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Hi Damien

I was referred to ENT after a sore inflamed mass / lesion formerd on the back of my soft palate .  I had my MRI Saturday before last and a biopsy under day surgery (GA) on Monday .  Much like you I am not diagnosed but in the limbo phase.  I didnt have a macmillan nurse present but I have only seen ENT once so far and ENT booked me for a MRI and biopsy , the nurse could be your ENT’s method of operation on all appointments  .  

Up to 6 weeks ago I had a  much of nothing niggly sore throat and then suddenly a lesion appeared to soft palate area which I decided to see my GP about .   And then bam - 2ww ENT referral and I am still in shock on the path that has followed .  The lesion grew at quite a rapid rate following my GP visit

Jo 

Hi Jo, yeah the limbo bit is doing me over. Hopefully it's just the ENT procedure with the nurse present as you say. Hope that you get good news. 

Given nothing was mentioned about Cancer I would assume she was not there solely for your appointment. .Possibly just sitting in and observing ENT procedures ..

How did your symptoms appear?  

• Hi Damian. We always expect the worst but often the worst doesn’t happen. Your ENT is the expert and at least things are moving so you should know soon. Biopsy results usually take around two weeks though I have had one through in one. Did you ask whether cancer was suspected? 
  Let us know how you get on and stick around if you need to. Fingers crossed you don’t and remember, 90% of USC referrals are not cancer 
• Best wishes 

Hi Beesuit The Macmillan nurse was brought in after he reviewed my CT scan, he said 50/50.  But sadly at this point i sort of must have glazed over because i do not really remember much more of the conversation.  The nurse gave me her contact card details, phone number email etc and she has answered a few questions i have had as she is the ENT cancer specialist according to her card.  I am obviously thankful things are moving quickly.  Have my pre opp assessment this afternoon and then my biopsy in next week.

Thanks for the reply.

Damian

Hi Damien and a welcome from me.  It is not unusual to glaze over when you hear the word cancer.  That is why it is best to take someone with you if you can with the current Covid restrictions.  Most hospitals will bend the rules to allow someone in with you if it is likely to be a traumatic appointment as they recognise the value of support.

The CNS is there to answer any of your questions, often in a more pragmatic wat than your consultant will.  I remember I was diagnosed 3 days before I was due off on a holiday to the USA.  My consultant did not want me to go, my CNS said not to be so silly and go and come back ready for treatment as the delay would not affect anything and being in a good mental place is vital.  

Good luck with the pre-op and biopsy.  The waiting is torture, but it is better to let them do their jobs thoroughly and get a good plan in place than rush.  Stay with us, but here is hoping that the 50/50 works in your favour!

Hi Damian

This is the worst period as it is all new and you don't really know what is going on. Cancer quite rightly strikes fear into us all but much of it is very treatable these days...once you get a treatment plan and get started you will have something to focus on...there is great advice and support on here from people who have been through similar treatment...so stay away from Google as you will only scare yourself with uninformed nonsense....as others have said take someone with you to meetings as the patient often doesn't take in the relevant information... also try and maintain your fitness as this will help moving forward....I was in your position in September 2018...stage 4 and really not well at all...now I am cancer free and getting on with life as I'm sure you will... you've got this.

Regards Chas

Unknown said:

Have my pre opp assessment this afternoon and then my biopsy in next week.

Good luck with those. Just try to keep your mind on other things. I know it's hard. I've been there.

I diagnosed my own cancer (medical background but not a doctor) and the wait for my first meeting with my consultant  surgeon was hard. Husband and I took our honey crop to Conwy honey fair but my heart wasn't in it. We have pictures of us both working the stall and you can see the fear in my face. I tried hard and got through. Thank heavens I had a distraction. Three years + later I'm alive and kicking well.

Thanks Chas.  I will be glad when this period is over and i can focus on whatever the outcome is.  If it is the worst i can get on with whatever treatment, if it is not then hopefully the treatment to remove whatever it is is simple.