Hello you lovely people,
I'm a single dad of young boys.
Yesterday, my dentist said he was referring me for a biopsy of the apparent ulcer on my tongue.
This came as quite a shock.
For about 5 months, I'd had sharp teeth irritating my tongue and mouth.
Eventually, I went to the dentist. Never even considered anything sinister.
A month ago, he filed down one sharp tooth and scheduled a follow up appointment.
At this new appointment yesterday, he filed down the other sharp tooth I'd identified, then talked about the referral.
He said my ulcer was "quite large" and hadn't healed in the way he'd expect.
Ever since that moment, I've found myself almost frozen with fear, as if I've actually received a diagnosis of mouth cancer.
Which I know I haven't, but I can't help imagining worst case scenarios, which really doesn't help.
Neither was a GP especially helpful when I went to see her yesterday afternoon. She couldn't give me any perspective, or any odds, or any reassurance really, apart from to say it was "promising" (I think that's the word she used) that the lump on the side of my tongue hasn't bled and is painful.
She also made vaguely positive noises when I told her I have what might be lichen planus elsewhere on my body.
Really glad to arrive here to chat with people who've been where I suddenly find myself now.
Looking through some of the posts, I can already see people in my exact position and it makes me feel less neurotic.
I can't decide whether this thing being on my tongue makes it better or worse. After all, I can SEE it. I'm looking at this thing and wondering if it's cancer.
I'm just still at the point where I'm tearing up at the thought of having to leave my boys behind. This can't happen.
Tomorrow, they're coming to stay for the weekend, so I need to pull myself together. Thought I'd come on here and also allow myself one day of worry and self-indulgent comfort food, ha!
Wine may also be involved.
If my situation once applied to you, or still does apply to you, how do/did you feel?
And did anyone decide to go private, to speed up the biopsy? If so, did it actually speed anything up, in your experience?
Right... I think that's more than long enough for a first post. Thanks for reading. :) :( :) :(
We have to grab at everything Gill. There have been some great results with immunotherapy. I know of one chap with stage 4 who is well on Nivolumab after five years. NHS now giving it as long as response endures, well past the historic two years.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hello Dani - I haven’t got an appt as such, the docs here at Brighton have sent a letter asking if they will see me as a referral, but I haven’t heard anything -I’ve just had the copy of the letter sent to to the Royal Marsden - I’m a bit confused and worried as to whether I will hear from the Royal Marsden?
what’s your view ?
Any help would be so much appreciated.
Nige 
what’s your view ?
I would contact them yourself.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I know I’m a pest, but would you have a number for them that’s best to contact them ? It’s says in the letter it’s reference to Prof. Paleri
thank you so muchNige
Reading on the referral letter, there is no contact number for the Royal Marsden or the Prof.Palert and no contact number for them to contact me. Voice of panic here.
Thenk you.
Hiya Nige, quick google has shown they have a hotline 02089156899. It might be worth starting there ,,,.
I would think that the initial response to the referral would go back to the DR that has made the request but I could be wrong 
Hugs and strength hon, xxx
I know I’m a pest, but would you have a number for them that’s best to contact them ? It’s says in the letter it’s reference to Prof. Paleri
I found this
Medical secretaries
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi there fella - how are you doing my man ? I’ve been off the radar a bit, and hit a low as I’ve been waiting on contact from Royal Marsden hospital - I’ve had email from them today for an appt on the 8th Aug 11am. To say the least I’m relieved that it’s in progress.
Hope you’re doing ok
Strength, Courage and. Hugs .
Nige
