I was diagnosed with base of tongue and left/right side lymph node cancer in early July this year, this came after having a quite large growth appear on the righthand side of my neck, this small lump gradually grew to be the size and shape of what I can only describe as a very large fried egg, extending from just under my right ear and down under my chin extending round the back of my neck.
Besides the lump I was having excruciating headaches which totally incapacitated me, anyway having managed to get an appointment to see the doctor he immediately referred me to the ENT department.
Since that first visit to see the ENT specialist my life has changed completely, after a quick talk with him and then a camera up my nose and into the back of my throat I feel like I climbed onto a rollercoaster and it's racing me down the rails.
That first meeting and examination he told me he suspected I had cancer in the base of my tongue and my right tonsil, within a week and a half I was having MRI's, CT Scans and been drained dry of blood several times.
3 weeks after that first examination I was having a plastic mask made for my radiotherapy and was booked into hospital for my PEG (feeding tube) to be implanted.
I'm now just starting the 4th week of my 6 week radiotherapy regime (5 days a week = 30 sessions) and I'm due my 2nd chemotherapy session this coming Friday, after the 1st session I was pretty ill for several days but feeling okay now!
My saliva is either none existent or like glue when it is around and food has no taste whatsoever so eating is a real chore but need to keep the weight up! I have a what bottle which is my closest companion.
I've got more drugs, potions and creams than the local boots chemist but they all seem to have a purpose even though I'm not sure of there efficacy.
My throats tightened up a lot and my mouth is sore, dry lips and cracking skin and a weird thing today! My beard is falling out on the sides where the radiotherapy is obviously affecting me.
Anyway I've rambled on enough, this post is really about saying thank you to the Doctor from my GP's clinic who took it seriously and got me referred immediately to the Consultant who diagnosed me straight away and to all the professionals in the NHS system at the hospital, the Dental Hospital, the Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy professionals, the support team professionals who monitor my progress and the all the staff at these great hospitals!
You've all shown me kindness, professionalism and support in a difficult time in my life and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My family have and continue to be awesome and supportive not letting it get to much for me!
The days are hard and the nights are long but I've got the belief that I'll beat this and I pray that everyone else out there beats this evil thing that invaded some of us.
God Bless all of You
