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Head and Neck Cancer advice

Basboy
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Hello Basboy here. I'm 57 and have just undertaken surgery at the end of April to remove a HPV+ related T1 tonsil area tumor and 3 infected neck nodes (right side only).

I'm recovering OK from the surgery now and have numerous up coming appointments (Dentist/Oncologist etc) to attend. I've been allocated both Chemo (2 high doses, week 1 & 4 ) plus Radio Therapy on top over a total 6 week period (30 fractions total) to start Mon June 07th and End Fri July 16th.

I know what is about to happen will be very tough so I was wondering if there was any advice anyone could kindly give me to best prepare myself for this stage of the battle.  Also in terms of the time scale how long after the Chemo and Radiation ends does it roughly take to feel well enough to return to work in some capacity (assuming of course treatment has been deemed successful) ? There's no pressure from my employer, they've been great...it's just I need to give them an idea of my absence and also how long to arrange a doctors note for.

 

Many thanks for any replies

 

Thanks

Parents
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    Hi Basboy

    Sorry to hear of your diagnosis and yes you will face a few challenges,

    To be honest, there is no easy answer regarding when you are likely be able to return to work or advise your employer. Your GP will continue to sign you off as long as needed.

    A lot will depend on how well your recovery goes and your body will in the main dictate timelines.

    Also depends type work you do.

    I work long hours with high concentration required on a computer and I went back to work too early and had to be signed off again. That said we are all different and there are many factors that will play into this.
    At this stage it's basically how long is a piece of string and your recovery period can be quite challenging and require quite a bit of time off.
    I had the Dentist as well and teeth extraction before radiotherpy.

    I also kept a blog from the get go and details all my timelines/return to work/pleanty tips etc and may help put some of this into perspective.
    Repeat we are all different and some may have slightly different recovery times but in the main, the side effects and issues are pretty much standard for all.

    That said, one of my matras was the fact there is light at the end of the tunnel and you wil come through all this.

    Hope helps and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or if you wish a one ot one communication.

    radiotherapythroat.home.blog

    Kind regards

    Ian

     

     

     

     

Reply
  • Offline

    Hi Basboy

    Sorry to hear of your diagnosis and yes you will face a few challenges,

    To be honest, there is no easy answer regarding when you are likely be able to return to work or advise your employer. Your GP will continue to sign you off as long as needed.

    A lot will depend on how well your recovery goes and your body will in the main dictate timelines.

    Also depends type work you do.

    I work long hours with high concentration required on a computer and I went back to work too early and had to be signed off again. That said we are all different and there are many factors that will play into this.
    At this stage it's basically how long is a piece of string and your recovery period can be quite challenging and require quite a bit of time off.
    I had the Dentist as well and teeth extraction before radiotherpy.

    I also kept a blog from the get go and details all my timelines/return to work/pleanty tips etc and may help put some of this into perspective.
    Repeat we are all different and some may have slightly different recovery times but in the main, the side effects and issues are pretty much standard for all.

    That said, one of my matras was the fact there is light at the end of the tunnel and you wil come through all this.

    Hope helps and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or if you wish a one ot one communication.

    radiotherapythroat.home.blog

    Kind regards

    Ian

     

     

     

     

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