Hi

I am not sure what the normal procedures would be but assuming that the ENT appointment is correct it could well be that you could be due referral to haematology as well (my husband had all sorts of tests, scans etc for his particulary illness).  I think a quick call back to your GP might be best to ensure you have everything  you need to do in place.  All the best Jules54

Thanks Jules54.

I have to have a core biopsy too. Not looking forward to that, the fine needle version was tough enough. The area is very sore in general. 

Hi

The waiting around for all these appointments must be so difficult and hard to switch off your thoughts. Hope the soreness starts to settle down soon. Did they give you anything for pain relief? When my husband had his  biopsy ( around his lung area) he was uncomfortable for a few days but was still working at the time   and I think he was grateful for something to do. Hope all goes as well as it can at your next appointent and that your GP can answer your questions. Regards Jules  

Is rang the ENT's Secretary yesterday as she had been so helpful the day before. She said she had thought it strange I was being referred to them as I already had a diagnosis. So she spoke to the consultant and he then ordered the core biopsy and wrote up to haematology, to let them know about me. Apparently I am still to go to the ENT clinic but I'll be seeing one of the Drs not the consultant. and hopefully haematology will get in touch soon and we can get the ball rolling. 

Feels a little as though this two week wait has been a waste of time. 

Doesn't help that I can feel the lumps on my neck getting bigger and there being more of the noticeable ones too. I'm just popping ibuprofen for the pain, which I know is uncharacteristic for HL, but I think it's where the lumps are pressing on nerves etc . 

How annoying that somewhere or someone along the line has caused this delay/confusion at such a difficult time for you.  Sincerely hope that now they have started the ball rolling it will go fast in the right direction and you can move forward and begin any necessary treatment plans.  Wishing you all the very best of outcomes.Jules

I think this sort of thing isn't unusual, you're not alone in being messed about over appointments Perhaps ENT will have something helpful to say

.I'm sorry you had a bad experience of fine needle aspiration, for me they're not as bad as being injected with anaesthetic at the dentist. I've hdf a core biopsy too - it probably won't help to say that I didn't mind that either!  Really, it's a small procedure. I had one done in my face, by a very senior & very grand facial surgeon. He sewed two tiny stiches, beautifully of course.  It did bleed a bit so I left with three sticking plasters, but I felt fine & it didn't hurt. It does take a bit longer than FNA.  I found it interesting - but probably I'm alone in finding core biopsy interesting.. I hope it goes well. Please keep on posting.

Did you have a local anaesthetic? This is my biggest concern at the moment. :) 

No, I didn;t but I didn't need one.  The tumour was painless & I only felt slight pressure. You could ask for an anaesthetic.  I'm sure they'd do it.  I think an injection would be worse than the biopsy but I don't like injections.

The lump I think they'll go for is now pretty much painless too. Maybe it'll be ok then. Last timme it was all very sore before they ever started. 

I think there is an anaesthetic gel, used on children, & perhaps on big wimps who don't like injections!. It didn't occur to me to ask for an anaesthetic, I was quite relieved to have the biopsy so I didn't care.They do it very carefully & I doubt that you'll know much about it. The result could be very interesting so think that it will be worth it..