I dunno about the runny nose, but over here in AL the allergies seem to have ramped up. I have gone through a ton of kleenexes lately. I expect it is similar where you are.

Would love to chat any time! Homeschooling is crazy fun and I am blessed to get to do it, but it can be draining too. On the other hand, the kids learn a lot of life skills during crises! One of our current blessings is my son working on his Cooking merit badge. . . very handy!

Ellen.... please click on the small flashing envelope next to the "My Stuff" tab located towards to top middle of the page, its after Forum List. Its blinking because you have messages waiting for you to read.

Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I wanted to tell you guys about my ENT appointment yesterday. I am not sure what I think of this doctor. Okay so he did a flexible laryngoscopy on me (with the tube going into the nose and then I had to vocalize and also stick my tongue way out while he looked.) It is not the kind with a video camera or anything- it is basically a one time look and the doc tells me what he thinks. He said that it is very swollen and irritated and that I "still" have nodules on "both vocal cords" . He says the nodules are like callouses, they are areas of thickened, hardened skin. I asked him why I have these and he said he doesn't know, possibly acid reflux. He gave a script for that. He also felt my thyroid nodule and said we need to get a scan of that. He says he does not see oral cancer but he cannot rule out thyroid cancer. I asked him if he is sure that the vocal cord nodules are benign and he said "I think so." But there was no talk of biopsy or any of that. He seemed more focused on me getting a scan of my thyroid. He did say that "we need to keep an eye on those throat nodules" and I am to take the reflux med and come back to see him in August (16th). He said it is hard to see my throat due to the inflammation and he is hoping this will cause it to be less swollen so he can take another look then. Meanwhile, I will be having a thyroid CT next week.
I am a little confused because I thought the only way to know for sure is to biopsy- isn't that right? I have had hoarseness now for going on 3 years. I have been to this doctor many times about that and another ENT too. But now that my throat is burning like fire and on right side only, and right ear is also involved, it concerns me even more. I sure hope these small town doctors know what they are talking about. I drive in 2 hours to Shreveport to see my MS doctor because there are no good neurologists down here, and I am starting to wonder if I need to go ahead and find an ENT in Shreveport and get a real second opinion. What do you guys think about all of this? Opinions? Advice? All are welcomed and needed- THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate you guys!!
Much love,
Ellen

Well IMO you do need some definitive answers. You just can't let things continue the way they are as you are well aware. Getting second opinions is usually a good idea so if that will make you comfortable then get another appt.

Re your hoarseness, if your throat has been swollen or irritated that certainly could be a reason. Why it's that way is for the meds to solve.

Re the oral cancer, we do tell everyone coming here that a biopsy is the only way to confirm this cancer but there are many different diagnostic methods to provide clues.

Good luck.

Ellen,

I've not seen anywhere in the thread that you've visited a CCC. Here is a list of the best in the country. There has to be one within reasonable driving distance for you.

I would suggest finding a CCC, calling, getting your test results and records sent over and get an appointment to be seen by a team. I went to John Hopkins and I can't say enough about them. They were all over my cancer!

Here's a link:

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

An OCFer with the screen name August was treated at LSU in Shreveport. Look for her information (under A in User List at the top of the page), which includes an email address.

She has not been active on these boards since 2010, but does post on Facebook under her real name and is doing well. You could try emailing her and ask what doctors she saw. (If you search for Shreveport in the search box at the upper right of each forum page, you'll see a number of her posts.)

Here is August's profile where you can easily view her posts.

OCF profile for August

Thank you all for the help and info. I know I need to do something more about my throat. Today I am so hoarse that I am loosing my voice and I sound all froggy. I am getting pretty nervous about this whole thing. The dang ENT put a scope down my throat- but I am just thinking- wouldn't that show cancer- or at least give him suspicion and reason to investigate further?? UGH!!

I am only 2 hours from Shreveport and I go there to see my neurologist, so I was already thinking of getting another opinion there. My throat hurts and I almost have no voice left. Everyone noticed it today. This is really getting scary.

I am really feeling appreciative to you guys. The info you have shared has really affected the way I am dealing with this. I now know that biopsy is the only way to know for sure. I will push harder and get that other opinion. Having dealt with multiple sclerosis for 20 years, I know that we have to be our own advocates cause we are just another patient to the docs. They see us for 5 minutes and then they are onto the next thing. We must fight for ourselves. My children need their mother, so I am going to get to the bottom of this. I am pretty much a wreck over this. Thank you all soooo much.

Yes we must be our own Advocate and believe me I practice that "squeaky wheel" thing as often as I feel I'm not being listened to.

Looking down one's throat does not guarantee something will be detected but hopefully someone will pick up on something soon.