I noticed what started as a pea sized lump just in front of my ear some time ago. Now I'd say it's more the size of a quarter. My advice is, if you notice anything abnormal... don't do like I did and avoid the doctor, just go. It took disturbances in my hearing and every day pains and aches for me to make an appointment. Long story short, I was referred to an ENT, lab tests were done, and I was diagnosed with a parotid tumor.
A biopsy determined it is a pleomorphic adenoma, which is benign but does have the potential to become cancerous if it isn't removed, so surgery will happen, hopefully within this year.
The surgery has a few risks, of which the most terrifying is facial paralysis if a nerve is severed, and the reoccurrence rate is high if the tumor isn't removed in its entirety.

It's been a stressful few months and I'm sure there are more stressful moments ahead of me but in the midst of it all I'm doing my best to stay positive. Half of my costs are due before I can have the surgery done, so here I am, asking for help on one of these accounts like I said I never would. I know everyone has their own costs of life to worry about so I don't expect much, if anything, from this, but any amount helps.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you are able to donate, words cannot express how grateful I am.