Scared for my mom );

Good morning @brookealm2 . Welcome to Connect. We’re a community that shares health experiences and help each other with support and information. But we’re not doctors. One of the best things you can do for your mom is to remain calm ( at least in her presence) and be her strong assistant. Today, you, with your mom, can start writing in a notebook. Write what she notices in her throat and how long it’s been there, does it interfere with swallowing, do certain foods bother her throat, etc. Write down her health history, medications, family health history, etc. Then write down all possible questions for the doctor. On a separate page, put the doctor’s name she will be seeing and take LOTS of notes. It’s better to have it written down than swirling all around your head!
Taking charge of yourself and the situation will really help to reduce your anxiety. Will you or a family member be able to accompany your mom tomorrow?

No, no one will be there with her. I go to school in Texas and my mom is home in Connecticut. She is going mid-day so no one will be able to accompany her. I was just hoping someone had some insight into what this could potentially be because it’s scaring me.

@brookealm2 You’re far away from your mom so I know your scared, but try not to think of the worst case scenario. It’s very hard being young and away from home and, I’ll bet exams are coming up. Do you have a doctor in Texas or a school health clinic? You might make an appointment and talk to the doctor and she what she/he suggests. Will you try that? And, let me know what they say—I worry about you

Hi @brookealm2, any update on your mom?

I had a left nodule thyroid removed on 26 November. Has your mom had fine needle aspersions (biopsy) done? Also called FNA?
Needs that find before any surgery. Do a lot of research before heading to surgery.

Research helps immensely. Knowledge replaces fear. I want to know my battles so I can arrange my armor

Yes you are right if we don’t know what we are facing it’s impossible to react. I’ve been reading and researching cancer of various kinds. Unfortunately I have not found much research or solutions-treatment my specific types of cancer
3 major surgeries since 29 July. Today I have no idea what comes next. Doctors seem to not understand what type of treatment will work so I just pray that my guardian angel guides me through

What types of cancer have you had, @nobody?

@brookealm2 Thinking and praying for you and your mom. Hoping the doctor's appointment brought some insite to either help find a good treatment option or relief by knowing how to resolve her symptoms. I really hate the unknown sometimes. It is scary - feels out of control. I hope you have some answers, a good plan, and plenty of prayers to face whatever it is during this Christmas season with your mom. ♥️

Goodmorning @brookealm2. My adult daughters rarely can accompany me to my appointments (one in Chicago and one in St. Paul with two young children, demanding job, and a an EMT-Firefighter husband.) At first, I did not want to burden them with information. Over time, I realized keeping them in the loop, even when there isn't a clear answer, helps all of us. They know what I know about the disease and treatment options.

I asked my doctor if I could record an appointment to review later on with my daughters. She was fine with that. Maybe your mom's doctor would be okay if you attended a session by phone? I think it was Becky who said knowledge is power.
Do what you need to do to take care of yourself for both your sakes. Get support, find information and maintain a curious, hopeful attitude!
Sending healing thoughts. Susan