Tonsil biopsy

Hi Lady Boo and welcome  to the community. Sorry you’ve found yourself here 

Quite a few people have a delayed diagnosis but are treated and ok in the end. So hold that thought. 
Equally most referrals are not cancer. I can’t give you medical advice but can ask you to hold onto that thought as well. 
The most common presentation of tonsil cancer is a painless hard lump in the neck. I must say lots of enlarged painful lymph nodes does sound like an infection. 
I’ll cross my fingers for you. 
one final bit of advice is to stay off Google. You will frighten yourself to death unnecessarily. 
if you need us we are here. 

Hi Lady boo. As Dani has said  we can’t give medical advice out. I had tonsil cancer 3 years ago and being totally honest  I had no sore throat no problems swallowing I could eat anything. The only problem I had was a swelling in my lymph node in the hollow of the collar bone.Yes the quickest way of being seen is via the 2 weeks pathway the major if which turn out not to be cancer. As for pain after op it’s usually in the 7-10 day afterwards it kicks in by day 12 the fall usually settle down. As for eating afterwards jelly custard trifle ice cream soups. Poached eggs anythjng that’s not sharp. 
Good luck everything x that it all turns out ok 

let us know Hazel 

Hi LadyBoo

I had a similar delayed diagnosis being told on several occasions I was harbouring a throat infection and being prescribed antibiotics.  That was in 2018.  I didn't have any of the symptoms you describe.  What I can say is that previously when I've had a normal throat infection and swollen glands I've had terrible earache.

You're now on the pathway which is good.  

All the best with your tonsillectomy.  Keep up with any pain meds you're prescribed.

Linda x

Thank you Dani, absolutely...google is not always our best friend!!

The nurse did swabs, but no infection found but I will have to wait and I think thats the bit thats getting to me and not knowing yet how long as its all started moving very very fast which is amazing .

Thank you so much for your reply to me.  

Waiting is the worst thing but you’re in the fast lane now 

if and I say if there is cancer there please be assured that treatment is very effective. There are lots of us around here years later. I’m chasing three years and there have been a couple of four year updates just recently. 
Most people disappear from here after treatment to live long and cancer free lives 

Thank you Hazel, I'm 57 and had heard the Tonsillectomy is more painful for adults. Thanks for the heads up on the days 7 to 10. 

My husband has got soups, ice lollies and ice cream in already for me.

Thank you for telling me about your symptoms and I think what I have leanrt so far is theres no rule book is there!

Thank you for your well wishes and I will post hiw it all works out.

Thank you again its much appreciated. 

Thank you Linda.

It is good indeed the pathway and I was hoping the consultant would send me away with more antibiotics!

Yes, the ear is odd..its not earache....its a horrible burning pain in the head behind the ear...combined with it then on the outside top of the ear itself.

But, I hope we know soon.

Thank you for your reply and your information too. Thanks too for your well wishes, much appreciated. 

Thank you very much appreciated.  

The waiting is horrible but fingers crossed you'll get a good outcome LadyBoo.

Linda x

Hi LadyBoo.  Welcome and sorry I am a bit late to the party!  Firstly you can do as have so many of us on here.  It is tough and we all have our own worries, but together we can support each other.

It is great that they are cracking on with diagnosing you.  Most people on 2WW are no diagnosed with cancer.  It took around 15 months from confirming my cancer to actually finding the primary and I have a great outcome so some delays will probably not affect your coutcome.

Tonsils can be really painful, but normally that is something different to a cancer causing it.  Just think tonsillitis!  Part of the pain issue is that the nerves around the tonsils also run to the ear so you get excruciating earache as well as the tonsil pain. 

If they are taking a biopsy of your tonsil - or the whole thing - be prepared for a painful ride.  No easy way to put it, but if you are prepared then you can manage it.  Don't be fooled by the pain subsiding around day 3.  Keep on the hard core pain meds as it will return.

Focus on the fact that the pain will be largely gone by around day 10. By the time you go for your post op appointment it should be a distant memory.

Tricks and tips to help you... 

1. Take honey (bog standard honey will do) every time to have meds.  There is some clinical evidence that in kids it helps manage the pain.  I had one op without taking honey and 2 with; I feel it helped me.  

2. Watch for hot and cold foods as they can aggravate the scars.

3.  Stay off anything with any acid in it.  Orange juice, tomato soup etc.  It takes the pain level up a few notches.

4.  Take some painkillers around 30+ mins before you want to eat.  Life is easier.

5.  Watch out for bleeding.  Mostly it is not a real problem.  Expect some when the scabs come off around day 9 or 10.  Your clinical team will ley you know when you need to get more help, but generally anything is manageable at home.

6.  Try to take a walk and get fresh air each day.  It is good for the soul and great for physical recovery

Good luck with the op and recovery.  Ask any other questions you feel you want to