husband diagnosed with head and neck cancer

my husband has recently been diagnosed with throat cancer T3 N1 M0.   He went to be fitted for his mask yesterday.  had another ct scan with mask on but now they are saying he won't start treatment until end of August.   he first had pains in his throat in April the gp said it was blocked saliva glands  sent him away. couple months later still in so much pain went to minor injuries where they then fast  tracked him.   ct scan mri. biopsy  all done with in a week.   now  he has been told he has to wait 3 weeks for chemo and radiotherapy  to start is this normal practice. he can hardly eat. so said they will need to put a tube in. he and myself are getting so confused by one dept saying one thing then another one saying something else

  • Hello loopylou67

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. It's undoubtedly a difficult time for you both at the moment and understandable that you have concerns and questions. 

    It's not uncommon for there to be a delay between radiotherapy planning sessions and starting treatment so try not to worry too much at the moment. 

    You mention that you're confused about conflicting information that you're being given by different departments. Was your husband given details of a nurse specialist he could contact when he was diagnosed? I'd suggest writing down all your questions/concerns and giving the nurse a call if you have one. Alternatively, you can always call the Consultant secretary and tell them that you have questions you'd like answered and can someone get in touch or make an appointment for you to talk things through. 

    I'd also suggest you have a look at some of the posts on this thread and post a message there to introduce yourself. We've quite a number of members here on the forum who have been through treatment for throat cancers and I'm sure if you post they will reply to share their experiences and support with you. I know that [@Anchor1707]‍ and [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ have both shared links to their personal blogs that they wrote during treatment and many other members have commented on how useful they found these accounts to be. 

    We also have a team of nurses here at CRUK that you can call to chat things through if you would like to. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any information, advice, and support that they can. they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope that the procedure to fit the feeding tube goes smoothly for your husband. Keep in touch and let us know how you're both doing. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi loopy

    im sorry to hear of your husbands diagnosis and can understand your angst. 
    A delay between diagnosis and starting treatment is normal and a few factors to account for
    Mask is left to settle and set properly and consultant will look at results of biopsy snd scan and map out a specific plan for your husband. 
    All very scientific now and treatment is so advsnced and statistically hugely sucessful in this area and type of cancer. 
    Comes with challenges during treatment and especially in recovery period but there is light ar the end of the tunnel as i often said. 
    i have posted a link to my blog which will hopefully help with timelines and some general idea of road ahead. 
    Eating can be challenging during and in recovery and some but not all have a feeding tube to help get fuel and calories inti body
    Please let me know if I can help in anyway

    radiotherapythroat.home.blog

    regards

    ian - aka anchor1707

  • Hi Loopy loo sorry I had t seen your post  I am4 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer T2N2NM happily living my life treatments nit easy but if I can do it anyone can. The delay is not unusual as ince the mask is made the radiographers have to do their magic and that takes time.  It's a tried and trusted route and the planning takes time as its precision detailing. My blog below may help www.RadioactiveRaz.Wordpress.com it may help. Any questions please ask. 
    Hazel