Thank for the reply, Cheryl.

That's the thing that I think has impeded this all so far- the fact that I'm not in a recognised risk group. If I was a sixty year old smoker/heavy drinker, then I'm sure all of these things would have been treated with more concern. In fact the first time I presented to the doctor with a swollen node, he asked me if I was a smoker. I feel that when I said 'no' he automatically ruled out the idea of cancer. Maybe next time I go I'll tell them I'm on forty a day and see if that changes how they treat me...

I really do feel that if this IS oral cancer, it probably is advanced. I can even feel a rough area in the floor of my mouth now. I feel like it's taking over my mouth and I don't know what to do besides try and get an earlier appointment. I've already been waiting and worried for so long and the idea that I may have to wait for biopsy results and stuff as well is just too much to bear. My whole family and my boyfriend have had enough and think that there can't be anything majorly wrong because it would have showed up in blood tests. I feel like I'm alienating everyone I love and have this heavy burden to bear all alone. I know how self-pitying that sounds but I just feel that if this IS what I think it is then it's probably so advanced that I don't have a chance...

Saying this, I'm overwhelmed by the help and advice I've had on this forum so far. Thank you all so much.