Hello there

I am sorry to hear about the treatment you needed for tonsil cancer and the late side effects you are now experiencing.

I appreciate how debilitating this must be for you and the fact that the surgeon cannot do anything to help must be so disappointing, but you could explore a second opinion from a different consultant. Read more about this here.

As I say I would encourage you to go back to your own GP to talk through the possibility of being seen by a different specialist to be re-assessed and all the options to be looked into.

It must be painful and a real struggle to eat and get enough calories in so do try and eat little and often including the complan or other nutritional supplemented drinks to make sure you are getting all the calories and energy that your body requires. You could also ask your doctor about a referral to a dietician or a physiotherapist and about artificial saliva lozenges, sprays or mouthwashes to see if they can help.

I hope this is of some help to you but do get back if we can help any further. Our helpline number is 0808 800 4040 and the nurses are here Mon-Fri 9-5.

All the best

Naomi