Hi. This is my first post.

I went to an ENT doctor today because some symptoms were worrying me. He said there is a tumor on the base of my tongue. This is scary enough, but the lymph nodes in my neck have been swollen lately. So I fear that this has spread.

I was able to gather my wits enough to find the Oral Cancer Foundation web site. But I have not read anything yet. I'm feeling very exhausted right now. And I've been trying to write a list of questions to ask the doctors, but it's slow going.

Tomorrow I go for a PET/CT scan. It looks like they are going to do a scan of my tongue and one of my neck. Then I think a biopsy comes after the doctor looks at the scans.

Any suggestions?

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

So sorry for your diagnosis---Wow - you must be in a lot of shock. I remember the feeling very well. Not so fun. Its like having the carpet pulled out from under you. I know its a lot to process. Just take things as they come. Do you have someone to be at appts with you?

Don't be alarmed at my signature. You won't likely be in my shoes. I also had lymph nodes that were swollen and it scared the crap out of me- BUT they ended up being negative. Of course I can't predict what your scenerio will be but I do know that the body wants to get the tumor out so its working overtime trying to fight it - so a lot of what you are feeling is probably due to that.

Be positive- get some pain and anxiety pills and just try and be calm and figure out the best plan. You are probably going to be getting a lot of different opinions. Go to the best Dr. you can for this.

Hang in there. KATE

This time last year, I was just a little ahead of where you are. I had the diagnosis and the biopsy out of the way, and was just starting the surgical part of my treatment.

It is a shock, but read the Read This First post in the Introductory Forum (can't remember specific name). Get ready to ask lots of questions of your doctors. Take somebody with you to appointments, as we can sometimes have selective hearing.

You have not yet had a biopsy, and the motto around here is that it ain't cancer until the pathology report says it is cancer. Not very helpful, I know, but it can help you stay positive.

Read the posts of others, but remember that everyone is different. Everyone receives a slightly different treatment protocol, everyone responds differently to treatment, etc. Stay away from statistics on survival rates and such -- your individual response is based upon what you and your doctors do and don't do, not on what happened to somebody else.

If it is cancer, get to a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lots of information here on how to find one. Keep coming back with your questions, we are all here to help.

Andrew,

Firstly you have not been confirmed as having cancer so don't jump into our boat to soon.

Secondly you would be wise to read as much as you can so that you will be prepared to ask the right questions as you progress in your visits to the doctors you may see.

Do get second and third opinions. Do ask this group as many questions as you wish but don't assume it's cancer yet. BTW are/were you a smoker and how old are you?

Andrew,

One place to get a lot of information is from the main Forum List, go to the bottom and click on the "Getting through it project," then click on the topic "Draft copy (4th one down)." Once inside at the very first posting you will see a link "GTI draft copy." Click on that and a pdf document will open up. This document will have a lot of information that may answer a lot of your questions.

Please keep us posted on what is going on and any questions or concerns. We are here to help you through this. As they said above, take somebody along with you to all appointments and take notes as a lot of information will be thrown at you and it is good to have more sets of ears.

Hi Everyone. Thanks for your replies. It's great to hear from all of you.

I don't have anyone to take along with me to appointments. But I will try to take good notes. And I'm trying to write up my list of questions.

I guess I was not being as positive as I can be. I am worn out dealing with other serious health problems. So worn out I could not do much reading about the other problems. And then this tumor showed up, and it was feeling like strike three. But I did come here for help, so I guess I still have some fight left in me.

Thanks.

Andrew

Andrew111,
It is completely normal to be feeling the way your are. One minute up and the next at rock bottom. We are all rooting for you. You are ahead of many whom have come here by preparing questions just make sure you ask them all and get the responses written down so you can look over them after. Your doctors will be very used to this and should be willing to slow down so that you can ask and understand the answers to every question.
This site has a whole ton of excellent information and first hand experience. You will also not find a more caring, compassionate, intelligent and supportive group, in my opinion.
Keep strong, and if I can be of any assistance let me know.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheers,
Mike

Hi Andrew,
Since you won't have someone with you, you might want to take a tape recorder so you don't have to write down and digest every response at the time. This will allow you more thinking time and the ability to review the answers again when you get home. Most doctors do not object. Good luck on your appointment.

Take care,
Eileen