Hi Jen,
My partner is currently half way through chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a tumours at the base of his tongue, which has spread to nearby lymph nodes. 
He was referred with lump in his neck, had not been unwell and had no symptoms whatsoever. 
After examining his neck, the consultant the put a small camera up his nose to have a look at the back of his throat. He then told us that he could see a large tumour at the base of the tongue. This was a real shock for us, he then sent my partner off for a lot of scans, X-rays, tests etc.

From experience, I would say that they know what they are looking at. However, until results come back try not to think of the worse. I know this is difficult, we were given two scenarios:

1.The tumour at the base of the tongue could be a primary and the ones in the lymph nodes were a secondary.
2. It was a HPV cancer, which is common and treatable.

We had the best out come as it is HPV, he is receiving very aggressive treatment and it's not an easy ride.

Trust the medical professionals, it's what they do.

On a more positive not, I really hope that your mum's illness isn't cancer and that it can be sorted for her.

Sending you love and best wishes.

Shellb

xXx

Hi Shelb 

Thanks for your message, I am very sorry to hear your husbands story- but pleased it turned out to be HPV and he is getting treatment to beat it. I am sure it's an unbelievably hard time for you and your family, I hope things go well.

I think both mum and I were just taken by surprise- I was expecting for the consultant to say it could be cancer but that it also could be other things and that only a biopsy would confirm. It wrong footed me a little that he thought it was certainly cancer and started discussing treatments. Like you say you have to trust these guys as the experts, and I am sure he knows better than anyone what these lumps look like. I suppose I am just clinging on to any hope that it might be something other than what he thinks.

Thanks again for your lovely message and sending all my best wishes,

love Jen xx

Hi Jen,

Like you and your mum, we were just floored by what we were hearing, we really thought it was a cyst or something simple! Hope everything goes well for you both and that it is sorted ASAP! Please keep me updated.

Love

Shellb

xXx

Hi 

That's about the same that happened to me after max fax doctor looking at my lump under the tongue and feeling my neck. I'm glad he was on the ball and got all the tests organised quickly. I had surgery four weeks after biopsy all very fast.

Hi 
 

Really sorry to hear you had a similar experience but it's reassuring to know how fast they move.

I hope your doing well and on the road to recovery. We have the next appointment with the consultant and staying positive for what comes next.

J

Hi [@Jen1684]‍ 

I'm sound as a pound thank you. I had surgery and radiotherapy no chemo and am back at work now after six months off.

You'll know more when you see your consultant and get the TNM and other results.

Highly treatable keep positive