Becoming increasingly worried,after 3 surgeries and 6weeks of radiotherapy which only finished at the end of March I have discovered a swelling on the left side of my neck. The same side as where I had the rad.
I have saw the consultant who confirms the swelling and has organised a scan for Thursday morning. I have been having pain from this, which I didn't have with the other tumours, I don't know if this is a good sign or not.I hate the waiting waiting for the scan/waiting for the results why can't they tell you there and then, I would rather know. The not knowing is driving me mad.
I have no-one to talk to as everyone just clams up and doesn't want to talk about it. Its as if 'if we don't mention it, its not happening.'But this doesn't help ME...

Best wishes
Tracey

Hi Tracey, what a sh-t! You must be worried sick after all you've been thro'. Don't have any knowledge to call on but just hope that its to do with the lymph not draining where you have had sugery and radio. What did the Consultant say? Did he seem concerned? Thursday not so far away, but then you have to wait for results. How long before they tell you? Think I had same Ca as you but had only radio and chemo no surgery. I can eat and speak but not sing! Still I never could!
Thinking of you. Keep in touch, we all know how you feel - it could be our turn next!!!

Hi Sue
The consultant didn't say too much, he didn't 'think' it was the same as before but was unsure so thought it best to have a scan. I was told a week for results, this is so unfair, I have had 3 weeks knowing about this and keeping it to myself, now they want to keep me another week
When I'm there tomorrow I will try and find out what I can from the doctor taking the scan, because he is bound to have a rough idea surely.
I will keep in touch
Best wishes
Tracey

Had my scan today. Good news, the swelling I have felt was caused by the radiotherapy thickening the muscles and tissue at the scar area. He did say I would have to have regular scans because of the nature of my tumours.
I am pleased they are being so thorough with me, this way if it does return we will catch it early.It is a constant worry having this hanging over you wondering if or when it will come back.

Tracey

Hi Tracey, good news thank God. I know what you mean about the waiting for it to come back it seems to happen to so many people its on your mind all the time. I have a thick lump at back of my neck on side I had radio - I'm sure its the same thing a side effect of the radiation. Seeing ENT man next month so gonna ignore it til then!
I've still got my peg tube altho dont use it but dont know whether to have it removed in case the C comes back and I need it again! What do you think?
Sue

Yeah it sounds like the same sort of lump that I had, so don't worry. I know thats easier said than done because its all we seem to do nowadays, anything different and you wonder if its came back.
But I don't think we should spend all our days wondering 'what if' cause we would never get anywhere.We've come through the hard bit, time to start living again,take each day as it comes, don't waste anymore time worrying.If it doeas come back we can deal with it then. Thats my motto,maybe thats because I had good news yesterday, but the couple of weeks before that were wasted because all I thought about was 'C'.
So I have decided no more,start enjoying life and don't let 'C' hold me back.

All the best
Tracey