Hello, new to the forum. 36yo F, and It's been a rollercoaster year here! symptom, referral, panic and calm on repeat starting with tiny hard neck nodes and right sided ear pressure back in January.... For now I'll skip to waking up twelve days ago with agonising throat pain the same side, difficulty swallowing and no signs of infection other than a large bulge in the palate above right tonsil (which has been larger than the other for some time but was also cleared by quick ent scope on the 1st) Ten days ago I was admitted to an ent ward with suspected quinsy (still no fever, no pus, not had a throat infection for a few years but was very prone to them 20 years ago) they tried to drain it, no luck and said this isn't quinsy. Steroids brought swelling down, leaving visible lump underneath. Made it home with a clinic appointment for investigations in two weeks. 40 hours later I was back in hospital with the swelling around it back larger than before and difficulty swallowing. Another Dr attempted to drain two days later before also saying this is definitely not quinsy. It finally calmed after the third night... Monday's Dr said tonsils out in the next couple weeks for histiology to find out what it is. Have been home with the swelling under control since Monday and pain mostly controlled since Tuesday. I have my appointment this coming Wednesday.
Single parents... Any tips or tricks for coping in general? My teens have challenging needs, our support is limited. I'd kept all the chaos from them so far this year but keeping being in hospital from them was impossible. We're back to calm and best attempts for business as usual for now, I don't want to scare them unless absolutely necessary and if I must, I want to be equipped with answers to any questions they may have. My youngest doesn't cope out of routine or away from home. My eldest has left home and is going through her own rollercoaster with a new born. Neither have experience of cancer being a survivable thing...
What I'm struggling with most is going through this without the three closest people, who were the vast majority of our life, being with us anymore. All three have died in the last two years. One in a tragic accident and the other two of Cancers. The three made up my found family and doing all the appointments and hospital stays without their endless encouragement, cheerleading and company feels so wrong as well as triggering at times. Weirdly I don't currently feel scared of a potential cancer diagnosis, I'm calm when I am informed. but I am utterly terrified for the kids and scared at the thought of going through whatever this may be alone.
Hi IzntHeec6454 and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges.
Navigating a health diagnosis journey can be such a stressful and challenging time.
I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with my first type of rare blood cancer…… it took a year and 6 biopsies to get the pathology to tell the truth.
You need to work with your medical professionals to get to the bottom of what is going on….. and should you be diagnosed with cancer then you may want to look through this link Cancer Specific Groups where you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
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.
Always around to chat.
Hi Iz….. based on my 25 years journey, actually with 2 rare types of lymphoma, one being incurable and having relapsed multiply times…… unfortunately the wait is what it is.
In reality you can throw all the stress and worry in the world at this and will it make any difference to out comes?….. from my experience the answer is no…… all it actually does is make you ill…… and if you do end up on a cancer treatment journey you need to be as fit physically and mentally as possible.
But having a ‘name’ for this and a plan does indeed help to control the noise between the ears.
When I got diagnosed with my first type of (Incurable) Lymphoma my bloods were perfect and I had no classic symptoms of Lymphoma…… just a developing rash on my back…. My Consultant was 99% sure as to what I had but it still took a year snd 6 biopsies.
My my second (aggressive) Lymphoma appeared it was noticed I had a developing mass on my neck (See my story) but I am am coming up to 10 years out from my last treatment, I turn 70 this year and I am doing great.
((hugs))
