Sinister Neck Lump and Mutant Tonsil

Oh Pamela

So sorry you've got yourself in a state. It's not surprising as waiting for results is the most stressful thing and all the symptoms you are seeing seem to reflect that stress

I'm afraid there's nothing to do till you get those results. 

Some cancers do spread and some don't so there is no way to tell till you know what's wrong

Questions to ask. 

Do I have cancer and if I do what sort is it?

What will the treatment be and how long will it last.

Are there different treatment options and can you explain them? When will it start? Is the treatment aimed for a cure?

What side effects can I expect during and after treatment?

Is there support available?Can I have a contact number so that I can seek advice or help?

Those will probably do for a start

I hope you find out soon what is wrong

If you do have cancer once a treatment plan is in place the stress is much less

There are lots of us here, young and old, who have recovered well and are living a good life.

I myself am 16 months out of radiotherapy for base of tongue cancer and although I do suffer from a dry mouth I can eat most things and function fairly normally. It's a new normal. I'm 69 and today I was out in the spring sunshine on a 5K jog. 

There's light at the end of the tunnel

Hi Pamela

This is Hazel aka radioactiveraz I am now 21 month post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several effected lymph nodes. Only thing I can add to Dani’s list is anything you don’t understand ssk then to explain again quite often medics forget they are dealing with general public. There are plenty of us on here who have been there done it got the t shirt I was 61 when diagnosed today I’ve done a 24 km cycle ride and helped hubby decorate. Please keep off dr google the facts on there are out of date and so much wrong info. Stick to this site and both Dani and I have blogs if you are unfortunate to join our club give the blogs a read. The waiting is definitely the worst if you get a cancer diagnosis once you get treatment plans things fall in to place. 

Come back and let us know the outcome. 

Sending hugs Hazel xx

Thank you Hazel and Dani, I will print out the questions and take with me.  I know it won't be good news but just hope its not the worst of the worst, you guys have really lived it and are inspirational, Im just praying it is curable and I can one day write my own blog.  Ive had precancerous cells on smear test a few times and had colposcopy, my HPV has been negative for past 10 years but I know it can reactivate to give positives again.  Generally I am a really positive person, I've been through so much in the past which normally makes me think if I can survive that I can survive anything but this is different, I think because of the kids.  

As well as the toothbrushes and humidifier from amazon I'm looking at ordering some kind of bell or buzzer, my kids are only 4 and 5, when they are playing they are so intense, I have to shout to get their attention, don't think thats going to work for a while, just trying to think of anything thats going to help, Ive already decided my son is definitely not going back to school 1June.  Any practical hints or tips are greatly appreciated.  I will definitely let you know how it goes.

Thanks again, I may be back over next few days as Im so scared

Pamela x

Pamela

sorry for interfering but humidifier could probably wait you need to talk to doctor first

if it is tumor there are many treatment scenarios but given your age and mass growth location you are likely to have surgery first

so getting nanny for your kids would be P1 as in case of neck dissection you won’t be home for a while 

follow up therapy could be hard to combine with parenting as well so you will need help

Not interfering at all, any input is useful, Im new to this. In mid covid, getting a nanny is very difficult, I have a friend that can come up for a few days at a time so surgery can be covered but if Im incapacitated for the whole treatment they will need to go into foster care, this is something that I have thought about and is on my list of things to do, ring social services. Though I was hoping it wouldn't come to that as Ive read some blogs of people still able to work during treatment, was hoping to do that too so I don't lose my job.  Managed to keep it through lockdown as were very busy at the moment, Im training ITU staff how to use some new equipment (virtual training of course).

Hi Pamela

My advice is don't overthink everything at the moment.  Take some very positive steps - and I feel considering how the children will be looked after is one of those, because there will be times when you need some help if you need treatment (cancer or otherwise).  Nannies can work now, but are finding it difficult to get parents to trust then re infection...

As has been said, don't Google it - you'll find your "symptoms" meet the condition you think you have - its just human nature. Take it step by step and take control of the situation rather than letting it control you.  You will find your own way of coping.  We are here to help you.  We will not "diagnose" but we each have a different route through our cancer treatment and can let you know what worked for us.

I think you are entirely right to have questions for your appointment.  Also write down everything that concerns you about your body and what has driven you to seek treatment.  During an appointment it is difficult to remember every last bit; so having a list helps - you and your clinical team.

Even if you don't have a defined diagnosis at this stage it is worth asking for the contact details of the head and neck Cancer Nurse Specialist.  They are a mine of sensible and pragmatic information so could be a useful sounding board during the waiting period.

Good luck, and here's hoping that you can rescind membership of this particular club very soon!  If you do need us; just shout.

I agree with PFJTHS. I forgot lots when in the room with the consultant and that was with a list and a husband !! But, literally burst into tears when the specialist MacMillan nurse made herself known to me (back in August) and gave me contact details and instructions to ring whenever I had an issue. They were (still are) my lifeline. They may even have suggestions to help you with the children? You probably aren't the only person to find yourself in this potential dilemma.

I managed to function throughout treatment (6 months post surgery/chemo/radiotherapy), a little tired after chemo session but, on the whole, not too bad.

Wishing you all the best.

Tricia

Thanks Peter I am definitely overthinking but Im a firm believer in knowledge is a good thing.  Im only reading a few high impact factor journals and forums like this.   Ive had a quick look at nannies but its way out of my price range unfortunately and I don't have a spare room, so unfortunately it will be foster care. Childrens social care will not help to pay for a nanny they will only go with fostering (I have experience of this when I was in hospital previously).

Im still hoping and praying that I can rescind membership, hopefully Thursday will give more information

Pamela

Well, it all depends on the scope, but in general the younger you are the better

at 42 I had some issues after surgery so I spent 3 weeks at the ward

but managed to go through radio and chemo as an out patient without bloody tubes

been working all the time except time at hospital even there actually

no walk in the park though did my best to avoid video conferencing for as long as I could to avoid shocking those unprepared 

Im 46 and already have a registered disability - postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome - POTS, many people are in a wheelchair with this but i am so determined to stay fit, my neurologist nearly had kittens when I told him I was going up Mt Everest 10 years ago, made me take lots of drugs with me.  I have to say I didn't summit, got to just over 6000m which Im happy with and didn't need any of the drugs, got dysentry on the way back to Katmandu though which has caused me gut issues for years since, but all worthwhile.

I am so stubborn and determined, a bit of a control freak and this has knocked me well out of my comfort zone.

Once I have a plan I will try to figure where the "worst" times will be and have a care plan for the kids as I don't think it will do my recovery any good to be apart for so long (even if they do drive me nuts - lockdown fever).

Video conferencing is awful and am sure is responsible for a lot of my neck and back pain (trying to hide my chin lol). I have 3 colleagues that do same as me and they are being really supportive, Im trying to work as  normal, but they're not having it, which I'm very grateful  for.  Im still looking into whether I can claim sick leave as my contract is under German law, but will sort something out