Okay-this is a long one that I will try to make short. My name is Desiree', I am a 24 yr old married ,mother or 2, who has never smoked or drank!! (1 glass of wine/month...maybe). 9 months ago, I felt an enlarged lymph node in my neck and went to Primary DR who suggested Ultrasound. The US suggested that it was an enlarged lymph node and "clinical correlation" was recommened. I then went to a reputable ENT who felt the node, agreed with US findings and said not to worry and to come back in 8 weeks to make sure still same size. Next visit, felt with hand, said still same size and no recheck needed unless I had more symptoms. Reluctantly agreed, even though I would have like biopsy. Now, fast forward 8 months to a month ago (can you follow that??). Started feeling lump in throat that would not go away and pain shooting into left ear, frequent headaches and a "sore throat" feeling. Not wanting to return to the same ENT, went to primary DR who ordered follow-up Ultrasound for lymph node and new ENT consult. New US showed lymph node still same size. New ENT wanted CT Scan to see exactly is it was a lymph node or what (he was not positive). CT showed enlarged nodes, but more troubling was an abnormal density in my throat, right below the base of my tounge. (I guess that is why I felt the "lump" and "sore throat". Went back to ENT who used tube in office to go down my nose into my throat and have a look. Saw a "lump" of velvety tissue in throat and said didn't worry him, but would do biopsy to be sure. Had Biopsy on 4/22 and after procedure when I asked him what he thought, his words were "I don't think; let's wait to see what the pathology reports says. I have been wrong as many times as I have been right". Now, how would you take that??? He said it was "like he saw in the office" and I am confused by those 2 statements. If like in office, then why are you not reassurng me that it looks fine instead of not giving me your opinion like you did then and telling me to wait until path report. I go back for results on Tues (4/29), and meanwhile, I am continuing to have progressing ear, jaw pain and headaches that are relieved by Tylenol. What is your opinion and does anyone have or had similar symptoms to mine? As of now, I cannot find anything about anyone my age with these symptoms and I am scared. Glad to have found this site!!!!!!!!!! Awaiting your replys!!

Desiree' you will read many times here that the waiting is absolutely the worst time, and that is surely true. Any way you look at it, you have a long weekend ahead of you. However, you have done the right thing by asking for a different ENT, and he seems to be using good judgment also. If you were not the patient, I am sure you could understand his reluctance to speculate for you one way or the other, as to give you either false hope or worry would not be a good thing. I would suggest that you not read everything here unless and until you need to. For the next few days, why don't you concentrate on something else as much as you can. I say this because as a newly diagnosed patient, I scared myself half to death with some of the things I read. Come back when you have your results. If at that time you need more information, this is the place to find it. I know that everyone who reads your post will be hoping your path results are good. Hang in there!
Joanna

I know exactly what you're going thru, Desiree', and believe me, it's not fun to be confused, frustrated, cut off, and genrerally dehumanized by this whole medical system. Being responded to in a "brush-off" manner can ruin my whole day....

I'M STHENSITIVE!!!

I had that same "sore throat" and intermittent ear pain since about Sep of last year and stupidly didn't recognize it for what it was- although I joked that it HAD to be cancer...after all, if karma is true, I really WAS Hitler in my past life!!!!

I completely agree with what Joanna just expressed- please don't let NONimformation be your guide. Your doctor has decided to wait for confirmed results before giving you a diagnosis. This is completely rational and to be expected in a superlative doctor, but I find it useful to remind myself that the doc is only there to advise, not to be the final decision-maker. (Left to myself, I think I tend to multiply everythng that occurs (good and bad) by 5.) I feel a need to find out the information necessary to at least be able to ask informed questions.
After all, YOU have to sign that wonderful consent form after all.

I have been "put off" and delayed for about 2 1/2 months since I was first diagnosed and am to FINALLY begin clinical trial (chemo) on Mon 28Apr. This will be a long weekend for the both of us, don'cha think? I have repeatedly asked docs/nurses/techs that they tell me what to expect in a given treatment so as to limit the "surprize" factor in all this, but have found this is difficult for some....they deal with it EVERY day and I've never had cancer before. Found out YESTERDAY that this is a continuous drip trial and I must be hospitalized for the duration. (4 days) I am so anxious to begin treatment that I'm setting aside EVERYTHING to accomodate, and I feel that my caregivers-paid and unpaid must respect my need to KNOW what the heck is happening!!!!! Why should our requests for information be viewed as excessive????!!!!!! Maybe it's NOT.

You'll be okay, regardless!!!!
gordon

Hi Diseree',
Most of the time cancer in painless. Pain is a good sign, probably of infection and a swollen lymph node would be normal. You are wise to have it checked by an ENT. I would always have anything suspicious checked by a specialist. The outcomes are always better when caught early.

Gary
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SCC, Stage III, Right Tonsil

PS.
TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY. (26APR,1958) I'M 45 AND HOPE TO MAKE IT TO ABOUT 46 OR SO.....!!!!!!! :p

First off-Happy Birthday to you Gary and you WILL be here for 46!!!! So, in response to my numerous responses, I say thank you. I like the idea VERY MUCH to stop reading anything more about head and neck cancer, etc until I recieve a diagnosis on Tuesday. My mom has told me the same, which I didn't listen to because she also told me not to worry in the same sentence, which we all know is impossible if you are in my shoes, and a few of yours. I just want to call the lab myself and get those darn results so i know. It has been 9 months since this entire ordeal started and I now that I know it will come to a head on Tuesday, I am so anxious. As for whoever said that the pain may be an infection, I wish that were true but that has been ruled out by my taking antibiotics "just to be sure" and blood tests which showed all normal blood counts and no infection. The ENT also said that maybe I had an infected gland down there and he would find out when he did the scope, but like I said, after the scope, he only admitted to finding a velvety like lesion and no infections or cysts (which is why I am scared). I have nothing else to atttribute this ear pain to, and though it is not constantly there, it comes and goes just enough to remind me that soemthing is wrong. I keep saying to my parents "I KNOW MY BODY" like they say in the movies, because you know when things aren't right, and this time I feel that way, which is why I am writing in the first place. Anyway, I will stop the fretting and just continue to check back in until Tuesday to see any new postings you all have left for me. I have no support (other than hubby and parents) because I chose not to tell anyone at my part time job or friends, because right now is not the time I want to hear "don't worry". Well, I promise to keep you all updated on my condition. I find out at 2:30 pm EST on 4/29. Thanks everyone for your response, much appreciated.

Happy Birthday Gary! Did you say make it another 46 ? Now thats attitude!

Desiree, I 'll be thinking about you...Hug your kids and be sure you let us know what the results are.

gpk101 - Have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Extending greetings to you for the best birthday ever so far, and wishes for many, many more in the future. Enjoy your day!!

Hey,
GPK is 45, not me (I'll be 56 in June) I wish I was 45 - But then I'd have to go through treatment again so I think I'll just stay where I am thank you very much.

Gary
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SCC, Stage III, Right Tonsil
diagnosed 11/22/02
treatment ended 3/20/03