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Neck/ear pain

Debbie60
  • 2 replies
  • 42 subscribers
  • 444 views

In July and August 2021 I had my tonsils removed, base of the tongue removal and neck dissection to remove lymph node for stage 1 HPV cancer. I didn’t need radiotherapy or chemotherapy. I have recovered well, my last MRI in August this year was clear. Recently on my scar tissue I had a lump that went septic due we think to the dentist catching it. The lump has now gone, but for weeks I have had pain in the area I had my operation, pain under the jaw going up into my ear, antibiotics has not stopped the pain. So I am having another MRI to check everything is okay. I feel that I am becoming an hypochondriac and feel constantly afraid. I’m also ashamed when I read how much someone else is going through. Can cancer appear again so soon after it being clear 2 month ago, or could the MRI have missed something. Thank you for any reply

  • Hi Debbie60.

    Thanks for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community. I hope you are finding it supportive. I‘m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and ongoing problems with pain. 

    Even when your doctor is reassuring, it is normal to still worry that the cancer may come back. A new symptom could be nothing to do with cancer or it could be caused by treatment side effects. This is probably nothing to worry about but I’m glad your team have arranged another MRI just in case.

    There are ways to help you manage worry and uncertainty. Realising that you will always have some of these feelings can be a good place to start. This may be hard and can take time, but there are people who can help you with this.

    Focusing on what you can control right now is one way of managing your worries. It can help you to stop dwelling on future ‘what ifs’. Rather than worrying about things that may never happen, concentrate on what you can influence and do now.

    It will help to speak to your consultant or nurse specialist about your concerns, so they can reassure you about how you are feeling. You can also contact our team on the Macmillan Support Line and talk to an advisor.

    Macmillan is also working in partnership with Bupa to offer up to 6 free one-to-one counselling sessions for people living with cancer. These sessions are led by a qualified therapist, and can help you understand, manage and overcome difficult feelings you may have right now. You can book a wellbeing assessment via the link above.

    If you feel the pain you are experiencing isn’t controlled, don’t hesitate to make contact with your GP or hospital team for a review. If you are having trouble contacting the hospital team or GP and you are still concerned or have increasing symptoms you can contact the 111 services or call 999. The 111 services can advise or arrange help if this is needed.

    I hope this information has been helpful, but if you need any further support please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes

    Helen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref HK / BG

  • in reply to Helen K- Macmillan

    Thank you so much, I have booked a session with BUPA , your support is appreciated 

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