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Throat and neck symptoms needing surgery

Violet82
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Hi everyone, I don't really know where to start or why I'm writing I'm just a ball of anxiety!! I've had a lot of issues with swallowing and choking, can really panic me in the moment!! I can feel the swelling, my voice also goes horse, ent said one tonsil was bigger than the other then put a camera up my nose and down my throat then had feel the lump in my throat, he said I need surgery to remove the tonsil snd the mass to be sent for a biopsy and wanted it done asap said within 2 to 3 weeks max (great timing to go on holiday on Monday!!) but he's told me to go and he'll work around it he knows I've a lot of health issues said to try relax and deal with this when I'm home. Relax ha he felt round the back and front of my neck and said I needed a scan of some lymph nodes (I knew I had one on my collar bone) but didn't know of the ones round my neck, he wanted my throat, neck and chest scanned (why the chest I've no idea) but the last time I had a scan with IV contrast dye I took a bad reaction so the specialist was speaking to this one who was speaking to that one and they are unsure how to scan as they need the contrast dye to examine the lymph nodes. They are going to get back to me, I've had the pre op assessment via email (new one on me) sorry this is a long message just hard to explain it all and of course once the kids are in bed and the house is quiet you're head goes into overdrive xx

  • Hello Violet82,

    You did the right thing going to the doctor but at the moment there's no way of knowing until further investigation can be done. I understand waiting can be difficult but these tips here might useful throughout the process. I hope you get a date for your appointment soon so they can get to the bottom of this.

    Best wishes,

    Moderator Anastasia

     

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Anastasia

    Hi thank you for you're reply. I got a call yesterday to say surgery is booked for the 18th so at least they are moving quickly, trying hard not to over think it but it's hard not to x 

  • Offline in reply to Violet82

    Good luck with your surgery. I have a referral and have been given an appointment next week at the hospital due to a lump on my tonsil. I know just about everything I have been able to find on Head and Neck Cancer and sincerely hope that is not what I have (of course). But, I am glad that I am seeing someone so soon. What will be will be. 

    I'm pleased you have your surgery so soon. Stock up on soft foods for your recovery. You would have to check with someone that has had the surgery - is it a tonsillectomy that you are having?....But, I would say it's got to be a good time to treat yourself to some expensive ice-cream.

  • Offline in reply to SaraJ74

    Aw thank you I'll definitely stick up on ice cream, Ed are on holiday atm, when he said urgent surgery I thought we'd have to cancel my holiday but he told me to still go on holiday and he'd work around it. I've had swallow issues for a good while now but never even thought of a lump in my throat I do have a couple of conditions called chiari malformation and Syringomyelia do I thought they might be the reason until I see ent and he said one tonsil is swollen I thought ok maybe just one of those things until he put the camera up my nose and down my throat. Yes it is tonsilectomey he said he'd remove the tonsil and the mass behind it, it's when he mentioned mass and surgery and biopsy that got me worried, he did say it's hopefully nothing to worry about but in my head I think of course they'll say that as they'll need to reassure you to stop you panicking but maybe he does think it's morning to worry about I don't know!! When I say I'm on holiday it sounds lovely but I'm hot bothered got a horrid migraine it is nice to get away but I'm exhausted on day 3!! I've not long turned 40 anc I'm scooting about on a mobility scooter but needs must. 
    i hope you get sorted soon it's horrible having the anxiety of waiting isn't it xx

  • Offline in reply to Violet82

    Just a little update I'm scheduled in for surgery for this Tuesday feeling a bit anxious as I've found another lymph node this one is solid hard and completely immobile as if it's stuck on bone if that makes sense , it's on my neck below my ear and because it's completely immobile unlike the others  it's got me really really anxious I've still to hear about scans for my throat neck and chest but surgery will definitely go ahead on Tuesday he wanted it done as soon as possible!! Now just the issue of not being able to have the Ct scan with contrast dye sorry rambling making no sense just stressed out xx

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