Hi sharpy20. Welcome to the forum. 

I went through a similar mill around Xmas time. I was referred to ENT with a persistent and unexplained sore throat. Like you I had the endoscope up the nose, then I had an MRI, then panendoscopy and biopsies under general anaesthetic. Final result: no cancer found.

Statistically 9 out or 10 people who get these fast track referrals turn out NOT to have cancer, so the odds are on your side - but it's still a worrying time as you wait for all the results to come through. 

Thank you so much for your reply, I feel I am literally losing my mind with worry! I don't have any symptoms of throat issues and only mild various symptoms which I have written off constantly to minor things. Collectively they are now more worrying. Mild fever, night sweats, lower back pain all; of which didn't last long and seemed minor in the fact that I didn't feel any need to be laid up, or that I felt unwell enough to need help looking after the children. I know that all I can do is wait for results of scans and go through more tests (ultrasound/biopsy) but the waiting I feel is the hardest part. For now I remain hopeful with awareness of the worst case scenario. Thanks for listening, your reply has lightened my mood so much!

Hi sharpy20.

My understanding is that with lymphoma you don't get "mild" symptoms. The night sweats are described as drenching, with people needing to change the sheets several times!  But this is also one of the hottest summers we've had in Britain for years, and I'd be surprised if there's anyone who hasn't had night sweats in the last few months. I've been sleeping starkers on top of my bed for weeks now in an attempt to keep cool. (You may wish to erase that thought from your mind!) 

What you're describing sounds more like an infectious process. Let's hope the tests all come back clear. Please let me know how you get on. I'm particularly interested to hear about your experiences having a CT scan. This is something I've never had myself. My MRI wasn't much fun, but I hear that a CT is quicker and less traumatic. 

Hi kernow200,

thanks for for your encouragement, I am doing my best to stay positive in such a gloomy situation. Do you mind if I ask how big the lump was?

thanks

My lump felt quite big, size of my thumb nail.  It felt immobile, it was on the side of my neck, near my collar bone.  But the consultant could move it and it was only half a cm.  I also went to my dentist for a routine  appointment after seeing the consultant and he confirmed it was a deep lymph node and he could move it.

I was  convinced it wasn't normal   x

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I really am finding positivity from it! CT scan day after tomorrow so for now just a waiting game. One thing I will say is that I cannot fault my GP in any way. He took me seriously from the very first minute and did not hesitate to begin bloods, chest X-ray, urgent referral etc. Even calling me about blood results when surgery was closed. Regardless of the outcome, I really feel that he has been amazing. Telemando I will share my CT experience after Friday. I know results may take a while but will post an update as and when. Thank you both for being here. I'm so pleased that I joined this forum and really do feel less alone x

Just received a letter this morning scheduling a FNA for biopsy on 5th Sep. This is when I return from my holiday which begins tomorrow for 2 weeks. With everything going on and looking so gloomy I decided I wanted to go on this holiday more than ever! My children have been looking forward to it so much and I could do with some happy memories being made myself! I will let you know later my CT experience. I will return from holiday to the dreaded results and prepare for the biopsy a few days after. Feeling very scared just now. Lump,rock hard and pretty huge! Hopefully I can still try and enjoy the holiday.

So the CT scan wasn't much to write home about other than he wasn't lying when he said it may feel like you're wetting yourself when the dye goes in. I actually thought I had!! Relieved to see that it wasn't the case! That's it for now. Scan done and biopsy booked in. Off to enjoy my holiday as best I can and then I will face the results when I get back. Whatever they may be.

Hi Sharpy20

you enjoy your holiday you deserve it.  And we will be here when you return, whatever the outcome x

Kernow200