Terrified

Hi Doris 

first of all keep off Dr Google please. Plus how do you know it’s not HPV related ?  Christmas isn’t the ideal time but once you are in the  system  ENT do work quickly. You’ve made big steps in going to g o snd coming on here. So for your little boys sake come out of duvet and make Christmas for them. 
keep in touch you are on the right track 

not all referrals are cancer tonsil cancer is rare .

Hazel 

Thank you for takIng the time to reply. 
I figured can’t be hpv related as had a smear this week and came back with no sign of hpv which must mean I don’t carry the virus? Is that how it works? I am exhausted but feel this may be due to anxiety and being a single mum with other auto immune conditions. 

i know you right and google is really not my friend. 

thanks again 

Hello Doris. 
Welcome to the community. Nobody wants to be here but we prop each other up and must of us get by. 
First please leave Google alone. Much information is inaccurate and out of date. 
Second, breathe. Don’t try to second guess your diagnosis. 
More than 80% of oropharyngeal cancer is caused by HPV. Smoking and alcohol is responsible for much of the rest but even if you smoked and drank like a fish your age is against that being the primary cause. 
The waiting is a real struggle and is mighty hard to bear. 
This is the time to keep busy and lean in your family for support. I know it’s hard to do but I’ve been there and so have many others here yet we are alive and kicking  

Trust your team, Everything is out of your control for now but they will be on top of it and they are good at what they do

There’s lots to take on board should you have cancer but if you do there will be a plan and you will find it easier. 

I hope it isn’t. Cancer of the tonsils is still a rare disease but if it is you’ll get through it. 
Please come back any time for help and support. There’s lots here, meanwhile have that Christmas for your family. 

Thank you very much for replying, I know you are right just anxiety taking hold at the moment.  X

Doris. It’s going to be a bugger but just keep busy and concentrate on the little ones. Tell us a little more about yourself if you feel up to it. 

Hi my last smears were also clear h p v can  stay in your body for years do until you know don’t rule anything out or in. Head and neck cancers has lots of us on here are imminently treatable. Who has mentioned tonsil cancer ? Mine wasn’t discovered until I had a general anaesthetic and a biopsy  I had no symptoms no sore throat enlarged tonsil or anything. So easy to say put it to back of mind concentrate on giving your 2 boys a happy Christmas. As Dani says you would have needed to drink like a fish and smoke lije a chimney. By the way in my 20 s I did both but my tonsil cancer wasn’t caused by that it was h p v snd I had not had multiple sexual partners it’s luck if the draw. 
so if you can do one thing remember over 90%+ of urgent referrals aren’t always cancer   
Hazel x

Unknown said:

I figured can’t be hpv related as had a smear this week and came back with no sign of hpv which must mean I don’t carry the virus?

I am the same. HPV positive in my mouth but negative smear done six weeks after the cancer diagnosis. It’s not uncommon for those who do retain HPV to have it only in one place. So now you CAN relax a bit 

PS Hazel’s answer makes more sense than mine

Oh thank you everything I have read had said if you have it will show on smear that helps a lot. 

Hi Doris , I have been in a similar situation so I can safely say dont Panic. You have been referred as something different was found and jumping to conclusions doesn't do you or anyone any good. As Hazel said stay off Google as that will do your head in. You have to just go with the flow as there is no rushing these things.They will send you for numerous tests to see exactly what is going on. Once they have all the information in they have a big meeting about how to treat you as best as possible. This waiting is the worse part but try and take it in your stride , I know easier said than done All the best Regards Min   

The doctor has said tonsil as have one sided swelling and red lesion on it. As well as a lump on my neck that side however she did say that node does not present as a cancerous node. 
I have been a smoker but not 20 a day habit and gave up for nearly 8 years whilst having my children.