Head and neck cancer - 18 months on, things are very tough. Is there anyone out there like me?

I am actually 18 months post treatment. I had 8 weeks of Chemo/RT and surgery.  Wordsc cannot ever explain what it was like.  I still cannot eat. Have no salivary glands or taste at all. I spend hours a day on a pump.  I am so low, so fed up I just dontvknow what to with myself.  Food is such a intrinsic part of our lives and that has been removed. I retired due to the Cancer, so treatment followed by retirement has devastated me. I was a full time, Head of English, busy busy, now nothing really.  I dont sleep, wake up when I drop off in a panic because I can't swallow and myvmouth is full of muck.  I don't think this will change now.  This insistent rain and cold is bety difficult to manage too. 

I'm sure sure there are thousands out there like me, what do you do.     Pauline

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, Pauline.

    I can only imagine how difficult it must be to cope with the aftermath of cancer treatment. It's completely understandable that you're feeling low and overwhelmed.

    It's essential to prioritise self-care and seek support during this time. Remember to be gentle with yourself and take things one day at a time. Your experiebce is unique, and it's okay to feel a range of emotions as you adjust to life after treatment. 

    Hopefully, others who have had similar experiences will come along shortly to offer some insight and advice. Alternatively, if you feel like asking some questions to our team of nurses, they'd be happy to chat with Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.

    The other thing I wanted to mention is that I'm including a section here 'moving on' where you can find all sort of stories of life after cancer and I hope some will resonate with you. Also, feel free to join the conversations taking place.

    Last but not least, please remember you're not alone, there's always someone around for when you need a chat.

    With best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator