Put on two week pathway - possible oral cancer

[ComputerSciMum]

I've just returned from a GP appointment as I've had throat and ear pain for a couple of months, ulcers that don't seem to be healing and I've lost about a stone in weight (I wasn't big to start with).

I restarted smoking after my divorce 5 years ago and probably drinking more than is good for me when I'm home alone, mainly due to loneliness. This has been a wake up call and I've resolved to stop both immediately.

By the time I got home from the GP the hospital appointment had already come through for next week.

I'm terrified. My mum passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly late last year and whilst my sons are late teens (one lives mostly with his Dad, the other is at University), I don't think they'd cope if anything happened.

What happens at the hospital referral? How long is it before you get results? I'm assuming it's an outpatient thing and I'll be in and out within a few hours. I have a dog who needs looking after.

My uncle aged 71 was put on 2 week pathway with symptoms of bladder cancer.

With his symptoms it could have been lots of other things but GP did the right thing and referred him for 2 week referral.

It was cancer and he had surgery a few weeks ago and has been given the all-clear since then.

Edit - lifelong smoker and moderate drinker.

Thanks for your reply

I guess I always took the 'it'll never happen to me' approach.

I can't tell family until I know anything certain of what I'm looking at as I don't want to worry them. Youngest DS is autistic.

It’s good you’re getting it checked out. It sounds like this could be the wake up call you need. If it’s cancer, you obviously need to stop the drinking and smoking. If it’s not, you’ve been given a chance to sort things out so that you get your health back on track. We only get one body and one life. You have to take care of it. And now you have a wake up call to do just that.

To answer your questions, I don’t have oral cancer, so I don’t know exactly what the process would be. But I expect you would be seen so they could get a good look at what’s going on. They may take some pictures of anything that can be easily photographed. They will need to biopsy one or more of the sores. I would think that would be arranged for a separate appointment. You might need to have someone drive you, if you need anaesthetic. The biopsy results take probably 4-8 weeks to come back, depending on how busy they are and how urgent.

Thanks @mindutopia

It's all a lot to take in. I guess I'll find out more tomorrow but they've said I need to make myself available for multiple appointments over the next 2 weeks.

How are you getting on with everything?

@Kipperandarthur thank you for checking in. It's been a roller-coaster of a week.

"D"P decided that now was the time to start a massive argument the night after my initial appointment, which really wasn't needed.

However, they had an initial look and said they didn't think it was anything serious, but have taken bloods for testing and I've got to have an MRI scan in the next 4 weeks so they can get a better idea what's going on (and to rule out anything more serious).

I've been put on a strict diet (not weight-loss), but hopefully to control symptoms which includes no caffeine, alcohol and various other foods and drinks.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing to worry about and keeping positive at the minute.

I have another appointment with the consultant once the MRI and blood tests come back and they have a more definitive idea what we're dealing with.

I will be wishing you well and good luck with it all.

I had a tongue biopsy two and a half weeks ago and am going for the results with the consultant this afternoon. Am very nervous.

@ComputerSciMum how's everything going xx

@ComputerSciMum and @Kipperandarthur I hope you're both ok? ❤️

Hi

Thanks for asking. I had an MRI scan and have been given the all clear. It has given me an opportunity to reassess things though and to make some big changes.

I don't want to be in that situation again!

That's fantastic news. Yes it's a wake up call.

That's great news. Not the kick up the backside you want but definitely the one you need! I need one too.