Gathering Information For Consultation.

To put my spin on your questions:

1.  Not necessarily but probably.  Don't worry too much if you have an unknown primary.  They know how to deal with it.

2.  The treatment is entirely your decision.  They will strongly suggest, but you have the final say.  I'd listen to their advice and gather as many facts about the cancer and your chances of cure (normally very high with these cancers) also the quality of life to be expected post treatment before you decide.

3.  Absolutely not.  Tell them if you need time to decide and don't be scared to come back (probably to your CNS) and ask questions later.

4.  Waiting time all depends on the treatment.  In most cases a delay of weeks or a couple of months is not detrimental.  I was diagnosed in November, went on holiday, had Christmas and then started treatment in January.  Others have had even longer.  Planning takes time and a good plan is the best way forward for you.

Hope that helps.

Hi yes the tongue lesion  seems to be your primary ftom what I’ve read on yours.

you are the patient you don’t have to follow the consultant s decision.  But maybe unless you’ve a good enough reason   not to take their advice. I trusted my team from day 1. 
I was asked to sign the consent form on the day I met oncologist but I had already researched my treatment . 
In my case radiology needed time to work out my specific plan. I met ent 29 May oncologist 23 June treatment started 14 July I had pet ct scan and mri in between the 23 re rd and 14 th. 
Hope this helps. 
Hazel 

Thanks Peter.  At the moment I know I have moderate differentiated SCC .  I am assuming when I see consultant on Friday he will tell me the results of the Pet scan  of my head,neck and chest and let me have his  suggestions for a way forward.   

Thanks Hazel.   My appointment on Friday is with a surgeon so will he be the person responsible for my care and I won't need to have another appointment with an oncologist.  

Hi Mick. Let us know how you get on it may be you  only need surgery.  I needed oncologist as he was the one who planned my chemo snd radiotherapy I couldn’t have surgery as I had lymph node involvement close to spine . See what Friday brings. 
good luck. 
Hazel 

Hi Mick. More or less what everybody else has said. If you have a lesion on your tongue it’s likely that’s the primary. Tongue cancer is really in a group of its own apart from tonsil and base of tongue cancer which are the ones that tend to spread to lymph nodes in the neck. 
Hopefully your PET is clear and they can get away with surgery only. 
As for the treatment plan I went with what my consultant recommended. He’s the expert. 
The fact that no oncologist is involved just yet is a good sign but there are plenty if possible scenarios   
I was given my diagnosis mid October and started RT two months later. 
Best of luck Friday. Fingers crossed. 

Thanks Hazel.   I think the anxiety is getting to me as the lesion has been been 'putting" today and I've  pain in my jaw and gum.   

Hi Mick. It’s only natural p,Fridays getting closer and brain goes into overdrive. Once you’ve a plan in place everything falls into a better place. You’ll get there we all do. Try not to stress, you are in good hands what they do remember they do it everyday.

Let us know how you get on.
Hazel . 

Hi Mick,

Are you going tomorrow (Friday)? Which hospital?

I was interested to read the answers to your questions as I have the same questions going round in my head.

I'm going tomorrow too, to meet with consultant to get my “ official “ diagnosis and hopefully treatment plan. So I know how you feel.

Mines my tonsil, Iv had 2 biopsies a MRI and CT scan.

Good luck tomorrow and let us know how you get on 

Hi Caroline

My local hospital is Sunderland Royal.   What about You?