| | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 | I would welcome that. As it is, My throat is burning sore, but according to Doc, no Viral or Bacterial infection.... | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Jonathan,
It would seem like a good idea to try to get to see an ENT that has some experience with oral cancer. I'm not saying this because I think that you have it, but this particular ENT's manner doesn't appear to be someone I would trust. I have heard of way too many dentists and physicians that have blown off poeple that did have cancer with an attitude like his.
And, besides, the sooner you find out, hopefully that you don't have cancer, you will be able to get back to living a normal life. And, if it does turn out to be something, treatment started sooner rather than later, is imperative.
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 | Hey Jonathan,
So sorry you aren't feeling well. I hope this is just nothing- a bad cold or something. I am also not saying that this is cancer but your symptoms are familiar.
I was 33 at diagnosis and didn't fit the profile for this cancer ...I went to three Drs. before I got the right diagnosis and a that stage I was in a lot of pain and it had advanced quite a bit.
I would absolutely seek a second opinion just to be safe and also to ease your mind and maybe he/she can give you some medication for your symptoms as well. Definitely if you can get another opinion from an ENT who has experience with oral cancers. A lot of the ENTs that you will see inititally are allergists.
We are here for you whatever happens!
KATE
Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor
Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 109 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 109 | Absolutely totally agree. God knows, we all hope it's not cancer. But I was being blown off by doctors for months also because I didn't fit the profile (the saga started when I was 37 too), and it ended up being cancer. It's better be safe than sorry. Seek a 2nd opinion.
38 yo@dx, female, non-smoker, non-drinker, SCC right lateral tongue. T2N2aMx stage IVa; 1/20/09 bilateral neck dissection, hemiglossectomy, micromets in 2 right nodes, left all clear. 33xIMRT + 3 cisplatins. Tx completed 5/08/09. PET scan 7/29/09 clear, 5/26/10 clear, chest x-ray 5/23/11 clear
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 | Well, I blew the money I had put aside for the Doctor on this idiot...so it will have to wait at least 2 weeks at this point. Guess that gives me time to see if anything changes too. "crosses fingers" | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I was b;own off by a few Drs before I got the Surgeon that does my 3 month scopes to check me out while going down for his check of my esophagus. Man am I glad I asked him to check. He had an appt made for me with an ENT that he has a lot of faith in, and told me when I came to.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 | Thanks to all those who replied. It is wonderful to see such a supportive community out there! Hopefully, after my next appt. My journey here will end. But it is good to know that if it doesn't that there are people out in cyber land that truly do care for each other. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 12 | I finally made it to a more competent ENT, who would actually listen to my concerns. HE took a good look at the lumps I showed him and declared them normal lymphatic tissue. Also said he felt no swollen nodes, (Although even to this day, my right jugulodigastric node seems looks and feels swollen and painful) He did mention I had a lot of fluid in my ears and said I most likely had allergies. He did NOT do a scope, like I had hoped for, but did take a pretty good look. I may reschedule and have him do a real scope so I feel more at ease. I still have a lot of pain in the area of my neck/throat, and plugged ears always. My neck muscles HURT all the time. And I often still get that burning pain deep in my neck/throat. I am still concerned that something was missed. Maybe I am paranoid, or even slightly hypochondriacal, BUT...it doesnt feel right, and I cant imagine seasonal allergies causing this type of pain and discomfort in the throat only on one side...with a swollen/prominent node...yadda yadda | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Great news with the second ENTs appointment. Of course you are your own best judge of what doesnt feel right. I will echo what others have told you....a biopsy is the only way to tell if its cancer and its NOT cancer til the doc says it is. If there isnt a visible spot to biopsy then they wouldnt be able to do one.
Believe it or not, allergies can cause all sorts of issues. Best of luck with easing your pain, hope you continue to be cancer free.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 148 Likes: 1 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 148 Likes: 1 | Jonathan, Christine gives the best advice. Cancer is a sneeky rotton thing. You keep on doing whatever it takes, until you have peace-of-mind. If a biopsy is not possible, my dr. took a "swab" on a white patch on my tongue. Your right, this is a great group of very supportive people here, but all the same...this is one club I would rather you NOT belong to!!!! I wish all your future results/tests/swabs/biopsies...all come back negative! I give you credit, better to be safe than sorry! Good Luck
BOT T3N2M0 No surgery, 38radiation treatments,4 chemo rounds, peg removed 11/08, still have a port. Treatments ended 6/20/08. So far, so Good ! "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much !"
*** Admin update --- Dianne has passed away on August 25, 2015 ***
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