My PC just called. got the wet read from my CT. He said it shows a 1-2cm mass at the base of the tongue, a very enlarged lymph gland on the left of my neck and a smaller enlarged one on the right. He said sometimes they can definitely say "cancer" from the CT. On mine they just call it a mass and some lingo meaning can't tell. I pick up my films and the long report Monday on the way to the Head and Neck Clinic in Houston. You guys who have been through this, could they tell from your CT that it definitely was cancer?

No one can diagnose cancer without a biopsy, you can

I am sending positive thoughts and energy your way and wish you all the best.

I agree with Brian, but just didn`t want to be wrong about biopsies and stuff, my cancer started out as a mass at base of tongue also..........4 yrs ago.....stage 4...and I`m still here......once you know what`s going on and the plan of attack, it helps........for me the worst part was the waiting, once I had a plan of attack, I knew what I had to do.........hang in there, easier said than done.........positive thoughts are with you!!!!!

Pj.........I think we all agree that waiting for results is the worst thing possible because we tend to imagine the worst. After hearing the plan of attack things do seem to get better although there may still be significate anxiety. That is pretty normal. Hope for the best! Sending postive thoughts your way.....keep us posted. SIncerely, Donna

PJ

It's true that waiting for the final diagnosis stinks....but once they know what it is for sure, then they can do something about it. That's one thing to keep in mind.

Keep strong through this. It's a good thing you found this board....the information and support I have gotten from everyone here has helped me keep fighting my battle.

Positive thoughts are key to beating this....don't let this beat you. There are many of us out here that faced this dragon and successfully slayed it.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I know,I was grasping at straws. Just hoping someone would say "yeah, that's a good sign that the radiologist can't say if its cancer or not" ..Thanks for getting me back to reality. You're right, this waiting is absolutely driving me insane. I feel like I am going to scream. From your experience, will I know something Monday? I assume the new dr at the neck clinic will do the biopsies surely....but I know that usually takes time to get back. Since this is all they do, won't he at least be able to tell me what he "thinks" he's seeing? What questions should I be prepared to ask?

PJ, from my experience take someone with you to help ask the questions and record the answers. Some quesitions, what is my treament going to be, what is my recovery tme, will I need chemo or rad. I will be very honest that I had no clue since I was so freaked out. That is why my husband went to every appointment with me and took notes. Good luck and take care Anne.

PJ, My sister has oral cancer, one mistake she made, I believe, was jumping in and getting treatment without researching who is the best doctor or specialist in her area for this type of cancer. Please get multiple opinions from several doctors before getting treatment. Believe me it will be worth it. RESEARCH FOR THE BEST DOCTOR AND TREATMENT. Hopefully though, you wont need it at all. good luck!