolanda! It is so so so important for us to acknowledge the signs and be sure to listen! And you are right- the hardest part is taking action.
2. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 I think that is part of the problem. A lot of the time we just don't want to know. I didn't.
Daniel Malito Moderator
<inline-mention user-id="3651245" username="Racheli Alkobey"/> . Great one as per usual, Racheli. It’s amazing you find the time and energy to make such great videos while dealing with all the rest our lives throw at us! Keep on keepin’ on, DPM
1. Racheli Alkobey Moderator & Contributor
 Ha! thanks so much, Daniel! I try to do my part in spreading this extremely important info. I'm glad you agree! xo
Crystal Harper Moderator
I had Hodgkins Lymphoma as well and dealt with many of the symptoms you talked about. My biggest advice to people is also to just listen to your body. I always like to tell people that if something feels off, it probably is. Great video!
1. Racheli Alkobey Moderator & Contributor
 That's amazing advice, Crystal! I totally agree with you!
2. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 Yes - I agree. If something is off, it probably is.
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
I totally agree with you. My body was telling me all sorts of things and I didn't listen. Luckily I had a doctors appointment the day after my neck started to hurt. If it weren't for that I may not have went to see the doctor figuring the pain would go away. I tell people all of the time to listen to their bodies and see the doctor. If it's nothing the cost is a few bucks. But if it turns out to be cancer, at least you will have options.
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
I didn't realize this was a video. I know my daughter experienced swelling in her lymph nodes by her neck, night sweats, coughing, and she was tired a lot if the time.