To ask if anyone can hand hold after this consultants letter please

[Somethingsosimple]

My DF had skin cancer 3 years ago (squamous cell). A month ago he spotted a large lump in his neck. It’s been biopsied and he has now had a PET scan and waiting for results. The consultant has sent my DF a copy of the letter he has sent to his GP. It states the FNA reported high grade carcinoma and unfortunately the the FNA isn’t specific as to whether it is squamous cell or a salivary gland tumour. The lesion is fully mobile.
When the radiographer was doing the biopsy he said he didn’t think it was in the salivary gland but possibly lymphoma.
My parents are obviously devastated but I’m trying to keep positive. Is there any chance from this description it could be lymphoma it seems a preferable diagnosis right now.

Sorry for rambling but I have no one to talk to right now .

Bumping for you in case someone with more knowledge than me spots your OP.

I don’t have anything to offer but my hand to hold.

Hand holding. I can't offer much advice and sending positive vibes. X

I don't have any advice but i hope it is positive news for you .

Handhold and was the letter the first you knew of the results? Sorry this was so tactlessly communicated to you all if so.

Hand hold and a hug from me x

I can't advise what this is, but if it is cancerous then I do hope of all the outcomes it is a Lymphoma, and Non-Hodgkins at that. My DH is currently undergoing chemo for NHL and was told this is the easiest type of tumour to treat in the neck/throat area.

How much longer do you have to wait for the results OP? It must seem like an eternity waiting for the news, so offering out my hand to hold. I hope you get the best news you can have .

Make an appointment for parents with gp now or get on the phone to the secretary of the consultant. You all deserve clarification

Have a hand hold from me too. Sorry I can't be much help.

I agree, call consultants secretary. IME they are incredibly helpful and very used to dealing with worried patients who receive incomprehensible letters. The radiographer probably shouldn't have said anything unless they were a consultant themselves as it does need a full review to determine diagnosis. ( speaking as someone who had lymphoma, who's DD also had lymphoma and I've had skin cancer too).

How horrible to hear this through a letter. I'd get your parents to ring the department and find out when he will be seen.

This information shouldn't have been sent in a letter. I suggest that your DF calls the consultant secretary and asks for a member of the consultant's team to call him back. Otherwise PALs is an option, bit necessarily to complain, but because they are very useful in liaising and making contact with the relevant team.

Thanks so much for all your replies. He is due back to see consultant on Tuesday.@TixieLix@Sooverthemill can I ask how your husband / you were diagnosed please.

Join the MacMillan cancer page, you’ll find others that have been where your father is today and can reassure you and give you sound advice and a hand hold.
When I had breast cancer I did this and so many virtual strangers became my rocks and kept me sane.
Wishing your father all the very best. X

@somethingsosimple, my husband was having trouble swallowing certain foods. GP referred him to a London hospital on the NHS but the appointment, which was around two weeks later, was a disaster as the clinic was oversubscribed and they told him to return the following week! Fortunately I have private health care through my company so got him referred to a private hospital a week later. DH had a biopsy and MRI scan and a week later was told it was NHL. The lump is on the base of his tongue and extends into his throat, hence why he was having trouble swallowing. We too have seen copies of letters sent to DH's GP and I agree they can be worrisome and leave you with lots of questions.

somethingsosimple I as diagnosed after GP appointment with a variety of methods, initially blood tests ( through the roof), chest x Ray both via GP. Then extremely fast I had a biopsy ( they phoned down while I was having x Ray and asked me to go up for it, I assume because they saw the mass in my chest) and I had biopsy of enlarged lymph node then a bone marrow biopsy. Then a PET and CT scan. Saw GP on the Friday had bloods and x Ray Monday and biopsy Monday. Bone marrow Friday and in to Consultant at major hospital following Thursday with many apologies for huge wait! Tbh it felt like I was on a roller coaster. Treatment started 2 weeks later to allow school term to end and my kids to be sent away with family for holiday. I had stage 2B

DD ( age 18) was diagnosed by a combination of incredibly on the ball GP ( different one, we had moved) who noticed a trend in her blood tests ( she has a chronic illness and has bloods every 6 weeks) and sought advice. We then noticed enlarged lymph node and a hacking cough. Biopsy at baby hospital at which we were told by radiographer and consultants that there was no way she had lymphoma. 1 week later full biopsy came back showing lymphoma. 1 week later in major teaching hospital having PET and new biopsy and told she had stage 4b bulky lymphoma and they needed to start treatment that day. It was very very fast because young people have fast metabolism and cancer very aggressive. I thank god we spotted it to be honest I think we could so easily have missed it because she is so ill anyway . Treatment was very very aggressive. She was in hospital almost 4 months with some days at home or in a smaller hospital because she was so ill. She no longer has lymphoma. I'm 7 years and she is 18 months clear

Definitely if you feel you need support MacMillan is brilliant as is bloodwise. And the cancer thread on here got me through my darkest days and gave me genuine friendships which I needed, people who understand your very real fears because they've had them too

You are bound to worry. It's scary stuff. But please get proper nhs help. If it is cancer, the specialist nurses are sooooooo good

I haven't got any advice but just wanted to say I'm thinking of you