@figuringitout: I don't want to alarm you, but SCC HN isn't always seen on the surface. One of the reasons J had a diagnostic tonsillectomy with random oral biopsies is because his ENT thought the primary tumor could have been "hiding" deep in the tonsils. No primary tumor was located which is known to happen.

Regarding your reflux problem, J's new ENT diagnosed him as having reflux...he's had a throat clearing problem for as long as I've known him (over 28 years). The ENT saw irritation on one side and asked him what side he slept on and they matched. (And no, guys, he didn't get it from sleeping too close to a crack ...) He prescribed Prevacid, told him not to eat after 7 pm (about 3-4 hours before bedtime), and to elevate the head of the bed...not higher pillows...more like a wedge to elevate his upper back, shoulders and head.

Incidentally, what kind of reaction did you have to the antibiotics? Sorry if I missed that part. I re-read your post but didn't see details. The first thing they tried with J was a course of antibiotics which launched him into a horrible series of throat problems, allergic reactions, and eventually thrush. It was very painful for him.

I'm glad that you have found some help here to make you feel a little more comfortable.

Sandy