Hello Nee09 and a warm welcome to our forum, 

You did the right thing in going to the dentist when you noticed something odd on your tongue and to then go to the GP when you saw that swelling on the left side of your tongue but poor you going back and forth without getting any answers for a while and it's good you were seen by the dentist and referred just to find out what is causing these issues. It can be frightening to be given an urgent referral but it's important to remember that it will just ensure you will be seen quickly and have the necessary investigations but there can be so many benign conditions too that can cause your symptoms. It's reassuring that the dentist said that they don't think it is malignant and I hope that you won't have to wait too long now to be seen. 

If you still haven't heard anything about your appointment, it wouldn't hurt to get in touch with them and ask for an update as to whether they have an appointment date for you. It's hard to know whether the sore throat is linked to your anxiety but it's definitely a good idea to mention it too when you see the specialist and to say that this is a new symptom you didn't have last time you spoke to the dentist. 

It's normal to be terrified as you are waiting to find out more and I am keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be nothing of concern. It can't be easy for you to be a single parent to a 1 year old and a 16 year old and to have no family and support network when you are going through all this stress. I hope that you will hear from others on here who have been through something similar and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

I am not sure whether you will see the private surgeon tomorrow or if you have heard from the NHS by now - I certainly hope that they have got back to you and that you now have an appointment date so that you can get some clarity and hopefully total reassurance soon. 

Waiting is the hardest thing though and it's easy for the anxiety to be overwhelming and to anticipate the worst - try if you can to keep busy and distracted while you are waiting. We have helpful tips on how to cope while waiting for news which I hope will help you get through the coming days.

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator