Angry snow Gods

Mtngirl7533
Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I have previous posts in this forum and so appreciate all responses I've received! I have been waiting for almost 7 weeks to see an ENT for suspected nasal cancer. I am 2 days away finally but just found out there is a major Nor'Easter headed my way Sun throughout Monday! I live in a rural area aprox. 18 mi. or so from the Hospital where I would be seen by ENT! I can only pray the storm will head more out to sea then inland. And Yes, we just went through one yesterday:P My heart is sinking! The anxiety of waiting and worrying has got to me. Tears shed:( What I would really like to know is there anyone out there who has any indication about the rate of growth of sinonasal tumors? If I do in fact have this disease, and all indications are pointing that way! If I have to re-schedule, through no fault of my own, does this cancer grow rapidly or generally more slowly? Will 2-3 wks more make much of a difference? I was diagnosed with dysfunctional turbinate and slightly deviated septum 2 yrs ago by a different ENT. He prescribed Flonase. CT scan without contrast was clear 2 yrs ago. So whatever has changed has apparently changed over the last 2 yrs. Any and all comments, experiences would be greatly appreciated. Symptoms are, blocked nasal passage, bleeding, frequent headaches, hoarseness, fatigue (related or unrelated), pain in between and above eyes, pain in left side of nose. Feeling of (junk) in my throat, throat clearing. Doctor mentioned erosion and referred me to ENT. I personally, after much research, suspect maybe squamous cell cancer. I do know the drill, it isn't cncer until they say it's cancer but can't shake the feeling that this is real. So much interested in finding anyone who has dealt with nasal cancer and how long they had it before they were diagnosed. Or any info on the rate of growth, spread, ect. Does it tend to grow slowly? Thank you so very much in advance. Btw, if it's still possible to get there Monday without risking life or limb, I will still be going.

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
    waiting

    Mtngirl7533,

    The cancer (if cancer) grows much slower than anxiety.  I know that is not much comfort, but it truly isn’t cancer until it has been confirmed.  Most all of us have been in your shoes, to some extent.  Only after a confirmed biopsy, did I believe it to be cancer and a positive biopsy is what you may require to confirm, but we always hope for “no cancer”.

    I had no pain whatsoever so all your symptoms are different from mine.

    Chances are, if cancer, the rate of growth will not increase substantially over the coming months and you will (if needed) have plenty of time for your team to plan a kick a _ _  treatment.

    I prefer to steer you away from the bad because you don’t know anything yet.  There will plenty of time to make plans moving forward after you know what the heck it is.

    Enjoy the weather (yikes).

    Matt

  • Mtngirl7533
    Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
    #3
    CivilMatt said:

    waiting

    Mtngirl7533,

    The cancer (if cancer) grows much slower than anxiety.  I know that is not much comfort, but it truly isn’t cancer until it has been confirmed.  Most all of us have been in your shoes, to some extent.  Only after a confirmed biopsy, did I believe it to be cancer and a positive biopsy is what you may require to confirm, but we always hope for “no cancer”.

    I had no pain whatsoever so all your symptoms are different from mine.

    Chances are, if cancer, the rate of growth will not increase substantially over the coming months and you will (if needed) have plenty of time for your team to plan a kick a _ _  treatment.

    I prefer to steer you away from the bad because you don’t know anything yet.  There will plenty of time to make plans moving forward after you know what the heck it is.

    Enjoy the weather (yikes).

    Matt

    Thank you Matt!

    I appreciate your comment as I know you folks have experience with head and neck cancers, unfortunately, that is. I forgot to mention under symptoms that I have some type of lesion and when the Doc looked up the nose he looked concerned and mentioned erosion. But yes, it isn't cancer until they say it is for sure. And I would never want nor wish cancer on anyone! It's a terrible disease, have lost many friends and some family:( I do appreciate your insights and you responded before when I posted 2 yrs ago, pretty much in the same dilemma! Unfortunately now, the symptoms aren't looking good. I do derive some comfort knowing at least some time, isn't going to change much. Trust that living up here, I am quite adept at driving in snow, ice but this one will make roads impassable without a snowmobile or state plow:p I have been keeping all of this too myself until I know what I'm dealing with and because I don't want to alarm my loved ones! If the storm comes and I can't make it, I will take some comfort knowing it won't change the outcome that much! Thank you again and God bless!

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    Matt is right....

    Anxiety grows waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay faster than this type of cancer!!!  I found the knot on my neck in December, 2012....but the time the Family Practicioners had fiddled around with it, with antibiotics etc....it was mid February....and THEN they referred me to an ENT.  I wasn't able to get into him till the first week of March....There was very little difference in the cancer, but the anxiety quotient had hit the roof. 

    You've been waiting and waiting and waiting....and this snow storm is the pits.....I have a feeling (if your weatherman is as bad as ours was for this storm) that they are being drama queens.  Ours said we were going to have 2 to 3 feet of snow....14 inches is what fell...and that was rearranged by the wind.  I think you're going to make it to this appointment....I really do!!!

    p

  • Mtngirl7533
    Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
    #5
    You have been so gracious and

    You have been so gracious and such a comfort phrannie51! As of today they are still saying 1-2 ft. We just had a storm yesterday that dropped almost a ft in my area of Central ME. Not that we aren't used to it but supposed to move in Sunday PM and rage throughout Monday. I am due @ the hospital 9AM Monday. This one will have winds in excess of 50 mi. or more with gusts. Definite blizzard:p Of course, I hope they are wrong. I feel it's just my luck to finally get to the day and there's a damn blizzard! I am not feeling sorry for myself but between the symptoms and look on my Doctor's face, I know something is very wrong and I want answers. If there is no way I can make it, I will call & re-schedule as well as be put on a cancellation list. When I get back to my job at the school I will tell my Supervisor that if they call me in, I'm going! I appreciate you sharing your experience with me and Matt as well! At least after a good cry, I feel a little better knowing it may just be some more time before I get answers but probably won't make much difference in terms of outcome. The snow Gods are very angry this month and getting hit one after the other! Thank you so much and God bless!

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #6
    Mntngirl

    I know how the fear of the unknown can play games with you. Would driving to a hotel before the storm be a possibility? You said your going to a hospital, you could always contact the main facility and they may have some suggestions. My hospital had places I could stay if the weather was looking bad and even had staff to help patients in situations like yours with appointments. Just my $.03 (inflation)

          Jeff

  • macmanrick
    macmanrick Member Posts: 16
    #7
    Concerned

    I was in a similar situation.  I was diagnosed with squamos cell cancer in the nasal cavity early in Nov. of 2016.  I could not get surgery scheduled unitll after Thanksgiving.  I told my surgeon I was very concerned about growth and spread, he stopped me, looked me straight in the eye and told me that if he had any concern it could spread he would schedule sugery tommorow.  I know you are scared, but have faith.  Follow through as quick as you can to calm yourself, but have no fear of a short delay.  You will get through it.

  • hrowe
    hrowe Member Posts: 57
    #8
    I had SCC near my Epliglottis

    I had SCC near my Epliglottis that probably started a few years before (since I had trouble swallowing which I thought was GERDS)  it hit my left neck lymph nodes. It is usually VERY slow growing.

  • Mtngirl7533
    Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
    #9
    Duggie88 said:

    Mntngirl

    I know how the fear of the unknown can play games with you. Would driving to a hotel before the storm be a possibility? You said your going to a hospital, you could always contact the main facility and they may have some suggestions. My hospital had places I could stay if the weather was looking bad and even had staff to help patients in situations like yours with appointments. Just my $.03 (inflation)

          Jeff

    Great thought!

    This was a great suggestion! As I have been mulling over my options this did come to mind! My biggest worry was getting back here to my home in the rural area as power outages are predicted! If we are offline, I have to run the kerosene heater's to keep pipes from freezing and keep my pets warm! This is what I did to survive back in the ice storm of 98! I was without power for 8 days but was on of the lucky ones, some were wks and months! I literally just got a voicemail from the ENT office saying all appointments are being cancelled and they will call Tues to re schedule! Our entire state is shutting down which is very unusual! Haven't seen that since the ice storm in fact! Not to this effect! Anyways thank you so much for taking the time to post! It is greatly appreciated! God bless!

  • Mtngirl7533
    Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
    #10
    macmanrick said:

    Concerned

    I was in a similar situation.  I was diagnosed with squamos cell cancer in the nasal cavity early in Nov. of 2016.  I could not get surgery scheduled unitll after Thanksgiving.  I told my surgeon I was very concerned about growth and spread, he stopped me, looked me straight in the eye and told me that if he had any concern it could spread he would schedule sugery tommorow.  I know you are scared, but have faith.  Follow through as quick as you can to calm yourself, but have no fear of a short delay.  You will get through it.

    Some relief!

    Thank you so mcub for sharing that! It really helps give me some peace of mind, believe me! I have searched the internet but getting mixed messages regarding this! ENT office just cancelled all apps due to blizzard! Thy will reschedule ppl Tues! I am going to do my best to get in as fast as I can but feel some comfort f on your post! Again thank you and God bless!

     

  • Mtngirl7533
    Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
    edited February 2017 #11
    Thank you!

    Thank you very much for sharing! As I posted above I haven't found any reputable info regarding growth rate! I so appreciate everyone who took the time to comment! Fantastic support group! Until I get a definitive diagnosis I am hoping for the best but will continue to prepare for the worst just in case! My symptoms and gut instincts tell me to! God bless!

  • Mtngirl7533
    Mtngirl7533 Member Posts: 85
    edited February 2017 #12
    ENT appt.

    After having my ENT appt. cancelled due to the blizzard I have been rescheduled. Much to my surprise, they are taking me in this Thursday @ 2PM! Originally I was told that if I rescheduled it could be another 6 wks or so! We had 24 in. dropped in our area and ironically have another storm moving in tomorrow through midday Thurs! The upside is, it should wind down before the appt. Although it could bring another foot of snow it won't be as bad as the blizzard! I am relieved they won't make me wait 6 wks:p Thank you to everyone who responded, msg and has been so helpful and kind! I will check back in when I know more! God bless!

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