Throat cancer

My husband has been diagnosed with throat cancer. I have no idea what type or what stage. He has been told he's had it for a long time. What does this mean.? We only noticed loss of voice in May this year. He's not had any other symptoms. He's had a biopsy and yesterday he had an operation to try to remove it. The surgeon couldn't but she's managed to clear his airways. He's been told that he will need chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He's had a scan. I feel like im just useless. I have no idea what I should be doing. Should he be on a special diet. He's never smoked he drinks in moderation about 8 units a week sometimes none. Should he stop having any alcohol? Should I try alternative medicine as well as the chemotherapy and radiotherapy? 
I feel selfish when he tells me that I don't know how he's feeling. It's true I don't. He's my world. He's in his early 60's and im just 60. We have 3 children and grandchildren. Can he see them? Can we go out? Can we go on holiday? After his treatment if yes how soon after? I have a million questions. The only problem is he doesn't want to bother the consultant. He feels dirty and that everything should be cleaned after him. 
I'm sorry for rambling on. I just feel so lost.

Mrs F

  • Thank you Hazel appreciate it all I have called to book a consult with the oncologist so that he can explain to me if it is worthwhile for him to get the chemo or is he concentrating on the after effects of the chemo as you mentioned. Your advice has given me a bit more light and reassurance . I wil keep you updated and thank you for the knowledge of this site and team .

  • Hi no worries always happy to help. One question you can ask is is your dad h p v positive as well plus what's the tumour staging. 
    I was T2N2NM which meant tumour size 2-4 cn nodes 2 mm no metastasis spread to other organs h p v 16 positive. If you get chance let us kniw the outcome. 
    regards Hazel