Hi

I am a 32 yr old female who has smoked on and off since I was 17. I have been waking up thirsty for weeks now and yesterday noticed a visible lump in my throat which is slightly sore when pressed. I have looked inside my mouth and seen a red patch at the back of my mouth.

I have looked on the internet and these symptoms, in particular the red patch in the mouth, seem to be early signs of cancer. Does this sound right?

I will be booking an emergency appointment at the doctors tomorrow but am obviously really worried.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

Louise

Hi Louise

First of all, I have to hold my hands up and admit to having a really weird sense of humour and have a blase attitude towards cancer. Cancer is a fact of life, and until they find a cure, it is always going to happen. I always said that if my treatment had not worked and I had been given x amounts of months to live, then at least I knew my time was limited and could make the most of it. Some people are not given that "luxury" and die at the hands of some crazed madman or drunk driver, without saying all the things they want to the people that matter.

Now you see what I mean by a weird sense of humour!!

You will not find the diagnosis here, what you will find is the support and experiences of us lot, and their families, who have gone through it. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

When you make the appointment tomorrow I would make it in person, if you can, and stress the urgency of it to the receptionist. When you see your doctor, if you feel you are being fobbed off, ask to see another member off the practice. Do not lose your temper, but equally, make sure you are heard and your concerns are noted. Do not exagerate your condition or you will lose all credibility with your doctor, but if you feel that your condition warrants an appointment with ENT, then make sure that your GP makes an urgent referral for you to the hospital.

I know that I can only speak for myself, but try to do what I did and look on this as just another of lifes experiences. I know that in your wish list of lifes experiences you'd probably rather win the lottery, but believe me, if you are unlucky with this, you will come through it and feel as though you have.

Please stay in contact and let us all know what happens.

Whatever the diagnosis though, PLEASE give up smoking!!!

I wish you all the best from the heart of my bottom...oops!

Ray

Hi Louise

You are doing the right thing in getting yourself checked out. Whatever the diagnosis, use this scare as the reason you were looking for to stop smoking. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hi guys

Thank you so much for your kind messages.

I went to the docs and the nurse practitioner said it is more likely a throat infection and to wait two weeks to see if the lump and redness in the mouth disappear.

It has kind of put my mind at rest although if there is no improvement in two weeks I will book another appoint, with a different doctor this time.

Whatever happens this has given me the kick I needed to stop smoking.

Thanks again for your help, this is a really good supportive and imformative site.

Louise

Hi Louise

Let us all know what happens. My fingers are crossed and are hurting after just one day...gawd knows what they'll be like in a fortnight!!