I finally got referred to an ENT specialist after having had a painful throat for two months. I'm petrified beyond belief of what might be ahead of me. I lost a friend to throat cancer last year and my symptoms are exactly the same. I'm on the two week wait so I know what they're going to be looking for. What do I do to help with my anxiety, I'm not sleeping, I'm in so much pain and I'm just so frightened.
Hi Sooz99 and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnoses.
The diagnosis journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms)so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Head and neck cancer support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the (Bold) Group Link I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
