Going insane and convinced I have tonsil cancer

Hello I'm new to this group and didn't really know where to turn. I current had a bit of a mental break down as I suffer extremely from Heath anxiety. 
I hope I don't sound silly or offend anyone who's had or been through such difficult times. 
This will most likely be a long one, but any replies would be most most grateful. 

Im a 34 single mum. I've been a dental nurse for 18 years now and love my job so much. 
about 4year ago I noticed a scab on my head, was sent for an urgent ref and was told it was a non serious lesion. This was recommended to freeze off after viewing with the scope. Agreed and relieved I didn't havnt skin cancer, we froze the lesson off. I was so happy. I noticed I grew back.... concerned and emailed dermatology and the nurse told me to get in contact if any issues. I went back and again told it was nothing and to just leave alone. Last year during the first lock down it flared up and was so red and angry. Again I emailed and the dermatologist wanted to see me, again I didn't sleep , Googling etc. I had the appointment in nov where she told me and it's very unlikely due to my age etc and where it is.... but agreed to remove. With any removal they have to send off. I felt relieved it was being sent off. 2weeks pasted and nothing. 3weeks the drs nurse called and told me to attend an appointment to discuss why it was taking so long. 
I attended mid nov and there was 3 ppl in the room, at this point again I was so upset, anxious and no sleep. She told me it was a BCC and she was sorry. Anyway to cut a long storey short, I had removed and sent off again, to make sure the clear margins. Had stitches removed 18th Dec and got the results it was all gone. I cried as I was convinced it had grew deeper despite being told this from of skin cancer didn't spread. 
 

im really not in a good place and feel like I don't trust any health care professionals now after this. Which is so sad I know. 
 

Since my surgery 10th of Dec 2020 I noticed a lump in my neck a week later , as you can imagine I google straight away and got onto the dr, she said it's most likely to me a raised lymph node due to recent surgery as it's our body's way of fighting and repairing ourself, she said you most likely have an infection. My head was fine and no pain, redness or swelling.... I took the antibiotics just to rule out of course under the tissues etc. After 2-3weeks lump was still there. The GP keep telling as a rule we don't refer patients until the lump has been there for 6 weeks. At this point I couldn't control my throughts and Googling. Then Developed pain In my right  ear deep in. I managed to get an appointment with the a different GP who checked my lymph node - said it was soft, movable and just reactive. But we can send for a ultra sound if hasn't gone down in a week. My right ear she said I had glue ear. After a week I contacted to GP again who said glue ear can last up for 3months and still hasn't been 6 weeks for lump referral. During the last 2-3weeks I have emailed the GP about my  right tonsil... look enlarged to left tonsil. Not sore but throat feels dry, then I was experiencing pain in the roof of mouth, cheek , under chin, then a nerve like pain upto eye right side/side of head . Also fluttering in my 'glue ear' right side. She said due to COVID I can email the ENT for advice and see what they say but looks fine to me. 
I went back to work last week after having a few weeks off after suffering from a mental break down. I got my dentist to check my mouth and tonsil. She said it looks fine and doesn't seem of a concern to her. They know how I am, I do clench my teeth and do wear a night guard for this as some of my symptoms do sound like my clenching. My ear feels strange like it's not there when swallowing etc, occasionally I can feel it and sometimes it pops and crackles. 
last week the GP sent off for ultrasound of my lump on neck so awaiting this. I asked to check my thyroid aswell as a couple of years ago was diagnosed with thyroid nodules. Was told all was okay and no need for FNA and just have yearly blood tests. 
last night I attended to GP again to chase up my ref to ENT for the outcome and check my ear AGAIN. She check my ear and said it looks fine, tonsil looks fine and has gone down. ( I know it hasn't and still the same as was 3weeks ago) but then this right tonsil could of enlarged way before aswell I'm just not sure  since having my head episode I just feel I havnt every illness going.  she felt my neck and said no lymph nodes are up and lump didn't feel like lymph node but good job we are ultrasounding it. I also mention under my right armpit hurt and I felt a pea size lump. She checked and said she couldn't feel it. Which I'm not convinced. 
The GP rang me today and said had the ENT advised and because She knows how worried I am I've got them to see you. I've pulled some strings. I said is that so or does the specialist want to see me. She said the specialist said we should see if different in sizes. she said I still feel there is nothing wrong Hayley! This made me so upset! As now been sent for a two week referral. I'm panicking now and non stopped googled. I literally can't take no more. I know it good there checking but I feel like I get fobbed off so much , I'm so scared and don't know where to turn. All I've done is cry today. 
I constantly check myself every morning, and google if on thing doesn't seem right. I just can't help it. 

I have monthly blood tests aswell as I'm on methotrexate for psoriasitic arthritis. 
 

im so sorry for this long post and if it doesn't make sense  I'm currently having CBT which isn't helping one bit either. 
 

thanks for listening, if you managed to keep up 

x

 

  • Hello Hayley

    I'm so sorry to read of all that you've been through over the past few months with the BCC and now this concern that you have over your tonsil. 

    I can see that you posted a similar post in our Ask the Nurses section a few weeks back and I can only echo what the nurses said then. Please do avoid searching Google for answers. It will only feed your anxiety. Try to focus on the fact that you've been seen by multiple health professionals who all feel that your tonsil isn't of concern and that you have another appointment with the specialist in the pipeline. Keep in mind that cancer of the tonsil is rare and at your age is uncommon. 

    Often when undergoing CBT, things can get worse before they get better. This is part of the therapeutic process. Please do stick with it to give yourself the best chance of breaking the cycle of negative thoughts around your health. 

    I do hope that the upcoming appointment with the ENT specialist gives you the reassurance that you're seeking.

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

     

  • Hello and thank you so much for your reply. 
     

    I currently have a video call with ENT Monday so hopefully will send me for a scan or something. 
    I tested positive for COVID to top things off Thursday evening. I feel so just tired atm. 
     

    yeah I will see continue with CBT as I really do need to break this and the Googling. I know it's not good but somehow I still find myself looking  

    thanks again and I will keep you updated 

    x

     

  • Hello

    I attended for MRI last Saturday of my neck region, I have an US this Friday. 
    I received a letter for a follow up video call for the 18th feb but had a call yesterday saying the consultant want to see me face to face on the 13th. I said to the lady something must be bad then, she said I don't have that information. I'm freaking out now as they only want to have face to face discussion when something is wrong :( I can't stop crying and now I've got to wait a week. During the time when I tested positive for COVID I spoke with my GP about my headache and eye pain, they said because you due to have MRI son neck we will get on of your head with was carried out. 
    I also said at the end of the phone call can I bring someone with me as I'm so anxious and nervous she said yeah best to this is making me worry even more saying that and the face to face appointment instead of the video call 

  • Hi Hayley 

    I was wondering how you got on with your results?

    thanks 

  • Hello Sashaa 

    yeah okay thanks, I got to the appointment and only noticed the Mcmillan nurses and no staff nurses so I was freaking out! Got there and I was a mess but the consultant told me to calm down ( easier said than done I think) MRI was okay, showed right tonsil enlarged but not concerned, then carried out camera up my nose into my throat which was fine, the day before I had Ultrsound on thyroid and lymph node, I have a Multinodular and the nodules are begin and not changed since 2018 which is good news and lymph nodes wasnt suspicious. And he's going to plan Rev in 3months. He never mention my head MRI so I asked before leaving and report nothing detected. I was over the moon to say the least. Had a phone call last week saying I need an ultrasound of the neck as the they only done the thyroid and that lymph nodes so back tomoro! Which I'm freaking out at as surly anything would be picked up on mri??? But I've check my previous letter and ent said ultrasound of neck.... so that's maybe why. So finger crossed all is okay tomoro. 
    mare you having any tests or just curious to outcome 

    take care 

     

    hayley :) x