I have a question, how long would it normally take for cancer of the neck to show symptoms such as pain or a visible lump. I have had pain for around 3 to 4 months now since I got a bad flu but I have been having a mild feeliing of something being in my throat ( very minor) for upwards of 8 or 9 months. If it were cancer would'nt it normally be much more troubling by now. Just wondering as I have another week before I get to see my ent again for a follow up. He is also a head and neck surgeon so thats good I think and last appt. He said he didn't see anything that worried him but i"ve heard most everybody has been told that prior to a diagnosis lol.
Thanks for putting up with me yet again!

To be honest, I never felt any pain until after radiation. In terms of swelling, my ENT suspected that took 1-2 years in my case.

I'm sure you won't like this, but if you spent as much time counting the great things in your life and appreciating every day our Creator has given you as you do worrying about this cancer thing, you would see life from a much happier and clearer perspective. Even if after all you have pursued, you turned out to have cancer, you have spent an exhorbitant amount of time that you will never see again worrying about what might be. As my ENT told me, do not worry about what it might be, just be thankful for what it isn't.

Ed

RDB,

"Stuff" happens, and then you live.

Ed's right, you're putting a lot of energy into fear right now. I can relate... I'm sure we all can... but it won't do you any good.

I never had a bit of pain until after my initial surgery. About 2-3 weeks before my dx, a lymph node became swolen and tender, but the tumor was quite small and pain free.

The swolen and tender lymph node could have been caused by something far more benign. As you will often hear on this board, it ain't cancer until the pathologist says it is.

I know it's hard, but try to put your worries out of your mind for now. Spend some time with friends and family. Catch a movie, listen to your favorite music, work on your car. Whatever helps you to relax.

Then, go see the ENT when the time comes. Good news (we all hope) or bad news, you'll be better prepared to handle it. Meanwhile, I'll keep a good thought for you.

Ken

Thank you , I'm trying real hard and even though I don't really know for sure that I have cancer yet, I having quite a hard time dealing with it. I'ts gonna take all I can do not to leave this place if I do have it. heh

rdb7777, to add my comments, I had stage IV tonsil cancer that traveled to a lymph node on the right side of my neck. The rad doctor estimated that the cancer was 18 to 24 months old and I never had any pain what-so-ever. The only way I knew I had it was the swelling of the lymph node. I never had any swallowing problems or pain in the tonsil, either. So, as Ken says, stay loose and relax unless/until you have a bad report.

Thanks! I'm just not sure I can ake it. Hell I don't even know for sure yet. Once I find out for sure I don't know what I'm gonna do. I've already let this get to me in a very bad way as it is. I'm already in big trouble just from worrying. I am glad this board is here it does help while imm here reading and stuff, thanks.
I just don't think im gonna make it, i really don't ..I'm too much of a wuss or something i dunno. Sory to be so down.

Hi,
Your posts make me feel so bad for you, that type of fear is the worst. And if you're like me then you will focus on that fear until it becomes so large that it takes you over. When I had to have a biopsy after my treatment was done on a sore on my tongue, I truly felt that I was going to have a breakdown. I couldn't sleep, couldn't be in the same room with my kids or I would cry, I focused ONLY on my fear. No matter how many times friends, family, board members told me not to worry until I had results, it didn't help me control my fear. I couldn't focus on anything, felt exhausted all the time, and could make a tiny ache into a huge one that I was SURE was a sign of more cancer. My point in telling you all of this? Your reaction is normal and it is also manageable. You WILL make it, you WILL get through it, whether it's cancer or not (and I happen to feel that it is NOT cancer). So find a medium somewhere, go for a walk when you feel the anxiety, anything to take your mind off it for even seconds at a time.
Take care,
Minnie

Yes I am exactly how you describe! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words, I wouldn't wish this anxiety on ANYONE! I hate to admit it but it's true that knowing someone else can understand these warped feelings helps me for some reason. For one if you feel like I do and made it through it and found a place of comfort then I should be able to do it also. I fear that if I do have cancer and get treated sucessfully that I will never be able to shake the fear, remorse, jealousy, and anger. That is really what I'm afraid more than anything.
Once again, thanks ever so much for your consideration and kind thoughts and words. I hate to be so selfish and cry to everybody all the time here but I am really just at a loss as to what to think or do at this time. Waking in the morning is the worst time for me, lol. I hope everyone here does well. When I read about David tonight it really hurt me. It makes me feel guilty for crying but I can't help it.