Hey Carrie,
I do completely understand. I have been there too when you're struggling to work and have normal conversations when all you're desperate to do is research your symptoms or find some sort of reassurance from somewhere... Anywhere! The worry in itself is like a full time occupation! It is also completely exhausting and dominating. I really, truly feel for you.
Firstly, yes, I too have had a rebellious past :-). Please try not to worry too much. 10 years of smoking is really not a huge amount of time (especially when you compare it to people who have smoked for 60+ years and are still going strong!!). Also, tonsil cancer in itself is incredibly rare, even if you have smoked. I know this will be worrying you. But how many people do you know who smoke? And how many people do you know who have tonsil cancer?? Hopefully the difference here will be huge.
Re the GP, did they say what they are likely to do when you come back for a recheck or was it a mere "come back in two weeks if it hasn't gone away" wish washy thing? In all honesty, they will most likely refer you to an ENT consultant unless it all miraculously goes away on its own (which, as I said before, is pretty rare with chronic tonsil infections). If you've had the problem a while I would be tempted to go back sooner (just to stop you from worrying) and just say something like "I've been thinking about it and I'd like see an ENT specialist. Please can I have a referral?". Any doctor can do this for you. Just remember, and this is important, that you won't be going there for any great dose of reassurance (they are GPs- they know bits about everything - but they are not specialists). My GP knew nothing about asymmetry, tonsil stones etc etc... (and she was a very good GP don't get me wrong, but she understandably does not know everything about specialist areas; that's why they refer). So, you must go there thinking that what you hope to gain is a referral; not any great words of wisdom or cure (you can save your questions for the specialist ). So, from that point of view, why not go earlier? You'll probably feel better knowing you are being productive and are now on schedule to get some proper answers... and treatment!
Once you've done this and you're waiting for your appointment, it's time to switch off as much as you can. You don't need to do anything more then, the hard work is over, so make an effort to start reading a book, start a TV Boxset and give yourself a whole new project (mine is sorting out my wardrobe!!).
Take a deep breath and let me know how you get on. Xx