Hi There,

In July 2015, my husband was diagnosed with ‘squamous Cell Carcinoma’ at the bottom of his throat and spread to one lymph mode. As it is a very common cancer , his prognosis was good and were confident that it could be dealt with by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As it was too near the voice box, they could not operate. After 30 treatments of radiotherapy and 2 bouts of chemotherapy. We were told on 8/1/2016 that the cancer was given an ALL CLEAR! What a joyous time and we were well aware that we were truly blessed. He had to go for visits and check ups, like everyone else for the next 5 years. His cough never went away, and we were told this was normal, when recovering from throat cancer. The check up still showed no cancer had returned. Then in March 2018, we noticed his cough was progressively getting a lot worse, we went back to the hospital, for an early appointment, as he thought he had something stuck in his throat. After a CT scan ( the first, since 8/1/16), they found that the neck and head cancer had spread to his lungs. At this stage, it was inoperable and terminal. The scan showed 4-5 sizeable lumps in total on both lungs, with a swollen lymph gland in the centre of his chest.

chemotherapy was given, after 9 weeks the ct scan showed the cancer was contained.  Another 9 weeks of chemotherapy, but unfortunately, after this cycle, the tumours had grown and the chemotherapy was no longer working.

Fortunately, a new drug has just come on the NHS and this was offered to my husband. This is called NIVOLUMAB. This drug builds up your own immune system fight the cancer. He has had only 2 treatments. He is not as active as he was under chemotherapy and his mobility is worse. He gets out of breath after walking a few yards.

Has anyone else heard of this treatment or is on it? I would be interested to know of your progress.

My husband didn’t want to know the outcome of his illness, ie., how long? I went along with his choice. We never talk about the future, as he can’t bear to. He says” when things start to happen, we will talk then”. I know it’s not good, but I try so hard to remain positive for him, by talking about what we will do in the future, or “when your better, we’ll go.......”. I’m scared and l feel alone. My husband and l met when we were 15yrs, married 43yrs, unfortunately I could not have children, but how l wish l had children to help us through this nightmare.