Hello simon63. Welcome to this forum. I am sorry that your cancer has returned. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family, when you first had this cancer and what treatment you are going to have. It is difficult to respond to just the statement and we hope you have support in this battle. So do tell us a bit more if you feel up to it. Annie
I had been in remission for 8 years, Back 2009 I was daignose with T4 cancer of the larynx and had surgery, folllowedby radiotherapy and cetuximab treatments, I have had a biopsy of the tumor followed by a PET, CT scan of my neck and chest which confirmed cancer a month ago, I'm now due to have a full body PET, CT scan next week to find out how far it's spread, I've been told I can no longer have any more radiotherapy and have only been offered a laryngectomy which I do not want because it will end my career as a care assistant working with dementia patents, I'm 54 years old have never smoked and very rearly drink.
Thank you for coming back so promptly. That is a real b....r after 8 years in remission even though it is always a possibility. I have not had any cancer myself (I put my hands up to this now) but have cared for family, friends, neighbours and have learned a lot on this forum. I have no experience with larynx cancer. So bear with me if I ask questions like why can you not have any more radiotherapy; have you had previous side effects? You are in for a heavy week next week so I do hope you have a friend or family member who is helping you through this. At only 54 years old I can understand it is worrying that you might have to stop your career. And you cannot help but wonder what you did to deserve this but of course cancer makes its own rules sometimes. Would you be kind enough to let us know how your scans go and where you go from here. Annie
I can no longer have radiotherapy because I have had the maximum dose to my neck any more will cause cancer. I was told that the amount I had last time would shorten my life ie caurse cancer but was hoping when I was much older.
I'm not experienced in what you are going through and have only just logged on tonight for the first time to look for support with my own circumstances. But as a nurse myself I can think of many ways to support patients living with dementia . Please contact a dementia charity to find out more. I remember a hospital volunteer who did not speak the same language as most of my patients. I.don't know what he did or how he did it but he managed to deliver an amazing service still. We have a staff nurse who spent a long time in ITU following surgical procedure for a cancer of his throat and he is now back at work with some support and adaptations. Not trying to dismiss your journey but I wish you all the best and hope you can make a recovery you are happly with eventually
