Life after stage 1 tongue cancer 30yrs old

Hi, 

I wonder if there are any other people on here in a similar situation to me. I was diagnosed with Tongue cancer (HPV neg) just over a month ago and in that time have had the tumor removed and part of my tongue reconstructed, as well as neck dissection. Fortunately my cancer was T1N0M0 and I don't require any further treatment. Whilst i'm hugely relieved at this news, it has been a lot to process. I was anxious before this but am now struggling to get my thoughts back on track. I am worrying about whether I can (or should) continue to have a few glasses of wine a week? Is it safe to start a family? How will I learn to live with the uncertainity of whether cancer will come back or a new cancer forming? They don't know why I got this cancer, I had no risk factors and in some ways this makes it harder for me to accept. Even writing this I feel guilty as I know I am incredibly lucky to have the diagnosis I have. 

Would be great to hear from anyone is a similar situation. 

Parents
  • Hi Mia

    I'm Ian (Anchor 1707) as mentioned by moderator and thought I would respond to try and help.

    I had tonsil cancer a couple years ago and after treatment and recovery I feel great and to be honest dont really give it a second thought now or look backwards.
    In my opinion you should live your life as you see fit and dont see any harm whatsoever of having a few glasses of wine a week and nor would there be any reason not to start a family if you wished.

    The fact you dont need anymore treatment is a positive state of affairs and you should really try to lead your life as normal now. you have had a little blip and the cure rates for our types of cancer means just that - cure and no reason to worry further if its going to come back as its been removed.

    Please dont feel guilty about anything at all. You have already been though treatment and are now worried about future.
    I cant speak for all but there are so many good news stories here with these types of cancer and the statistical rates of permanent cure are really high. I was told that from my consultant at the get go that he was aiming to cure and Ive remained positive since and lead a normal healthy life and dont have one worry at all in my head about it.

    You are still really young and in my own view you should live your life to the fullest and enjoy it as much as you care to.

    I hope this helps a little but please fel free to ask any questions or if you want to friend and chat, happy to do so if you feel it would help.

    Kind regards
    Ian

Reply
  • Hi Mia

    I'm Ian (Anchor 1707) as mentioned by moderator and thought I would respond to try and help.

    I had tonsil cancer a couple years ago and after treatment and recovery I feel great and to be honest dont really give it a second thought now or look backwards.
    In my opinion you should live your life as you see fit and dont see any harm whatsoever of having a few glasses of wine a week and nor would there be any reason not to start a family if you wished.

    The fact you dont need anymore treatment is a positive state of affairs and you should really try to lead your life as normal now. you have had a little blip and the cure rates for our types of cancer means just that - cure and no reason to worry further if its going to come back as its been removed.

    Please dont feel guilty about anything at all. You have already been though treatment and are now worried about future.
    I cant speak for all but there are so many good news stories here with these types of cancer and the statistical rates of permanent cure are really high. I was told that from my consultant at the get go that he was aiming to cure and Ive remained positive since and lead a normal healthy life and dont have one worry at all in my head about it.

    You are still really young and in my own view you should live your life to the fullest and enjoy it as much as you care to.

    I hope this helps a little but please fel free to ask any questions or if you want to friend and chat, happy to do so if you feel it would help.

    Kind regards
    Ian

Children
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