Hi Gilly.

My dad was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year. As it was cancer of the head and neck, or more specifically throat, part of his team was a dietician and speech and language therapist. The appointments for his speech and language therapist were arranged automatically and he was seen by them to help with swallowing issues, dietary requirements and rehabilitation of the throat after surgery.

Dad was prescribed some kind of solution to take with foods that makes the saliva heavier so swallowing is easier. Something like that will help your Mum. The specialists are fantastic and I’m sure they’ll be able to alleviate your Mum’s symptoms.

in terms of questions, I’d be asking about next steps, treatment options and the side effects associated, staging and anything your Mum can do to alleviate symptoms herself.

I know it’s a challenging time but it’s great that you can go with her to her next appointments. In my experience there’s too much to take in for one person so a second pair of ears is really beneficial.

Hope you get some clarity and can move forward with a plan for your Mum. Happy to chat anytime! :) Take care

Hi Gilly.

My dad was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year. As it was cancer of the head and neck, or more specifically throat, part of his team was a dietician and speech and language therapist. The appointments for his speech and language therapist were arranged automatically and he was seen by them to help with swallowing issues, dietary requirements and rehabilitation of the throat after surgery.

Dad was prescribed some kind of solution to take with foods that makes the saliva heavier so swallowing is easier. Something like that will help your Mum. The specialists are fantastic and I’m sure they’ll be able to alleviate your Mum’s symptoms.

in terms of questions, I’d be asking about next steps, treatment options and the side effects associated, staging and anything your Mum can do to alleviate symptoms herself.

I know it’s a challenging time but it’s great that you can go with her to her next appointments. In my experience there’s too much to take in for one person so a second pair of ears is really beneficial.

Hope you get some clarity and can move forward with a plan for your Mum. Happy to chat anytime! :) Take care

Thank you. That information and kind words really helps. Getting used to this chat line still. I think my last message went to myself instead of thanking you. I hope your dad is doing well 

Thank you. He’s doing fantastically well yes so there is light at the end of the tunnel. He was given the all clear in January and still has regular check ups but otherwise life is back to normal. Hopefully it will be for you soon too :)