Hi,

Hello, my name is Gary. I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I was diagnosed with tonsil cancer two years ago. I had successful treatment with 6 weeks of radiotherapy and a couple of rounds of chemo. I had a stomach tube fitted for three months. Everything was going really well, then a  year ago during a check up my team found a worrying small area of concern and decided to go ahead with surgery to remove the problem. My surgeon said unfortunately this would include the removal of the accessory nerve. The node removal surgery was successful and thankfully scans since have been all clear.

This last procedure has lead to various problems with swallowing and voice problems. A camera examanation revealed one side of my throat is basically not working. I am in incredible pain and discomfort where the hard scar tissue had to be compromised again from the surgery. Everyday day I suffer the worse ear ache imaginable. I've had passing out issues because of blood supply to my head I also developed an almost permanent chronic cough. Several months ago my appetite  virtually disappeared. I lost around two stones in weight. I have no energy and often fall asleep during the day. I'm just beginning to eat soft foods again coupled with six Fortisips a day. I'm determined not to have the stomach rig again. My team are monitoring my eating.

I've been incredibly grateful and optomistic about my recovery since the news that I'm all clear, but the last three months have been physically challenging to say the least. On an emotional level, I try to keep everything in the day, but it's getting harder. I worry about the future. I'm extremely lucky to have a partner who is helping me through my recovery. God knows where I would be without her.

I'm really seeking some identification with people who have experienced anything similar to my recovery ?

Thank you