Replying to myself as no one can offer any advice my appointment for ultrasound abs biopsy has come through does anyone know what to expect?

Hi Milliemoo1

Welcome to the forum although I'm sorry to read about the problems that have brought you here. 

It's understandable that you're feeling worried about things at the moment and with no one to talk to about what's happening I imagine that things are going round and round in your head. 

It's positive that previous tests have been clear and that now the Consultant has requested these additional tests for you so that they can try to establish what is going on. Try to stay away from Dr Google - it's natural to want answers but Google will likely just heighten your fears and concerns. 

You've mentioned that you've received dates now for your biopsy and that you're seeing the Consultant again in a couple of weeks but I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our team of nurses in the meantime. I'm sure that they will be able to give you some support and information to help you through the next few weeks. You can call them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). 

Please keep in touch Milliemoo1 - I'm sure that the community here will do their best to support you. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi Milliemoo1.

I was referred for a 2 week ENT appointment for a persistent sore throat back in December 2017.  Like you I had the scope up the nose, but then an MRI and finally a biopsy ("panendoscopy") under general anaesthetic.  Then an agonising wait for results - and finally the all clear!

Many people get referred on a 2 week appointment for suspected cancer, but 9 out of 10 of them turn out NOT to have it. 

Once you've been referred, well, you're on a conveyor belt of standard tests. You'll go through all the tests, and once the results are in, the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) will discuss them and come to a conclusion, and then you'll be called back and told what it is - and for most people, it's good news.  

Of course, that won't stop you worrying and wondering, but in the end worrying doesn't help and worrying about a result doesn't change it.  So, please try to take it one day at a time, and only worry when you know for certain there's something to worry about. 

Swollen lumps are often raised lymph glands in response to infection. However they are still referred under the 2 week pathway because no-one can be sure of that without investigating further. If you have an infection they may want to find and treat that, especially if something is causing repeated infections.

Even if it did turn out to be cancer many people survive cancer now, these days your mum would probably survive much longer. 

If it turned out to be really bad you'd leave videos and letters to your children so they would have memories of you. 

Please take out some life insurance when you get the all clear.  A 10 year term live cover policy is cheap but would protect your family until they are grown.

Making plans for what you would do if it went badly would make you feel more in control - but most lumps are either harmless or easily treated.

I'm just worried the ct scan has been booked pretty much straight after biopsy (which is tomorrow) they won't even have results so they obviously think it's cancer and maybe using ct for stadging.

its a core biopsy as well why not the fine needle one I've been referred straight for core.

im so worried. Will they give any indication at all tomorrow?

Hi there Milliemoo 

This is a worrying time for you and your family - the not knowing and waiting. My hubby unfortunately was diagnosed in Dec 2015 with Ca tonsils and lymph nodes but following treatment has been cancer free and in remission since July 2016.

During the investigation period like you he had the panendoscopy ( camera up the nose) and then an Ultrasound scan with biopsy. He then had a CT scan - head, neck and chest with dye 2 days later before we had the results of the biopsy. This is usually because they discuss all patients who have been fast tracked on the 2 week cancer pathways wether the results are positive or negative for cancer at the special multidisciplinary team meeting so they need all investigations completed. 
The ultra sound of the lymph nodes in his neck took about 15 minutes - they run the probe over both sides of your neck and take measurements of any nodes they can see. Then they take a small sample of the fluid and tissue from within the node and send it for histology. They dont usually give you any idea of wether they think its cancer as it needs to be examined by the lab to be sure.
Wishing you lots of luck and hope this small bit of information helps. Take someone with you as its a very anxious time and you definitely need support. 
Best wishes and remember if it is the worst news there is treatment and life after cancer. If you have any more questions then ask away.

Emma 

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm taking my friend along my son has an appointment tomorrow with his adhd nurse so I want my husband to go with him. My family are 300 miles away. Bad timing.

Can I ask with your husbands tonsils did anything look suspicious? Any other symptoms except lumps?

my tonsils were completely clear symmetrical and stadge 1 which the said means barely visible.

its good to hear your husband is well. 

Hi there - glad to hear that you're taking someone with you. My hubby had no problems with his tonsils prior to his diagnosis. He had a lump appear on the left side of his neck which coincided with a cold.We didnt think anything of it until 5 weeks later when he'd been consciously getting fit and had lost some weight and we realised the lump was still there. In hindsight he had had some night sweats prior to the lump appearing but all his bloods were normal. We were so shocked to hear it was cancer as we are vegetarian, minimal drinking, non smoking and gym going so we really didnt expect it. 
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you tomorrow.

best wishes

Emma

It must have been a shock for you all? Did they say anything after ct scan or just wait completely until they had all results? When he had the ultrasound and biopsy how many lumps were there how big did they measure?

Sorry to keep asking questions. I've got so many things whirling round my head.

When they done my ultrasound he didn't seem to concerned at first there were 5 up 2 of them only 8mm so less than 1cm then 3 large ones which once seen seemed to change his mood slightly. All where very movable. The largest lump was 16mm he took a sample from that the lump nearest thyroid and the 13mm one couldnt get the others and did say to me the results very well might come back inconclusive due to sample breaking up so they may need to just remove the node.
He nicked a vain causing my friend to go white but fair play to her she held it together for me until we left (where I could hear her sobbing whilst I got dressed)

No swelling on the other side. What are they looking for on the ct scan? Can you tell me? Do I have to have the dye? X