So, these last couple months have been crazy insane. I just started my first semester of the Nursing program, I celebrated a year with my current boyfriend, I turned 20, and I got a fun job for the summer (it includes hanging out with new students and dogs!). But due to all of this manic, I’ve been ignoring my health for awhile.
Just a few weeks ago I finished teaching my workout class, and I have one male student in my class that I adore (his name is Edmund and he uses a walker to get around), but for some reason there was a strange odor entering my nose after each session. It smelled a lot like a horrible fart or like someone in the class shit their pants. It was strange, and I didn’t want to embarrass Edmund or ask someone else, “hey do you smell that?”, so I kept my mouth shut. A few days later, I smell it again! This time, I’m not in class. I’m in my room!
So this weird random smell has been occurring over and over again, each time getting stronger and lasting longer. I’ve asked my friends to smell me and they don’t smell it, I blow my nose super hard, and I continue to smell it while in the shower!
So about a week ago, I was done with this smelly smell and I also noticed a lymph node in my neck had grown to the size of a golf ball in my neck. I scheduled an appointment with a doctor and he asked me about recent dizzy spells, smelly spells, and felt the lump for a good solid 5 minutes being super quiet and gave me looks of concern.
He is concerned that I could have something messing with my ole-factory nerve, cribiform plate, pituitary/pineal. He said it’s falling in the spectrum between a serious sinus infection (I haven’t felt sick, no runny nose), and cancer. He scheduled an MRI of my brain to take a look at everything, and Throat Ultrasound to look closely at the node (which might get biopsied for cancer, which means they will make an incision and cut a piece out). My tests are next Tuesday, and then the next week I will get my results back with my doctor.
I’ve honestly been a nervous wreck about it and I can’t help but worry if it is the worst thing, and what I would do. My boyfriend told me that he doesn’t care if I lose my hair or anything, he wants me to get the best care and treatment down at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester if it comes down to it. I’ve been so grateful for the support from friends and family due to this weird and anxiety-filled time. All I can do is just sit and wait.
L.L. F.A.B. 