I had some lymph edema (i think) about 3 weeks ago and posted here about it. I saw my oncologist surgeon who suggested a cat scan "just to be sure". I saw MO today and asked about cat scan results - seeing as I hadn't heard from the surgeon. He found the report and advised that mouth and lymph nodes on side of my neck are fine, but there appears to be a "thickening or area of concern" in my throat right around the voice box area. I don't know if this area of concern is on the voice box or in that area.

MO said it could be just fluid or it could be a small cancer and that they would need a scope to further investigate. I said to him ..."okay...if it IS cancer what then". He said the usual 3 options but said I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Given my "luck" quotient so far, its hard NOT to get ahead of myself. I always feel I need to be doing something - so at least thinking there is a treatment option gives me hope.

Surgeon couldn't see me today - talked to surgeons nurse but she hasn't seen the ct report yet and doesn't know what type of scope they are talking about. I was sure that some of you might have some information/experiences to share and I would very much appreciate hearing from you.

I'm working hard NOT to panic....its not cancer till they say it is, etc, etc....but I had noticed changes to my voice in the last while and I had mentioned them. My last cat scan was at the end of March - this one was end of July so hopefully???? its early if it is something???

When, just WHEN do I get better at dealing with all this?

Donna



Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)