Hello LeonaG,

I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms and that it's causing you such stress at work. I hope you get an appointment date for further tests soon, but it's nice to hear that your tests have come back clear so far. It might be a good idea to ask your manager if you can stay away from the phone for a little while and, if possible, stick to support via email. I'm sure they would understand once you explain that you have pain in your throat.

While your waiting for an appointment, there is some information available here in case you need to chase it up.

I hope this helps,

Moderator Anastasia

Hi LeonaG.

I should start out by saying that I'm not a doctor and I have no medical qualifications.

I can well understand how the stress of two suspected cancer referrals can build up, but I'm disppointed that no-one told you that with Basal Cell Carcinoma (sometimes called rodent ulcer) there is only the minutest chance that it would cause any serious problems.  Technically it's a cancer, but as cancers go, it's pretty harmless and very easily cured.  It's not something that should have been worrying you.

As for the throat, about 2 years ago I went through the same mill that you're going through now.  I had a persistent sore throat (and I still do) and the usual treatments didn't do anything so I was referred to ENT.  Because it was pre-Covid I didn't have the agonising wait that you're now experiencing.  I got the impression that once they have you, there's a sequence of tests you go through: I had an endoscope put up my nose to have a look round, and then I had a throat/neck MRI scan (about 30 minutes). Some people also have an ultrasound but I didn't.  By this time, they seemed pretty certain I didn't have cancer, but still insisted I have another procedure to make completely certain: a panendoscopy under general anaesthetic.

After this battery of tests, I was given the all clear for cancer and given a diagnosis of gastric reflux whilst sleeping.  

I think you can take comfort in the stats.  Although plenty of people get referred for possible cancer, once all the tests have been done, only 10% turn out to actually have cancer.   Getting referred for possible cancer is not the same thing as getting a cancer diagnosis, and it most certainly doesn't work on the principle that the doctor somehow magically "knows" you've got cancer and the tests are simply to confirm it.  Far from it.  Anyone who has a persistent sore throat like us should get a referral, and the vast majority will get a non-cancer diagnosis.  

Anastasia, thank you for your reply and for the information you. The part about time being of the essence is one of my concerns. My job is talking, emails are a side line so there's no way I can do this unfortunately, is what it is. The pain in the meantime is problematic, cocodamol is helping, luckily I'm working from home so am able to take it. Just got to wait it out I guess.

Telemando, thank you for taking the time to reply. Interesting to hear about the tests you had to give me an idea of what to expect. And very happy to hear they got to the bottom of your issue and you were given the all clear. The waiting game is a nightmare, it's hard to not think the worst, and the pain in the meantime is difficult to deal with. I have been tempted to take time off sick but having no idea how long this will continue I can't afford to do so. Take each day at a time as they say.  Take care 

Hi LeonaG.

Cocodamol should only be used for a few days at a time, so it's not really suitable for a long term condition.  It also messes with your colon and makes you constipated! 

I'm a musician and I do some singing, and many singers swear by Vocalzones.  They are pretty good if you use your voice all the time, and there's nothing on the box saying you should stop after so many days.  Just pop one inside your cheek and slowly let it dissolve over a long time.  Tastes pretty bad, but really soothes a sore throat and allows you to sing/talk clearly.  Most chemists do the basic version in a red box, or you can order other flavours from their web site. 

I'm not that good a singer.  Mainly I play the mandolin.  The image I use here is a picture of my electric mandolin!  Just amateur stuff (apart from the odd Xmas dinner) and pub open mic nights.  All stopped now with this wretched virus. 

Don't give up with the brass playing.  I'm sure there'll be a wind band in your area you could join when we're all back to normal.