Hi All,
My names David and I'm from Manchester and am attending Christie's Hospital.I had a MRI scan on my pituitary gland and they have confirmed I have one but is benign and am being tested for cushings disease but the doctor also said they have found a thickening on my tongue and is referring me to an ENT specialist and am just waiting now.
The thing I'm dreading is if I have to have a biopsy on my tongue and do you have it awake or asleep??
It just sounds so painful and horrible!!I haven't told my family because I don't want them worrying about me.
Thanks for reading and hope somebody can offer me some advice.

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Hi David,
Welcome to the club no one wants to join! Sorry to hear of all your problems. In answer to your question regarding your biopsy, I think most biopsies are done while you are awake, but the area will be numbed so you don't feel anything. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Best wishes
Dian

My husband was treated at the Christie, he had a biopsy there and a given a general anesthetic. When he had his scan he couldn't tolerate the clostrophobic feeling so they gave in a relaxant and all went well. I think if you explain your fears before any of the procedures they will really do everything they can to make you comfortable.

You will find lots of support, advise and help on this site topped off with bucket loads of friendship but you do need the support of those around you, I would tell them if I were you.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks for your advice. I'm just really worried and am grateful for this great forum.It's nice to know we are not on your own.
My health is something I've taken for granted but it's not now!!

I omitted to add, Bill, my husband (stage IV) is now cancer free.

Hi David,

As Angiebaby said if you explain your fears they will do everything they can to make you comfortable.

I have had 2 biopsies of the tongue, both of them I was awake for, only had local anesthetic, and felt nothing on either of them. It's all over within 5 to 10 minutes and it sure is the best way to find out if there is anything lurking.

Good Luck and keep us updated.

Sue

Thanks for your reply's.Thinking about it I've had the following symptoms for ages which include:
Poor sense of taste and smell
Always feel like clearing my throuat
Ears feel like they want to pop
Not had any pain eg:earache or toothache

I really appreciate your replys and will keep you updated.
One thing I'm wondering because you always think of questions after you've seen the doctor don't you.
I saw the doctor a week last Monday and was wondering how long you think it will take for the referral to see the ENT Surgeon?

Thanks again,

David.

Hi David

My biopsy was done under local anesthetic. The biopsy itself wasn't too bad, but getting my tongue numbed seemed to take forever (strong gag reflex). I also had one biopsy done a few months post-op. That one was on the seam between my native and "store-bought" tongue sections. That was done without anesthetic because it was scar tissue and the nerves hadn't grown back yet. There was no actual pain for either one, but it stung just a little.

Please let us know how this turns out.

Julia

Anything that isn't instant seems too long but the Christie seem very efficient. One of the reasons you need support from family and friends makes the wait more bearable

Write down all the questions you can think of and take it with you the next time you go and ask away.

Hii David, sorry to hear you've had to find us. If you do have the biopsy it wont be so bad, as everyone has siad. Try to keep positive, easier said than done sometimes but I think it really helps in the long run. Hagg.

Awww thanks for your replys. I rang the hospital today and I am being referred to see Mr Birzgalis. Somebody from work went to see him a couple of years ago and said he was really nice.
I'm wondering if he may not do a tongue biopsy.One thing I am wondering is the longer it takes for them to see me the less urgent they must view it?
They have seen the MRI scan and would have thought it was that urgent they would have got it done straight away?
It's the not knowing which i'm sure everyone's been through and am just so grateful for everyone's advice and support

Thanks a million,

David.

Quick update - I have an appointment next Tuesday at Christies with Mr Birzgalis and i've been told by his secretary that he's lovely so that's made me feel better.
Will keep you posted on what he thinks the problem may be.
I'm still worried sick about it though.I've also been attending a psychiatric hospital as well amongst other things and just feel like my heads going to explode.I'm just so forgetful at the moment and it's been happening for ages.My psychiatrist has said it's due to all the stress.I'm already being investigated for cushings disease because I have tumours on my adrenal glands and pituitary gland (benign)that they think are producing excess cortisol and found the thickening on my tongue just by chance.
Anyway will let you all know how I get on on Tuesday next week.
Hope everybody else is doing fine?

Best Wishes,

David.

Hi David

I'm so glad that you got in this quickly. Don't forget to write down any questions you might have beforehand and, if possible, take someone with you to the appointment. They can write down any crucial information and ask any of the questions you might have missed.

Best of luck on Tuesday.

Julia

hi david, waiting,s the hardest part. i know exactly how your head feels, i had to talk a lot about my feelings also i had to take any medication that was offered(i hate drugs).i had claustrophobia and like you i could,nt remember things but that is more stress related and talking about things really helps. also in my case i told the docs only to tell me what i needed to know. i knew that for me too much information could blow a fuse, all the best.jimmy.

Julia - that's a good idea.You always remember things after the event so will write some questions down I want to ask.
Jimmy - thanks for your advice as well.I am so stressed at the moment which I'm sure everybody can relate to.The doctor did say I could look at the results and scan but declined.Like you said it will only add to the worry.
You guys are so thoughtful and kind

David.