Hi Chartone,

I can understand your worry and confusion. The waiting time before appointments is just horrible.

Some GPs insist on antibiotics for at least a month before they refer so in a way its good that your GP isnt one of them.

GPs use a red flag system to refer. So if your symptoms match 2 red flag signs you will get sent to the appropriate clinic. Also a good thing as some folks go through so many drs and clinics before getting to see the right dr. So you are starting off in the right place.

As far as lumps etc go well they usually appear in advanced H&N cancer ie: spread to lymph nodes.

I know its hard to do but try not to worry yourself sick. Keep in mind this saying"its not cancer till they say its cancer". Fingers crossed for you. xx

Hi clara

Thank you so much for replying they have been good really my doctors, when I went back last monday she was actually going to put me on more antibiotics, but she went to speak to another dr first who came in to see me and it was him that said no and to ring ENT and try and get me in straight away, but ENT said no to see the other department.

It is a worry, I must admit, just the fact that it isnt  getting better and getting worse, I just hate this horrible feeling when swallowing. I did go back to my dr on Thursday because of the swallowing and the dry mouth but they said because I am seeing head and neck I have to wait now as there is nothing the drs can now do, and I just have to keep taking fluids.

I'm still eating just takes me longer to eat, it does feel all surreal though and right now now because I don't know exactly what ia going on your sort of in your own world.

My husband is worrying like anything which I suppose is making me worse this will be the longest 10 days wait of my life.

Xxx

Hi Chartone

Ten days will feel like an eternity I know. I waited from Nov13th untill 7thJan for a two week referal so I just did what I could to keep my mind busy. It helped alot being on here where there are loads of very kind, helpful folks. We have all been through the trials of this journey and understand every bit of the angst it causes.

When planning meals for yourself it would make life easier if you make soft moist meals and drink water or milk during meal. My food only goes down left side of throat following surgery and often gets stuck making me gag and choke,not nice,and puts you off further eating.It is an abnormal feeling when food isnt moving correctly in throat ie: one sided.

Your husband is like most men they worry! Especially when things are out their control to" sort it "as they do :-) And yes it does make you feel worse its just human nature.

It may well end up that you get refered back to ent after seeing the oncology surgeon and you will both have big sigh of relief,fingers crossed!

Another thing to remember is 90 out of 100 turn out to not be cancer after all. So pretty good stats to hang onto.

Take care and remember we are always here if you need a chat.PS stay off google if you are tempted its full of negative stuff that gives folks nightmares!!  xxx

Just a quick update had my appointment this morning was there for around 30 mins, had camera up my nose all that was fine, now have to wait for a appointment to come through for a MRI scan, consultant has said lymph nodes are up and something not right with tonsil, but when I asked what he thinks he said lots of questions but he has no answers yet.

So now it's a wait for the scan and will be seeing consultant in 3 weeks time.

Xxx

Im in the same situation really. I was referred to ent exactly 2 weeks after seeing the doctor camera up nose everything looked fine however Ive got 5 swollen lymph nodes on left neck been there for ages. Anyway sent for ultrasound and core biopsy they phone me the day after and it was booked In for the following Thursday. I also has ct scan on the Sunday with contrast dye that was last Sunday. My results are today brought forward from the 14th can't see why they'd bring it forward if it wasn't bad news ️

Anyway the waiting is the worst part. Although I'm dreading finding out the worst later I'm relieved really that at least I'll know. Try keep busy and don't over think everything. It will only drive you mad. Good luck x

Hi Chartone

Heavens three weeks wait this time! You must be feeling desperate by now. I wouldnt jump the gun by going private as scans dont always give a definitive answer,mine didnt. I had to have another type of scan for lymph nodes (sintigraphy).So as you said if you got the scan you would still have that 3 week wait ahead of you to see Consultant.

Hang in there and keep your chin up.xxx

Hi Milliemoo1

Just wanted to say sorry youve found yourself here. Also to wish you all the best with your results. Its the most awful time, the waiting, the tests, then results.

Good luck xxx

Hi sorry yiu are in this position I haven been there and come out the other side  you don’t mention your age are you over 40 ? If so the nhs do have a policy of sending yiu to HNCC to rule out cancer just as much rule it in no help I know .in my case I had h p v 16+ cancer if the right tonsil and several lymph nodes I am now 14 month post radiotherapy and living my life almost as normal as before. If you get a cancer diagnosis I do have a blog that I can refer you to. Best advise I can give you honestly please stay off dr google that’s what u did andmy oncologist totally agreed with that the info is so out of date in many cases it’ s scary 

good  luck

hazel  

Hi thank you for your reply I'm 35. Results were inconclusive I have to have the lymph nodes removed surgically under general anaesthetic on the 18th of this month. Even more waiting. I'm going out of my mind really with worry. 
The ct scan showed scaring on my lung and calcification of some of my nodes. They have mentioned possible latent TB or lymphoma. There are no other swellings anywhere. I don't understand the tb thing that was completely out the blue