Lymph Node Biopsy ?

Brief overview ... I had a miscarriage in 1992 and was diagnosed with ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura) -- low blood platelets. I underwent two years of testing and treatments, including a bone marrow biopsy, IV infusions of WinRho (a human immunoglobulin), IVIG, a splenectomy, and eventually Rituxan (more or less a low-dose chemo). Since the splenectomy I have had a lot of infections and illnesses (a common respiratory infection stays with me sometimes for up to 6 weeks at a time). My body has become very resistant to antibiotics (basically, NONE work). Three weeks ago I ended up in the hospital for five days with strep pneumonia (a bacterial infection in my bloodstream). In a healthy person, the spleen produces antibodies which fight off these infections. It was already penicillin-resistant. Had they not caught it when they did, the infection could have attacked my organs --- heart and lungs --- and led to overwhelming sepsis (death). Since then I am being followed by an infectious disease doctor and a (new) hematologist. I now have a 2 cm enlarged, fairly "moveable" lymph node under my right arm, a 1 cm enlarged lymph node under my left arm, and two enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area. I was told it could be a low-grade lymphoma / lympho proliferative disorder, and I need to go to my surgeon for an open lymph node biopsy. I don't even know what to think anymore ... I feel like I am falling apart. My entire immune system is shot; I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; I am depressed; tired; and very sad all the time. If anyone has undergone this type of biopsy, I'd love to hear from you. I am extremely sad tonight. Christine 257 / 153 / 137 -104 lbs. 16 lbs. to goal

Christine, I haven't had that kind of biopsy, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for you and to tell you that you are in my prayers. Please keep up updated on how you are doing. Take care, Loni

Dear Christine, I have never gone through this, myself, but I want you to know that I am adding you to my prayers and wish you all the best of luck with this. I feel so bad that you are suffering in this way. Please keep us posted. God Bless, Fran 224/131/120 goal -93 8 pounds to goal

Christine {{{{{HUGS}}}}} I do not know anything about what you are going through. I do know that you have come to far to let yourself to too far down. You have a brand new lease on life with your weight loss and I'm sure everything will be fine. Our bodies have gone through soooo much change since our surgeries maybe this is a connected with all the weight loss???? Our bodies react in strange ways. Know you are lifted in prayer. Blessings Tonya

Christine I'm so sorry. This is awful. I can't even pronounce half of those medical terms let alone understand them. I have already said a prayer for you and your family. I know you will get through this. Keep your faith. Keep in contact w/ us ok? (hugs) Kelly

Donna hugging you close Hang in there we are all here for you. Donna

I don't have any experience with your condition. I want to offer my support. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. For medical information regarding your conditions, I recommend you search the online medical reference libraries. They can really shed some light on the situation for you. My Dad uses them all the time. Many blessings, Karen G

Christine, Sorry to hear about your problems. I'm praying all will turn out Ok. Deana

Christine, I don't have anything to add here either. Just want to say that my prayers are with you. Mary 302/202/1??