Good evening everyone,
My name is Nick, this is my first time here, this is also my first time ever having to talk about cancer. Last year, I developed a strange wart-like bump on my tongue, was painless and didn’t bleed when bitten, was very odd. I saw a GP twice, once when I wanted it seen, and a second time when it mutated, grew and changed shape
The GP had no clue what it was, told me to keep an eye on it, a month passed, it bled from being bitten and promptly disappeared - so I paid it no more mind.
Then last November came, I was struck with sinus and throat/tonsil infections non stop, even swallowing felt like a process that took several attempts, I felt attacked by the viruses, I saw a GP several times who very dismissively sent me away with antibiotics each time without any real checkup, annoying but I got through it.
For the last three weeks, I’ve lost most of my hearing in my right ear, I’ve never had this before, saw the (same, dismissive) GP who said I have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and prescribed a nasal steroid spray, read online this condition usually goes in a few days, but it’s been another week since the treatments and I still have a full ear, tinnitus, sporadic relief if I lie upside down (which is causing pain, so have stopped), so I saw a different GP.
This GP has always helped me with my dermatitis so was eager to help, confirmed some hearing loss by using a tuning fork and asked about my illness, I stated that I wasn’t actually unwell, just couldn’t hear but one of my tonsils was much bigger than the other, the tonsil on the same side as my hearing loss (I have always had tonsil issues)
The GP seemed concerned and asked about my swallowing, I replied and said it’s a chore but not a choke risk, and then he got a head and neck cancer referral letter sent out and printed me out an information sheet… I was left in some shock, I tried to humour my way out of it but I’ve been a wreck since, online every second trying to diagnose myself, and I’ve since discovered that the lump I had on my tongue is identical to a HPV tongue wart.
Then I read that HPV can cause tonsil/throat cancer, and safe to say I am incredibly worried now, I’m 34 with two children, I didn’t think I’d find myself awaiting a phone call about cancer, I’m trying not to panic but everything I’m reading is pointing at HPV 16 oral cancer
I’m hoping, if anyone has managed to read through my short story, that someone, anyone has been through a similar situation with similar symptoms and issues and has any… advice? Or, reassurances? Or maybe even stark reality statements, anything really.
Thank you,
Nick
Hi Nick
Then I read that HPV can cause tonsil/throat cancer, and safe to say I am incredibly worried now, I’m 34 with two children, I didn’t think I’d find myself awaiting a phone call about cancer, I’m trying not to panic but everything I’m reading is pointing at HPV 16 oral cancer
It can and that's where you are at presently. Waiting for an ENT consult to either confirm or deny. There is nothing you can do about it for now. I know that sounds harsh but sometimes we need a kick to knock some sense into us...me included.
I have been where you are and I understand. It's just a waiting game. What we do on Google is discover it might be tonsil cancer then dive headfirst trying to find somewhere that tells us we are going to be OK and it's not likely to be cancer after all. Instead we find Hell. At least Google found us for you so please please don't look down any more rabbit holes.
If it is cancer rest assured it's curable.Stay with us and we will muddle through with you. I am six years clear of treatment and doing great.
Find out from your GP who exactly you have been referred to. You should have a consultant's name. If you haven't heard from them in two weeks phone their secretary and push them
Good luck....and fingers crossed
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good evening Nick, try not to give yourself unnecessary worries, especially by going on Google as it will make matters worse, i know it's not easy but if you can hold out until a consultant has seen you they will be able to explain everything and run scans and tests to see what are causing these issues. Depending on what they find you will be given the best treatment and advice, It's nothing sinister but either way, the cure rate is good, i never knew whether my cancers were HPV I just went with the flow, as Dani said we will help you the best we can once you get a diagnosis whether its cancer or not cancer. We Wish you all the best, take care.
Chris.
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
