HI everyone....have been looking through your messages in the hope of finding some reassurance. I went to my doctor three weeks ago, concerned about two white patches on my tongue. I noticed them because when I had a glass of red wine, they didnt stain like the rest of my tongue just stayed white. Anyway, they had been there about a month so that makes it about 7 weeks now. In addition to the white patches, I had two "wheal" like sores, running on the inside of my lower lip, down at the bottom in the crease of my mouth.I wasnt too concerned at the time of leaving my doctors surgery as he said he didnt think it was anything to be concerned about but wanted me to have a prompt appointment (he said one to two weeks) Yesterday I got my appointment through and its for three weeks time ! That makes six weeks in all, plus the time it was already there.(about a month) Can anyone tell me if its really safe to leave things this long ? The white patch has now turned a little sore, and the "wheals" flare up almost eveeryday, in addition to the wheals on the bottom of my gum, I now have two addiitional ones formed on the inside of the top gum. I cannot detect any swellings in my neck, although certain areas are "tender" I would be greatful for any advice as I am worrying myself silly over this. I have just turned 40, have never smoked but like a drink.Thanks so much for reading this.
Kind Regards
TJ

Hello TJ, welcome to the site. I don't have an answer for you as the Doctor Vinod who runs this site is the one to advise you. I do know that your dentist is normally the "expert" on changes in the mouth but having gone to your doctor, he won't want to "second-guess" him. I know when you are worried three weeks seems like a long time but it sounds like your doctor isn't too concerned and is referring you for your peace of mind. Let us know how you get on. Regards Brenda

Hi Brenda
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I have just finished reading Pauline T's web pages and have decided that she is very right when she says we have to trust our gut instinct and I have decided to return to my GP tomorrow, if for nothing more than peace of mind. If he thinks its fine to wait for the original appointment then I will trust his advice & accept that there's nothign to worry about until I am told to worry ! Once again many thanks.

TJ

Hi TJ,

I think you should see your doctor again and let him know of your serious concern. Let him know that the overall delay is worrying you. He may very well reconsider and push for an earlier check. Remember, the earlier a diagnosis, the better. Good luck.

Regards, Fridge

Hi Fridge...many thanks for your response to my post. I have decided to go back to my GP to voice my concerns and let him see the further changes. However, I have spent all day reading the very many postings about mouth cancers and dont feel quite so "doomed" now ! Obviously I am still worried and at the back of my mind is the thought that my GP said he would request a "prompt" appointment (1 to 2 weeks is what he said) so maybe he wont be happy with the longer wait either...I'll let you know ! Once again many thanks

TJ

Hi TJ
Best of luck, do go back & insist on fast action, my husband was told his sore throat was because of his job [ teaching} & they waited about 4 months before they started taking him seriously,it may well be nothing serious but if it is the sooner you start treatment the better. Fingers crossed
Jennie

Dear Jennifer....many thanks for replying to my post. I did try to get back into my GP today but have to wait until tomorrow.Having read through many of the posts and real life accounts of how people have reacted and coped with the dreaded C word....its absolutely amazing. It has given me a lot of courage and the determination to put aside any feelings of "being over dramatic" " "wasting gp's time" and I am going to insist that three weeks is a long time to wait. I actually phoned my hospital and explained what my Doctor had advised...a one or two week wait....not six !! The receptionist's reply to this ??? well it wasnt concern or care or understanding of just how frightening it is to be waiting and living with the fear.....she just laughed ! She said all GP's wanted "prompt" appointments and they just had to wait in line !!!!! I hope to god it isnt the dreaded C word......if thats the kind of care I will be receiving from my local hospital ! But thanks for your reply Jennifer.

Hello TJ

There is a fast track service to ensure suspected cancer cases are seen within two weeks. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has now published guidance on head and neck cancer services.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thank you Dr Vinod, I have an appointment to see my GP this morning and I am going to request that I be given an early hospital appointment.Many thanks for all the replies...

TJ

I am amazed at the suffering people on this site have endured over long periods of time with the most appalling side effects and am surprised that no one talks about giving up or hiving away huge doses of morphine for when it becomes unbearable. Is this because such messages would be edited or is everyone really so brave til the bitter end?
Sue

Hi again Sue. It's amazing what the human body can put up with - the mind too! Life is too precious and we all live in the hope that we can beat this thing! Regards Brenda x

Hi Sue
I too am amazed at the people on this site.
When I joined I was so depressed and thought WHY ME! but when I started reading what everyone has been through you find you are not alone and there are so many people going through the same, that it helps to bring you up I now come onto this site for advice and reassurance that what I am going through is 'NORMAL' if thats the right word,(you know what I mean) and it does help.
So hang in there Sue, we are in this together.

Love
Tracey

Hello Sue

Every one of us wishes to live, even with the pain and suffering, especially when we feel loved and cared about. Everyone here cares for one another, and that helps makes the struggle worthwhile. Messages have only been edited to read better or to correct glaring 'typos'. Only the writer can know what he/she feels and tell it as it is.

Best wishes
Vinod