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On the journey: I have throat and neck cancer

Alan1927
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Hello. Back in May when I was shaving I noticed a lump on my left neck area. Within a day it had doubled in size.

I triaged myself to docs, was fast tracked on cancer review and had a biopsy, PT Scan, Ultrasound and MRI.

Last week I had my tonsils out and have since been told I have invasive, moderately differentiated, stage T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil. Throat and neck cancer.

Im in theatre on Tuesday having < 3mm tissue laser ex out of my throat and the glands diss eyed from my neck. Then 6 weeks intense radiotherapy to start.

Anyone here have any experience of this or advice please ? I live alone in my late 50’s. My MH is not good as it is and I suffer with anxiety and depression anyway.

Thank you,

Alan..

  • Hello Alan1927

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's understandable that this is an anxious time for you. 

    I hope that your surgery today has gone smoothly. I know from the many posts I've read here in the Cancer Chat community over the years how hard this kind of treatment can be at times, so do make sure you take the help and support offered to you by the hospital team. It really can make a big difference. 

    You might like to have a look through some of the posts on this thread about head and neck cancer where lots of forum members have shared their experiences of treatment for different head and neck cancers. I know they have shared some tips and advice with each other that you might find useful as you continue on your treatment journey. 

    If it would help to talk with one of our nurses at any point, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, help and support they can. I'd also really encourage you to talk with your GP so that they can provide additional support for your mental health over the coming weeks and months. 

    Keep in touch with us here at Cancer Chat, Alan. We'll do all we can to offer support. 

    Sending my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Tank you Jenn . 
    it’s been hard. Two surgeons working on me for 9 hours due to the the level of surgery required. I had a mental health breakdown and panic attacks for three hours in resuscitation and supported by several nurses  for this. I went in at 1030 am and not long came to the ward. 
    iim exhausted, frightened and don’t know what to do or who to talk to. I’ve no family and I’m homeless staying with friends due to marriage break up.

    Alan...

  • in reply to Alan1927

    We're really sorry to hear about your situation Alan. It must be very tough.

    If you haven't done so already, please do talk to your cancer team about your fears and your circumstances. Is there a Macmillan Cancer Support centre at the hospital? All their information and support centres have teams of experts and trained volunteers who are there to listen to you and answer your questions. They can help you find other local services too. 

    We also have some in-depth information on mental health and cancer on our website which you may find helpful.

    We're wishing you all the best with your recovery Alan and hope your home situation improves soon.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Back in hospital again due to infection. Swollen up and unable to swallow, talk or breathe properly. Been here since Sunday night. Test results tomorrow .

  • Offline in reply to Alan1927

    hi hope you are feeling a bit better and out of hospital Ive sent you a friends request if you need a chat. diagnosed with head and neck still looking for primary so Im lagging behind you but if you need a buddy Im here 

  • Offline in reply to mandi67

    Hi. Some week that’s been . Just got to keep going, no matter what. Going to be a hard few months travelling daily for therapy….. but at least I have a chance . Unlike some .

  • Offline in reply to Alan1927

    yes I totally understand where you are coming from about the travelling. How far is the hospital for your treatment. Mine is 1hr 20 mins away with no direct train I would have to get a taxi to the local station then a train with 2 changes depending on the time, and then a 25 min bus journey ( or taxi) each way they estimate it would take probably over 3 hours each way plus treatment for 6 weeks. because of this they have said I can ask for nhs provided hospital transport and it would likely be a taxi wait and return as I live so out the way and my immune system will be compromised. This has been a huge relief as Im am quite agoraphobic and I can drive short distance which allows me to avoid people and public places normally. I think if they had told me I had to use public transport to get there Id have just not bothered and died instead. 
    I hope you can cope ok and I find still wearing a mask in the hospital does help me with my panic attacks and social phobia, and obviously you are avoiding germs as well which in our state has to be a bonus. keep everyone updated how you are. 

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