Having learnt briefly about Hodgkins on my course (I study a cancer module and my dissertation specialises in cancer) my inquisitive mind pushed me to do some more research. And I suppose thats what prepared me for the fact that although it was small, there was a chance that this could be lymphoma. Anyway luckily I only got the results towards the end of term so had pretty much finished all my university work (wahoo!!) apart from exams which I have deferred till 2014. On the bright side - more time to revise!
The biopsy I had was called a lymphadenectomy, basically the removal of the main enlarged lymph node, which was about the size of a large grape according to the radiologist. I was originally told that the scar would be about 3cm large, however it is actually more like 5 or 6cm. Which at first was a bit scary however after about 24 hours I embraced it as it 'adds character'. I'll upload some pictures to show the healing process, which has gone incredibly well and now after about 4 weeks it is barely visible! I kind of miss it though..
The first picture shows the scar the day after surgery, with the beautiful blue stitches in place.
The lump shown here is a hematoma, which is basically a build up of fluid and which gradually drains away (4 weeks on it has finally gone!!).
And this was the scar just after I had my stitches removed, a week on. As you can see parts of the line have already healed!