I hope your appointment went well in January.
I had a parotid gland removed due to the high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma tumor. The surgery was successful, but it was intense, a 6 hour surgery unfortunately I had to have the main facial nerve removed as well, the cancer was attached to the nerve as well. I have permanent facial paralysis. The surgery was 8 years ago. I had pain in my left jaw area. It was very painful and I had a hard time opening my mouth to talk or eat. I went to the after hours clinic and they thought a tooth abscess. I did have an abscess and had it cleaned out, but still the pain remained on my left jaw area. They finally did a ct scan and found the tumor. Don't ignore pain or lumps, they get more expensive when you ignore them. There is always help out there. Your life is important. Ask questions and never stop researching. Be your advocate.