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T4 right base of tongue extending to epiglottis

joanie1944
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hello  this is my 1st posting on this forum although i have been reading posts similar to my title.  

My son is 50 and was diagnosed in november 2018 with stage iv throat cancer...he has had 6 week radiotherapy treatment which ended on boxing day....we had hoped that the radiotherapy would have killed off the tumour but my son is still experiencing a lot of pain and cant swallow at all...his breath smells badly...he is not married and does not have a carer only a good male friend who makes sure he puts his milks into his PEG...my son weighs only 135 lbs...and he used to be 18 stone. it is painful watching your child go through this awful disease. The consultant says that because of my sons weight it is not viable for an operation...i dont know what to do...i am at my wits end..at the moment we are waiting for another PET scan to see if tumour has shrunk...but i wonder if there is anyone out there who can advise me or tell me if they have had similar experience and how they overcame it...thank you  joan

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat forum Joan although I'm sorry to read about your son.

    I've had a look through the forum and wanted to put you in touch with [@MO60]‍. She was recently diagnoseed with stage 3 throat cancer in the cartilage of the epiglottis so will understand what you and your son are going through at the moment and will hopefully pop by for a chat when she can. 

    Although MO60 isn't able to have radiotherapy just yet there are many throat cancer members that have and you can find their chat just here. They're a very supportive and welcoming group so don't be afraid of joining in as they'll do what they can to help.

    I'll have my fingers crossed the PET scan will show the tumour has shrunk Joan.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Joan

    I am Mo recently diagnosed with T3 throat cancer of the epiglottis.  Am about to start treatment with Trans Oral Resection next Wednesday.  Originally they booked me in for 23rd May but this was cancelled due to CT scan showing possible Second site on my right lung so had to have a PET scan and wait for lung team to check it before they could re-arrange.  All I have been told is they are not overly concerned? but want to see another scan in about 3 months.  Therefore I have chosen to ignore this for now, so my journey into the unknown is very new.  So probably not the best person to advise you.

    What op do they want to do? if he is strong enough.  It seems a long time since last November to get where you are today.  What hospital are you under as this seems to make a lot of difference to the treatment plans.  Does your son have a cancer nurse that you can all talk to and chase up consultants. 

    Sorry I am not a lot of help but you both have my very best wishes and my advice is to chase up the hospital for some sort of plan or further diagnosis.  

    Feel free to chat or vent anytime

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