Ok. I'm losing it. I started to have and ear ache now. I checked my last company physical paperwork and it said I had hearing loss in that left ear- the same side as my palatal lump and all my other symptoms. This is bull. I have to wait two more weeks to find out if I have cancer. I would bet the farm at this point that I do. Stress level is off scale. I can't wait.

Kit - Why don't you call Dr. Carlson's office and see if they will re-schedule you any sooner? My son's first appointment was re-scheduled for an earlier date. So I know that sometimes they can do that. In fact before one of my son's later (non-urgent)appointments, the office called and put his appointment off a few days later because of a "scheduling conflict" which was probably because another patient needed to come sooner. Even if they cannot give you an earlier appointment, they can probably reassure you or maybe prescribe something for the stress. It wouldn't hurt to call and it could make you feel better! Take deep breaths, now and hang in there. Let us know what happens.

I echo Anne-Marie's statements. Stress is a funny thing, and it can really distort reality. The easiest way to contract any disease is to research it on the internet.

I have been there, done that, got the T Shirt. Yeah, I eventually did have cancer, and chances are it could have been discovered far earlier if my ENT had been on the ball and if I had insisted on a biopsy.

You have been told that things are fine, but your fear and research tell you that this is wrong. Don't let the fear paralyze you -- try to get in earlier, keep after them for results, etc. Turn your fear into action and you will be fine.

I called Dr. Carlson I'm scheduled for Monday at 2:00 at the cancer center. Thanks for the advice you guys. This weekend's going to be a barrel of monkeys. I think I'll do my family a favor and get a motel room. If the treatment is as stressful as getting a diagnosis, I don't think I can make it through this.

That's great news, Kit! You are doing good!! My son has a check up appt with Dr. Carlson on the same day at 1pm!! I just told him and he wanted me to ask you to email him. I think you have his email that I sent you in a previous email. Please do get in touch with him. And you CAN make it through this! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. See a funny movie or do something wild and crazy with your wife (she probably needs some de-stressing, too).