Hello, I am new to the board after researching a current issue that I am having.

First let me say I am a member of many forums, though not health related, and I have never seen such compassion, and understanding. Everyone needs to be pat themselves on the back. That is the YES in the subject line, as in "YES" I found an awesome place.

Now for the " OH, NO". For the past week I have noticed a little pain under my tounge, very far in the back. No worries until the past two days when "it" has really started to hurt and complicate swollowing and eating. Now, I say this is not a lump to block anything, but rather a white spot about the size of a pencil eraser. Also I feel several lumps in my neck and jaw area, none are real big, pea size maybe. The lumps don't hurt, sort of uncomfortable. Other that these issues I feel healthy, except a little tired in the past month or so. Now I do not expect a diagnosis, just wanted to tell you.

I have read a little, ok a ton, of information in the past few days. And from what I can see I have one risk factor, dipping, for 15 years. I cannot remember an hour in the last 15 years I was not dipping.

Now for my questions that I hope the collective can answer.

- Who should I see, like what are they called.

- I have just moved to Wisconsin and while I had insurance at the last lab I worked at, the current insurance does not kick in for 2 more months. Should I wait? I should have kept the insurance until the other started I know, but I have not been to a doctor as I have not been ill since I was a child.

- Can someone guide me to a place in the Madison Wisconsin area, to a professional?

Is there anything I can do to sleep now that this dreaded word is running through my head? Not really expecting an answer to that.

Glad to have found this wonderful place and comments please.

Seth

Seth..You are in the right place, though the NEXT place you need to go is to a medical professional...probably an ENT....for a diagnosis, and probably a simple biopsy.

Wouldn't the insurance transportability law mean that you should be covered until your new insurance takes effect?

I hope that the exam tell you that this is nothing, but you can't wait two months because of money. YOU are too important for that. No matter what it costs, you need to go now.

Hey August, Thanks for the quick reply.


As for the insurance question, I guess I knew that I should go even if I do not have insurance at the moment but what I should have said, does anybody know if going now will hurt me when I am covered? Like preexisting condition.

I chose not to continue my insurance. So now, Monday I am going to see if there is any way that I can reinstate it somehow even though it has lapsed for a month.

- These types of cancer, how fast do they typically spread or grow?

I thought I read somewhere on this forum some ENT's are better at Dx. Is there something I should ask when calling to qualify them? It's Sat and I will not be able to get anywhere until Monday so I might as well be prepared when I do call.

- Is a week long enough to wait before going to the Dr.?
Normally I wouldn't react this way over a little sore, but the more I have been thinking and feeling my jaw the more worried I get.

Like others here I have two young ones, 5 and 6, and I could hardly let them go to bed tonight.

Hey August, Thanks for the quick reply.


As for the insurance question, I guess I knew that I should go even if I do not have insurance at the moment but what I should have said, does anybody know if going now will hurt me when I am covered? Like preexisting condition.

I chose not to continue my insurance. So now, Monday I am going to see if there is any way that I can reinstate it somehow even though it has lapsed for a month.

- These types of cancer, how fast do they typically spread or grow?

I thought I read somewhere on this forum some ENT's are better at Dx. Is there something I should ask when calling to qualify them? It's Sat and I will not be able to get anywhere until Monday so I might as well be prepared when I do call.

- Is a week long enough to wait before going to the Dr.?
Normally I wouldn't react this way over a little sore, but the more I have been thinking and feeling my jaw the more worried I get.

Like others here I have two young ones, 5 and 6, and I could hardly let them go to bed tonight.

Hello Seth
University of Wisconsin/Madison has an affiliate Paul P, Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Care Center in Madison, which is 12 miles from you.
Make sure YOU REQUEST a biopsy.
This IS the place to go, and it's close, and this is "What They Do".(Do Not go to a GP)
All your questions will be answered HERE, and there will be no dought in your mind.
PeteyB

Hi Seth - Sure glad you found this site. Re the the insurance, recently my own dental insurance handled thru COBRA after I retired did lapse for about a month just because I didn't pay attention to the date and when I called them, they did reinstate me without charging a sign up fee. It would not hurt to ask about the reinstatement. I'm sure there are others here who can give you more informed suggestions re insurance and the pre-existing condition thing. You should definitely get to the ENT and get a biopsy, especially with the risk factor of dipping. Some cancers spread faster than others. And the sooner you get there, the less amount of time you will have to be anxious about it. You could check out to see if the ENT is associated with a "Comprehensive Cancer Center" which has a board or team of doctors that all get together and consult on the best treatment. The "Resources" link from the home page of this site has info on hospitals throughout the country - one is in Chicago but I'm sure someone from Wisconsin can give you more specific information. In the meantime, try not to stress too much until you know for sure what is happening. And keep posting so we'll know how you are doing.

Seth.....here's a suggestion.....A few more days is not going to affect the medical condition, so make your insurance calls BEFORE you see a doctor for this condition. You can honestly say that no, you haven't seen a doctor since your insurance lapsed, and, as far as you know, your health remains the same. Perhaps there is a grace period that is longer than you think. Just play dumb. Don't lie, but don't say anything extra either.

If you don't have a record, they can't create a problem for you.

Don't wait too long, of course, but call on Monday and see if you can't get your same coverage back, claiming oversight.

I recently (before my cancer was diagnosed) applied for and finally got a new insur. policy, but I was denied at first because of some of my doctors' records. I made the observation then that if I had NOT taken good care of myself by going to doctors, I would not have had a record and would have had a much easier time getting the insurance.

Good Luck.

I have spent more time on this site than I care to admit this weekend. I feel so sad for all the ravages of this type of cancer.

I am still up and thinking the worst after all the information that I have read here.

Monday is fast approaching, and it is almost like I do not want it to get here. Because then it will be time to make the call to the Dr's office.

If the recommendations I read here, under different posts, are correct one should not see a GP dr, but a specialist, ENT. Under my last insurance I had to be refered to a specialist. In the event that I cannot reinstate my old ins., is there a way to see a specialist right away being that I do not have a GP in Wisconsin?

PeteyB recommended the UW here in Madison, I wonder what might be the approach in calling there, anyone have input on the first call? I have been healthy and the only time I have been to a Dr, has been for a motorcycle accident. I have heard so many horror stories about Dr's and health insurance, just getting involved seems scary. Where the current patients and survivors find their courage stumps me.

Seth,

If they reinstate it, you will need the referal. But if your old GP was a good dr you could call them and let them know what is going on the they can just fax the referal. ENT are the best as dx this thing , an Oral surgeon actually dx mine , but for treatment I saw an ent. If your Ins dosent reinstate then you shouldnt need a referal ..referals are ins red tape issues! And as far as courage , yea that is probably part of it..but the instinct to live is bigger ! So keep us posted on what happens we are here for your support and to answer any questions you have !!! Best of luck to ya !

Shar