Hi Rob and thanks for posting,

It sounds like you are having a worrying time at the moment. 

Some people find it really useful to write questions down before they have their appointment so they don't forget anything they wanted to ask.  There is some information from the NHS about what to ask your doctor here. 

It can also be helpful to have someone with you at your appointment if you would like to, and if the hospital are allowing friends and relatives in to outpatient appointments. You will be given lots of information by your healthcare team, and some people like having someone else there who can write things down or ask questions you might have missed.

It sounds as though you had an urgent referral.  It can be unsettling when we have lots of tests carried out in a short time, but try to remember that when this happens more often than not it is not cancer, although it does need to be ruled out.

I hope this is helpful but please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Rachel

Hi Rachel,

Thank you so much for your reply. I feel somewhat calmer.

The link you put on is a good reminder of what I need to ask / do during next appt when my mind inevitabaly goes blank. 

Just the waiting to do now

Thanks again

Rob

Hi Rachel

Have now been diagnosed with pharangeal cancer. Next step is to meet with consultant to discuss a treatment plan.

Do you have any further advice on what to ask - I have started a list but feel I could do with a bit of help here

Thanks

Rob

Hello there Rob and thanks for getting back to us

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and appreciate you wishing to know as much as possible about your situation.

I'm not sure what questions you have prepared for your appointment but usually questions such as what stage the cancer is at, and what is the best treatment is are good starting points.

These questions will usually will be covered by the team involved in your care anyway but you may also wish to ask about how treatment may affect you day to day , side effects and the length of time you may need to take off from your work or other responsibilities.

Times like these can be rather overwhelming so try and take every day as it comes for now. I hope you have the support of family and friends to help you through but remember you are welcome to post here anytime or alternatively give the nurses a call on 0808 800 4040 to talk things through. We're here weekdays 9-5.

Wishing you all the best

Naomi

I am 2 months post RT & Chemo and feel generally pretty good. Saliva glands are not working but otherwise all good.

My concerns now are that I have pretty permanent tinnitus on one ear and my lymph nodes are tender on the same side as the cancer. Does anybody have experience on how long the tenderness takes to subside?

Hello Robiv72 and thanks for getting back to us, 

I am sorry to hear about the tinnitus and hope it improves as time goes by. With regard to the tenderness, I am not sure exactly how much longer it will take to settle, I expect it varies but another month might make a difference. You have probably asked your hospital team already, but if not do find out what they think - they see lots of people going through this type of treatment and might be able to tell you the average recovery time and the range on either side. I hope someone else posts and shares their experiences. 

Give us a call if you ever want to talk something through, our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays 9-5.

Wishing you the best, 

Julia