#86830 12-28-2008 06:24 PM | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 4 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 4 | Hi -
I have been feeling this odd sensation in my throat for a while - months? I kept thinking that it was tonsil stones, because every so often, I'd get one out, and it would seem to feel better. But then Friday night, I took a look down my throat and saw on one side, an enlarged tonsil, and then on the other side, these bumps on the side of the wall of my throat. I am really freaked out. This entire weekend has been spent on the internet, needless to say.
I also have an ulcer under my tongue, which developed more recently - in the past week or so. Wasn't as worried about it until now.
I've never smoked, drink very rarely, but clearly, oral cancer can happen to anyone.
I'm a mom to young ones, in my thirties, and I am absolutely terrified.
I just found this board and wanted to just reach out to anyone, because I'm feeling pretty alone in this.
Thanks. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Please relax a bit. The odds are very much in your favor that this is NOT cancer. Make an appointment in the morning with your doctor and let her (him) do any worrying. No picture you find on the web or any other place will make a diagnosis. Anxiety can actually make strange feelings in the throat. Stop letting your imagination get to you. Make that appointment and let us know what happens. 
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 9 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 9 | We seem to be in the same boat this evening.
I'm sure you're Ok, It sounds like OC is very rare if you don't have the risk factors.
I'm sure it's nothing...
If it is, write back...I would love to hear some good news! | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 | Scared m- Please make an appointment with your doctor. It will help make you feel better!
cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.
| | | | | 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 | Welcome to OCF. Please call your doctor so they can check you out. The only way to know for sure if its oral cancer is a biopsy which is usually done by an ENT or oral surgeon. It takes about a week after you get it done to get the results back. Please try not to worry, I know its much easier said than done. Its very scary waiting for tests and then waiting for the results, it can make you upset. There are so many other things that it could be besides oral cancer. Enjoy the holidays with your children. Best of luck to you.
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: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | I would recommend an ENT as well, since many GP's have trouble identifying oral cancer. Like Mark said it can be many things besides OC so take a deep breath, get a referal to an ENT and get it ruled out.
The internet will drive you crazy with fear and information overload. Don't ask me how I know this...
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 4 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 4 | okay, I was able to get an appt with an ENT for tomorrow. I hope he has some positive answers. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Good Job! don't forget to let us know how it goes. We are here if you need us.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 | Dear Scared, I am so glad that you went straight to the ENT, without taking the time to go to a more primary doctor. A "maybe" isn't good enough!
And I am betting that you will feel 100% better tomorrow. I can't tell you how many times I have had an fls ("funny-looking spot") in my mouth since my OC, and have run to one doctor or another, to be told, patiently, that it is ok....and it always has been ok. But in my situation..and yours....we can't take a chance on "maybe." It's too easy to find out. Good for you.
I'll look for your report tomorrow! I have my own 3-year PET/CT scan tomorrow morning. I don't expect any surprises, but if there weren't SOME chance for recurrence, we wouldn't be doing scans. I feel great and I'm expecting a good report....praying for one, anyway. I wouldn't mind a few extra prayers.
(Sorry to hi=jack your topic, M, but it is sorta the same thing..how we all worry until we get answers.)
Good Luck!
XO--Colleen
Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 309 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 309 | Colleen, I am praying in WA for a good report for both scared and you! Keep us posted when you get the report back! Rest assured all is well ! ((HUGS))
Rita - Age 44
wife, mother of 4 - ages 3,16,21,24 & grandma to 1
(R upper) Maxillectomy 8/8/08 - UW / Seattle, WA.
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"Those who think by the inch and speak by the yard, should be kicked by the foot."
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