Well the doc is sending me to an ENT that is in thier payment network but I can't get in to see him until April 28th, the doc is requesting the ENT to do a biopsy... I sure wish it could be sooner, I am already very nervous and now having to wait is kinda stressful.

Thanks again
Shannon

Have you tried talking to anyone on the Drs office staff? That is how I got into Ohio State in just about 3 days to see the ENT that did my surgery. Maybe you can make a friend over the phone and get a boost up date. I am a talker and usually can talk my way in or out if needed. Good luck and I hope you get an earlier date.

Thanks EzJim... I would love to get in sooner but unfortunately they do not have an ENT on staff yet at the clinic I went to that is why I have to wait until the 28th, that is the day the ENT starts there... Since I have no insurance and my hubby is self-employed and hasn't worked much this year (or last year) I am very limited on where I can go. I called my Dr office (where I went when I had insurance) and a regular office visit was gonna cost $150 to $185... It's bad enough that I am worried about the lump and waiting for the next appt, I am also worried abt the money IF it is bad news... Although I am trying to stay positive and I'm hoping for the best.

Thanks for ya'll support and info it has been a big help.
Shannon

I have a question... I am really nervous about the biopsy. The dr said they would just slice off a piece of the lump (it's only abt the size of a short pencil eracer)... he did not say anything else abt it and I didn't think to ask him but do they numb the area first? I do know that he said they just do it right there in the office. The only type of surgery I have ever had was oral surgery to have my Wisdom teeth removed and they put me under to do that. I am so scared and nervous, just thinking abt them cutting a piece of my gum makes me feel sick. I go in in 2 days (4/28) to have it done. Also how long does it usually take for the biopsy results to come back?
Thanks for you help and advice.
Shannon

Shannon,

I can only assume that the doc will numb you as I'm sure he wouldn't want a biopsy done to him without being numb. Anything more than local anesthesia is not needed for a biopsy, especially on the gums. Stitches may or may not be needed. You will feel nothing.

As far as the biopsy results are concerned, that depends on the lab that it is sent to. I had mine back (by fax) in 2 business days and some people have waited as much as 2 weeks. The doc should be able to tell you how long he expects it to take.

You really have nothing to be afraid of. This is a common procedure and very easy to tolerate. I know that it's easy for me to say this, as I'm not you, but I have dealt with nervous patients through my entire career.

Good luck and let me know how you make out with the procedure.

Shannon,

The biopsy itself is painless after the shot and the area is not that painful after the shot wears off. I ate dinner that night with no problems. It was sore for a few days, but not much.

Thank You Jerry and Kelly I appreciate your help. I will post again after I go to the Doctor.

Shannon

Hi Shannon: I'm new to the site as well and Jerry is the one to ask. But I remember my oral surgeon numbing the area and removing an area larger than a pencil eraser. I didn't know when he numbed it, he was talking about fishing when he was removing it, ( I nodded every once in awhile to acknowledge that I was listening to him!! ) and it was done. I didn't even need any pain meds. It really is a simple procedure - really a piece of cake. Take it over having molars pulled any day and I had 4 teeth pulled before I had braces. It really will be no big deal - Go to Jerry for the technicals and length of time to get the biopsy back - I'm sure it varies - good luck and breathe!

Well I am really stressin now... The doctors office called me this morning and they had to cancel my appt because the ENT that was suppose to join their office has postponed his move.
I have been trying all day to find some place else that will see me with little to no charge but I have had no luck. I have found all kinds of places in my area that do free screenings for just abt every cancer except for oral cancer! I have called Cancer Treatment Centers of America, checked out the American Cancer Society's website and many others too!
I called a free clinic in Tulsa today and left a message but haven't heard back from them yet.
Hopefully I will hear something in the morning!

Thanks again for all your support!
Shannon

Shannon - just when you think you're going to get some answers something like this happens! I know the sooner the better but this will get taken care of. Could the doctors office refer you to another ENT in your area? I'm with you about getting on the phone in the morning - in the meantime, consider the most favorable outcome as hard as it is to do right now. Having dealt with this for almost 8 years and my fears never becoming a reality, I wish I would have spent it celebrating surviving. Let us all know tomorrow how you're doing and where it stands on getting your biopsy scheduled.