Thanks so much for your helpful, reassuring replies. I was all set to harass the doctor for my referral but he called first thing Monday morning and has me booked with the ENT guy next Wed (the 15th). Of course I wouldn't be happy to wait 3 months but getting an appt in a week has me stressed a bit too. However, from everything I've read I sort of feel I'm not totally doomed. I'm 34, and it seems this is an older's person's disease. I'll keep you posted.

I've found the thing the doctor was talking about. I think it's at my tonsil on my right side (like you Daniel). It doesn't look like any of the million and 6 pictures I've looked at online so that might be a good thing. My flashlight is running out of batteries. Ugh.

And before you young folks chime in and tell me how young you were at diagnosis, just let me live in my happy bubble of denial a little longer. Thanks

Day 7 of not smoking comes to a successful end.

Oh, one question... I quit before for a couple of years and was hooked on Nicorette which was always 'parked' on the right side. There's no connection, is there?