Exactly I try to think that too but my head spins with what I read. And of course google is telling us that it is abnormal to have one tonsil bigger than the other. When my dentist said my tonsils looked red and swollen I immediately asked her if it was one or both and she said both which is odd cos I tangibly one is bigger than the other and I also asked if she thought I had tonsil cancer and she said no. Everyone says to me these professionals are there to pick up these abnormal things and if she was concerned she would have said. But that still didn't ease my mind. Now I think I have tonsil and tongue cancer... this isn't the first time I thought Iv had cancer either it's been a whirlwind few years lol. 
 

oh that's a bit pants, well hopefully u will get ur appointment through sooner rather than later to ease your mind. Il be thinking of u! 
 

I have a pea size lump in my neck which I noticed around November, saw my GP last week after 2 phone appointments and she has referred me for an ultrasound to rule out anything sinister but she thinks it's a cyst! Still doesn't stop me from worrying though! Xx

I said to my mum its odd if i have always had this tonsil bigger why my dentist hasnt picked up om it..but then it could have only appeard after my last appoitment which is even more scary. Mine is all normal colour amd everything. I do have a picture but dont think i can attach it in here. 

Hope all goes okay tomorrow. Have to let me know.

But if it has always been like that the dentist wouldn't have said anything. I have read somewhere that it can be normal, but kids of sites say abnormal, and for someone like us with health anxiety we take the abnormal over the normal. 
mine are both red and I get some pain every so often so that does make me a bit anxious! No I don't think u can, I have wanted to post photos load of times but they will get removed. 
 

thanks hun will do.

Dragon FAch

your right this chat line is a life line and a reassurance too. 

not long now know you are counting lol i am to friday lol, not worried about it and wont be until the day but more concerned i get tested for covid before hand and cant have it done even with precautions. 

will be thinking of you. 

Hi Elona 

I too had everything crossed for a negative Covid test, fortunately I got one.  I have to have another one soon pre radiotherapy etc.

Appointment went well today all things considered.   I have a common cancer, can't remember its full title only the letters SCC and its HPV +.  HPV responds particularly well to treatment.   I  don't know size or spread of cancer yet.  I will be seeing oncology end of next week where I will find out more.  Including how much radio and chemo I will need.  I have been told to expect 6 weeks of radio (30 sessions) and that I may need a feeding tube depending on how radiotherapy goes.

No more ops for now, though may have to have teeth removed pre radiotherapy.   May have to have some lymph nodes removed post radiotherapy. 

I do have a McMillan nurse who specialises with head and neck assigned from today.  Oh and within the next 3 weeks I have to see a dietician and a speech therapist.   

I think that's everything,  phew!

In a nutshell the prognosis is good, but the journey will be rough to say the least.   Onwards and upwards :happy:

Hi

I have been thinking about you all day and wondering how you got on. SCC squamous cell carcinoma- HPV+ yes thats the best sort to have apparently so prognosis hopefully good. I am glad everything is explained and hoping all goes well. Keep in touch. Sounds like a long slog but you sound the sort of person who has a lot of determination and courage I admire you. 

I am still surprised they do not take out the bad tonsil. at the vets we would then chemo the rest if necc. 

Covid test booked for wednesday am. - and bag packed for friday lol . 

Thank you Elona,  all good thoughts I hope :laugh:

I too had my bag packed well in advance of my op lol.  I would like to take credit for being so organised,  but the award goes to my wife.  She's even turned our bedroom into a mini bedsit in case i become too fatigued to make it down stairs.  Truth be told I would be useless without her.

They say there is no such thing as a good cancer, but you are right Squamous Cell Carcinoma HPV positive is apparently the best sort.  They way I explained it to family is if there was a shelf of neck cancers and i had to choose one, that is the one I would choose. 

I too was surprised that they do not take out the rogue tonsil.  They did say that the cancer is too close to the tongue.  I suppose they want to avoid having to remove part of the tongue,  which can only be a good thing.

You work at the vets, that must be so rewarding.   I always wanted to work in animal care as a child.  Never happened though.   I  find animals amazing,  they give and expect nothing in return.   We have two dogs, two cats and 5 birds!  One of my dogs thinks she's my nurse lol.   Keeps trying to make my neck better.

fingers crossed your covid test comes back negative.   I will be thinking of you on Friday.  Though you wouldn't wish this on anyone it's so good to be able to chat with someone who is travelling a similar path.

Be strong 

Hi Dragon Fach

your wife is amazing that is so good. What a great idea to have your room also made into a sitting room in case you get too tired. 

my lump on neck has been a bit itchy since aspiration it has now turned into a circular red lump externally. it feels drier and slightly rubbery so perhaps this is going to be different? my face on that side also feels a little tight like i have an alien there.lol 

anyway I hope you are getting plenty of rest you will need it and as you said it is good to have someone in similar circumstances to talk to on this. With other people able to join in or read we can share experiences. 

working at the vets has been rewarding but hard it is not the glamour job a lot of people may think. However, it has also meant I bring home lots of waifs and strays lol. Currently two dogs a golden doodle that was dumped with his litter mates at 4 weeks skin and bones, a patterdale whose mother was rescued from Battersea and the owner then found she was pregnant. 6 cats two of which are totally blind having had to loose their eyes because horrid boys threw them at a brick wall. Koi in a pond I dug out by hand when i moved here, three hens and a pigeon who is part of their harleem! even if he is a male lol then the tortoise!!! oh and I forgot the hedgehogs that i look after for a charity I am part of. 

the thing I am more disappointed about and I know it is only temporary is that i want to take dogs out instead of having to self isolate indoors until friday. 

take care

covid test done - if no telephone call am negative and all steam ahead for friday. relieved because you never know what to expect but nice nurse and was only a little uncomfortable trying not to gag when she swabbed near tonsils. 

Fingers crossed its negative.   I was lucky and had the result the same day.  I am very much hoping my tonsillectomy has cleared up a bit more before the next covid test.   I really do hope that all is go for Friday for you, there are so many tests, results, ops, appointments to wait for the last thing you need right now is for covid to extend the wait.

I had a call from my ENT surgeon and Cancer Nurse today with a list of info and appointments to expect over the coming couple of weeks.

Appointment with oncology.   Appointments with speech therapist and dietitian.  Pre treatment PET CT Scan. Appointment with a financial welfare advisor.  They also told me that the cancer is T4 as its sneaked into surrounding muscle.  It is also in nodes, but I forgot to ask how many.  Apparently I will be having 6 weeks of Radiochemotherapy with a stand alone chemo the day before.  I think that's it Phew! 

 So be prepared, once it starts it starts and all the info makes your head explode.  This is one of the reasons for the cancer nurse, to answer any questions that you may have.

Stay strong