Throat Problem

OK, so I quit smoking again after trying off and on for a number of years, but this time I've hopefully cracked it.

Thing is, I've had a throat pain for a couple of months along with some hoarseness, tiredness and loss of appetite - although I haven't lost weight.

So, today I went to the docs and I've been fast tracked to see the ear,nose,throat specialist to check for throat cancer - which is pretty scary, but I'll be seen within 2 weeks.

I've also got to have blood tests for thyroid problems - I have been taking corticosteroids for a number of years.

It could be many things that are causing the symptoms, but obviously, as soon as I heard the word cancer, that is what stuck in my mind.

The survival rate is about 80 - 85% for early stage cancer, and most fatalities are older people - I am 41, so even if it is cancer I rate my chances pretty well.

The main problem at the moment, is psychological - I can't get that horrible word out of my head.
That's all I can think about, even though the likelihood is that it's something else.

It's a truly horrible place to be - but in a couple of weeks or so, I'll know, one way or another and then I can concentrate on fighting whatever it is.

In the meantime, it's kind of a slow torture, playing on my mind and eating away at me - and it's only the first day of waiting.

The thoughts of mortality are something that we all think about, but if the worst happens and I do have cancer, it's going to be different than the usual intellectual exercise.

I have a good support network, and a strong family, girlfriend, and friends, and I hope that it ends up to be something rather trivial in comparison to the worst case scenario.

I suppose I'll just have to wait and see, and keep my fingers crossed hoping for the best.

When I know, I'll post and let whoever is interested know as well.

Until then, wish me luck

I hope you don't have it. Please let us know what the outcome is.
Cancer can be defeated.
Thanks,
TT

When I quit smoking December 31, 2008 I developed a sore throat.

It took a couple of months for it to finally go away.

I use Advair and another inhaler and if I don't drink enough liquid after using the inhalers my throat will get sore.

Please do keep us informed.

Well after having various things poked into my mouth and camera's shoved up my nose and down my throat it appears I don't have throat cancer.

I have a growth (polyp?) which looks benign, and should "slice right off"

I may also have a thyroid problem - but hey, that's better than the Big C

Blood results back on friday for thyroid and other stuff, so we'll see.

Thanks for your support

reply to post by budski


Man, I'm glad to hear your ok and it's not the big C.

I smoke like a fish in a frying pan and I don't think I'll ever quit so hearing your first post scared me for a lil bit.

reply to post by Izarith


I smoked for over 20 years - and that's when the threshold is, the 20 year mark.

That's when real damage starts to get done.

Anyway, I've got to go into hospital for more tests even though the ENT man said I was all clear.

They haven't told me what they're looking for yet, but I hope it's nothing seriious.

reply to post by budski


Don't worry about it man, you will be fine.

Remember once you quite smoking you begin making a 100% recovery of all the damage you have done, so your good.

So happy to hear it isn't cancer.

Hope all your tests come out good also.