Hi all,

I've found myself here today - the first day of spring - as today is also the day my lovely precious Dad has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer.

He's been having tests for about a fortnight on a swollen lymph node - CT/ultrasound/biopsies - and today saw his consultant for the results who said the biopsies for the lymph node indicated there was a problem elsewhere. He put a 'mining hat' on - according to my Mum - switched a light on, asked my dad to open his mouth and I believe as easily as that was able to locate that the cancer was actually on one side only of his tonsils. He took biopsies of the mass whilst my Dad was in office today, and also ordered a same day MRI which he had this afternoon - I guess to help him in diagnosing the cancer specifically and preparing for surgery.

I guess I've found myself here looking for answers on what we as a family can expect from here?

The consultant said that it isnt going to kill my dad but that he may need some further treatment after surgery and that after that all will be well. He also said he won't need to remove the lymph node, as once the cancer is removed from the tonsils the lymph node should rectify itself. Can we take this as a good sign?

Could this really be the case? Will our world one day be back to normal?

My dad is 62, fit and healthy, and a loving and doting Grandad to my 2 year old daughter.

Our worlds feel completely upside down.