I might have cancer.

FormerMember over 5 years ago

1 reply
24 subscribers
683 views

Hi everyone.

Don't really know what to say, but I'm just going to type.

I've had lump in my lip for the past 4 weeks that hasn't gone away. It's pea sized and smooth, no outer presentation, just a lump. Thought it was a spot under the skin, but didn't go, so booked to see my doctor.

Went yesterday and she said it's a definite lump. Could be fibrous tissue, but could also be oral cancer. I'm 26 and a smoker. Now I just feel petrified and ashamed that I may have done this to myself.

I have an appointment on Wednesday at the hospital with the head and neck doctor.

If I were not me, I would say 'don't worry about what you don't know. Wait to see what the doctor says' but I can't take my own advice. I'm absolutely terrified and keep having panic attacks and crying.

I'm sorry if this is insulting to people who have been diagnosed - I really don't mean any ill intent, I just didn't know who else to talk to.

Any words of advice? Any calming tips? Anyone who's been through this?

Thanks so much in advance.

Sarah

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Morning Sarah /

Warm welcome to the club no one wants to join - Let's all hope yours is a cuppa in the lay-by rather than an extended holiday at Macmillan Towers.

Don't feel unwelcome just because nothing is confirmed, we love nothing better than waving folks goodbye when nothing sinister is found, unfortunately some have their fears confirmed and need a longer Maccy Hug.

There are loads of people diagnosed with cancer who have never smoked so please don't play the 'blame game' it only takes the wind out of your sails....

The way you are feeling is totally normal, being at the diagnosing and waiting results stage that everyone here hated with a passion. All the 'what if's come out to play and it can really get on top of you. Chances are this is something benign - however benign lumps can keep growing so you could have this removed. Then the tissue would be checked over to rule anything nasty out.

It is great you have been referred to Head & Neck to give you answers, there is a Head and Neck Group here but there is a Skin Cancer Group as well - hopefully you will need neither but they are there if you think it would help you to 'chat' with others who have been through this stage.

While you and your mind go through the motions you could do things, go places or throw yourself into a hobby in fact anything that helps occupies your mind and kills the waiting results time. Headspace and mindfulness may be of some help but in a week you may have a better idea of where this is going. Please don't be alarmed if you are given a biopsy or scan of any sort these are just tools to rule cancer out rather than find it ?

Fingers tightly crossed for this being a 'blip' do keep posting if it helps you get through this scary time, we're all here to help. Uncertainty can be one of the hardest feelings to deal with, and it might make you feel irritable, angry and frightened - This is so normal.

Hope this is of some help, G n' J