Hey all! I am shaking as I write this. I have no idea where all of you get your courage from! I have a cheek biopsy with an ENT scheduled for Friday. It has taken me months to get to this appointment as initially I was told the white spots in my mouth were from being anxious and biting. They wouldn’t go away & I started having some some ear pain so After months my ENT suggested a biopsy. I’ve waited Another full month for it. I keep trying to stay positive but I’m starting to really lose it. Mostly because I have 2 young special needs children that rely on me and a very limited support system.

I am highly uneducated when it comes to cancer & treatments. I’m also a highly anxious person on a normal day. I read the intro post about getting more opinions and the cost of cancer care and I feel paralyzed. I don’t how I can afford care or where to even begin to find the proper care team. Where can I find this information?!

Please send positive vibes, prayers and thoughts my way as I await the biopsy and results. I desperately need to be able to find some courage and this is only the beginning of what could be a very long, lonely and scary road. Thanks!

Getting the biopsy is the right move. You do not want to wait on this. The sooner you have an answer the better.

There are several major comprehensive cancer care centers in the US. One of those is where you want to go if need be. Hopefully you will not need to.

Sending positive thoughts and some prayers your way.

Sending you positive thoughts for a good “negative” biopsy result. Cancer can be a long scary road, but doesn’t have to be lonely. I think you will be surprised by the many offers of help and encouragement cancer patients receive. Lean on family, friends, community members when you need them. Be strong and fight the beast, it can be beaten.

If your biopsy is negative, my guess is you won't post again. If positive, make an appointment at Dana Farber in Boston. It is a bit of a drive, but they know how to get you follow-up treatment nearer to home.
It is now 17 years since they removed my first cancer which may give you hope in the event that yours turns out to be cancer.

Healing vibes from me too. Try and takes things one at a time. There is lots of help out there no matter the diagnosis. Your are stronger than you think.