Hi my name is Melissa I am 43 with a husband, 2 kids 4 grand kids that has been diagnosed with carcinoma of the oropharynx and cancer of the lingual tonsil which I believe to be basically the same. Back in March I noticed a mass on my left tonsil not to big and went to my PCP which she said you have tonsillitis take these antibiotics then it will go away. Well at the time I was dealing with another umbilical hernia so I didn't worry about the mass just took the antibiotics. May comes around the mass is a little bigger but still I ignore it. Then September comes and by now I'm waking up gagging on this mass with a hard time swallowing too. Also I start to notice no matter what I'm so fatigued and taking naps which I don't do. After weeks of fighting with my insurance I finally saw an ENT who did a scope that day and was very alarmed by what he saw plus the pictures I had shown him of how much it grew. I saw him on a Monday he did a biopsy that Wednesday where he determined it was in fact cancer.
I live in Texas so I was immediately referred over to MD Anderson where I saw a head and neck surgeon for oncology. She did a scope too then has referred me to several oncologist all in a team. I have recently had a ct and pet scan showing I have cancer in my tonsil, base of my tongue and lymph node all mostly on the left side but have seen a couple small spots on the right. Tomorrow more appointments then the team of doctors will meet to see what is the best plan of action. So far I have been told radiation and chemotherapy.
I joined because I want to talk to people who are experiencing the same thing and know how this is very scary. I hope I didn't say to much for an introduction. Thank you for listening and I hope to make some friends on here that know what this feeling is like being told you have cancer.
