Swelling on Parotid gland

Hi LinLou

Clearly this is a very anxious time for you - as it is for everyone - awaiting diagnostics.  I don't think the wait for the U/S is going to cause any detriment to your prognosis, but it is a pain waiting around for all these things to come into place.  Almost 4 years ago I got diagnosed with a H&N cancer 2 days before I was due for a 3 1/2 week holiday in the USA.  I still went and had a the workup scans on my return.  So you are in good company with the timeframe.

The did my guided biopsy ad hoc at the same time as my U/S just because it would have been a right pain to have to come all the way back to the hospital for a separate procedure.  I have to say I did not feel it at all - mine was for a lymph node.

It may be that the stress of all this is causing you not to sleep well, hence the fatigue.  Don't be scared to have a chat with your GP.

Stay with us and lets hope the U/S gives you the all clear.

Hi Peter

Thank you for taking the time to answer, and it sounds like you've been on one heck of a journey!  Hope you're feeling OK and you get some good news soon.

I sleep very well, and never feel rested, hence why I'm so concerned about the ongoing fatigue.  Unfortunately it's extremely difficult to get an appointment with my GP, hence why it took so long to get this referral to ENT for the swelling.  Just relieved I'm under the consultant now and things are being done.

Hi Lin Lou. The waiting’s the worst part the wait seems long but it’s par for the course. Remember over 90% of referrals aren’t cancer if you’re unlucky enough to join us we are a friendly bunch always happy to help in meanwhile try to keep busy. Fatigue isn’t always an indicator I was the fittest I had ever been I had cycled 1100 km in Spain prior to my diagnosis. Stress can have a big part of your fatigue without you realising. 
hope you don’t heed us but if you do you’ve found the right place. 
Hazel 

Hi LinLou

As Hazel says the waiting is the worst and the mind goes into overdrive. I have a friend who had similar symptoms as you and his was nothing serious. I was not so lucky and my parotid gland tumor had to be treated with radiotherapy. Now 18 months post treatment life is good again

Ivan