Neck lump - GP made red flag referrals today

Hello, my name is Lisa and I'm 26. I saw my GP today after some worrying symptoms and unfortunately? They wanted to do a red flag referral for a scan. Fortunate that I'm getting the scan - unfortunate they are that worried they are red flagging it.

I've had ongoing issues with tiredness, night sweats etc for the last couple of months. Also been having issues swallowing and choking on liquids and foods more often. Found a lump on the front of my neck closer to the right hand side so GP checked this all today and could definitely feel the lump there. She's sent a referral through for the lump to be checked via ultrasound. She's also sent me for a myriad of blood tests - FBC, thyroid, liver, kidney, two inflammatory markers, diabetes, folic and B12 - basically? The full MOT. Got them done today after seeing the GP.

Honestly, I don't know what I'm looking for here. Some reassurance? I know waiting on results is gonna be the hardest part cause I'm not going to know what's going on properly until then. 
 

Got any advice when it comes to waiting? 

  • Hi lovely,

    I'm sorry you're going through this. I am also waiting for an appointment (age 23) after getting a pain in my armpit and doctors found a lump today and referred me on.

    Its very scary, I completely understand that and because I was only told today, I cant really give you any advice on waiting. What I can say is, my current approach is to distract myself, surround myself with people who make me happy and allow myself to feel it sometimes. 

    I like to prepare myself for any possible outcome, its always been my approach so I've done some research so I know roughly what to expect but also not scaring myself. I'm only looking on reputable sites like NHS, cancer research etc.

    Keep your head up, stay positive and remember whatever the outcome, you've got this.

    Always here if you want someone in a similar situation to talk to! 

    Rach x

  • Thank you so much for your reply and I am sorry to hear that you are also playing the waiting game. I hope your results all come back okay when you get your appt!

    I found out just now that my bloods are all back in less than 24 hours and the doctor should be reviewing them today so was told to keep my phone charged in case of a call as the receptionist can't interpret the results.

    Honestly, I have been keeping myself occupied with my little boy and keeping friends close (well, as close as I can with the current situation). 

    Thank you so much! ️

     

  • I have the exact same experience,my blood tests are booked for tomorrow and as I am "red flagged" I am expecting to be sent an appointment later this week.

    I am hanging onto the fact that the vast majority of neck lumps turn out to be nothing at all to worry about.I think keeping myself very busy will help calm the worry. I set myself a time limit when I have anything worrying to deal with.So today for example,I am allowing myself to acknowledge the worry for 30 minutes,

    I hope you can feel some peace whilst you are waiting.