Just wanted to say hello to everyone. Had my biopsy taken yesterday, my GP and surgeon pretty much told me I had tongue cancer though. Was supposed to have the biopsy a couple of days ago, but I told my surgeon I had made dinner reservations a while ago with family/friends so he let me put it off. Going to wait until the biopsy confirms it to tell my family about it.

Don't really know how I'm going to tell them. That may be the worst part of this.

Scared.

Hi—I understand your anxiety. My husband and I waited to tell our adult children and family members until after the biopsy. Once we told them, it was a relief and could feel their loving support throughout. But that period between the doctors telling you they are suspicious of cancer and waiting for the results was more anxiety producing than the treatment. Once we knew for sure what he would be dealing with and the treatment plan, the mental relief was palpable. I am glad you have found this group—they are great! Check in frequently. Sending love and support!

Thank you so much ArdenDD! I will definitely be checking in.

Hey oc12. Welcome to the forum but I’m sorry about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with tongue cancer on Aug 3rd by my ent specialist. He cautioned me about it being a preliminary diagnosis and to wait from final confirmation from the biopsy, but he really didn’t leave much room for doubt.

With respect to your concern about informing family and friends, I guess it depends on the age and maturity of your family members. In my case, I let our adult children know right away. It would be hard to keep it from then and they all knew I was seeing the ent specialist right away. I think I leaned on the side of providing as much information as I had to them. Obviously the diagnosis had not been confirmed (that took another week), but I think it went well with them. If any of them had any questions, I encouraged them to ask. I think they all asked google a lot more and became quite informed about the (awful) affliction.

Good luck, and you will get lots of good input from this forum

Hey oc12,

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. I want to reassure you that you're not alone, we're all with you on here.

I was diagnosed on May 20th with tongue cancer. The phoone call to my family was terrifying, but their love and support has blown me away. Enjoy your meal, push your diagnosis to the back of your mind and really have an amazing night. Just be you when you deliver the news .

Thank you Barry Toronto and Dizz_zzey mfor the encouragement and advice, it helps!

Glad you got to have your dinner! And you're right to wait till it's confirmed ... you never know, it might be something else. They really do have to check to be sure. It's good you have this time to prepare yourself, just in case, but better to wait the few extra days before setting off anyone else's anxiety (unless they would be a support for YOU ... in which case, enlist them now!). And way to go for finding this forum ... it's a fantastic resource! I didn't find it as soon as I might have, and I wish I had. I still find it helpful, even this far out.

((hugs)) for while you wait, and just remember that you are not alone.

oc12,

It’s not cancer until it’s proven by biopsy! Sometimes doctors are surprised that it is or isn’t! Until then, carry on any healthful benefits! In case it is cancer, we are here to support you, and that of your medical team!

Good luck

Thank you KristenS and PaulB! I does make me feel better to have found this place and the people who are here!