Hi Zarker

I had severe displacia of the vocal chords around 5 years ago and was told that I needed laser treatment immediately as it "was very close to cancer". I had laser treatment a few times and had to have biopsies done around every 2 - 3 months but in my case it had gone too deep so they could only laser the surface and it kept coming back. If you are a smoker you should give it up immediately as my consultant told me to avoid smoke at all costs.

I went on to have larygneal cancer but I was stage T2-3 when I was eventually diagnosed. I was successfully treated with radiotherapy 28 months ago and touch wood everything is fine and my voice is better than it's been for years.

On a positive note they are closely monitoring you and as you are at a very early stage hopefully they will be able to get rid of it with laser treatment alone.

I wish you well and hope that the next laser treatment will be the end of it.

Marion x

Hi Marion ,

Thanks very much for your reply it was most helpful. I hope you don't mind me asking but how long was it from when they found displacia to you being diagnosed with laryngeal cancer? As this is what I think may be happening to me. They said inicially It could be treated with laser alone and after my last laser treatment yesterday that the return was on the surface only and did not warrant rdiotherapy at the moment and he had done deeper biopsys which he says hes sure arn't cancerous. This has as you know been a very difficult time for me as i'm so scared of loosing my voice or having to have a laryngectomy which I've been told is unlikely. i'm reassured to know that after your treatment your voice is now good. Thank you again and I hope you continue to do well. Andy

p,s gave up smoking 5 years ago and after this will never go back to it!

Well its a great incentive for him to give up and don't think about the why's just think about the future and also giving up smoking will hopefully help him avoid other problems. Sometimes our bodies have harsh ways of giving us wake up calls! Have a good w/e

Love Andy

Hi Andy

So pleased to read your voice is getting stronger may it long continue  an old saying came to mind reading your post " you don't know what you have got until it has gone" i think this is so true but thank goodness yours is coming back.

best wishes

Luckyus

Hi Luckyus

It's a great name!  When I first joined Cancerchat I couldn't think of anything to call myself so just went with my name (not very adventurous!)

Your husband has done the right thing giving up smoking as we're always hearing that smoking is one of the main causes of cancers to the throat (not that it was the case with me and Andy).  Hope he keeps up the good work!

Speak to you soon.

Love Marion x

Hi Andy

Hope you had a good weekend and it's really great news that your voice is getting stronger.  I know exactly what you mean about being excited about your voice but anyone who hasn't been through it wouldn't realise how scarey it is the thought of never being able to talk again - not to mention how frustrating it is.  I used to not want to go out as it was such an effort trying to keep up the conversation and knowing that it would only make your voice worse by straining it.

No wonder you get tired after doing too much.  I'm still amazed you are getting on with work so early after finishing treatment - especially in your job as a fitness trainer.  I felt tired for months after radiotherapy and I'm just sitting at a computer!

The 2nd or 9th of March is fine with me but do you want to message me privately about the arrangements as I'm sure no-one else would be interested n our get together.  At least I won't have to wear a red carnation as you know what I look like now (well, 4 years ago!).

Speak soon.

Love Marion x

Hi Marion,Lucky Us,

Have just been for my first check up since RT and have been given the all clear, he says the cancer has gone!.  I'm so relieved!! really feel over the moon. :-) As we all know it isn't an absolute total  all clear as I will have to wait 5 years for that but its a great step forward. He says my voice will get stronger but that will take a few months and I will still have to go back for monthly check ups. Thanks a million again for  all your hlep and support, I don't know what I would have done without it.

Marion will mail you privately re meeting up.

Love Andy x

Wow Andy

Second to hearing my husband get the all clear again last week that is the next best news i have heard ( i know we all say all clear with our fingers crossed) when you all go out have a special drink just to celebrate this step in the journey.

BIG BIG congratulations from me

Luckyus

Hi Andy,

That is fantastic news matey....have you celebrated yet?

I hope that doesn't mean you will not come on here again and will keep in touch with your fans.

Glad it was good news and looking forward to that 5 year window!

All the very best

Tony

Hi Andy

That's FANTASTIC news!!   I know exactly how you feel, it's a huge relief and I'm so happy for you.

I'm sure they told you that it's monthly visits for the first year, 2 monthly the 2nd year, 3 monthly for the 3rd year and then it goes up to 6 months.  I'm now on 6 monthly visits but I quite liked the reassurance every 3 months as I worry every time my voice is a bit hoarse (mainly caused by my constant chatting)!

Now we really must crack open that bottle of champagne soon!

I'm so happy for you Andy and I know your voice will just keep getting better.

Love Marion xx

How lovely to hear good news.May this big step in the right direction be the first of many.

Thanks so much for your message, did have a nice glass of champers at the w/w to celebrate. Have to go back for next check up in 3 months so I guess they must be pleased with me. So glad to hrar all is going well with your husband and hope he continues to make good progress, i'm sure he will.

Will be in touch soon.

Andy

Thanks so much for your message, did have a nice glass of champers at the w/w to celebrate. Have to go back for next check up in 3 months so I guess they must be pleased with me. So glad to hrar all is going well with your husband and hope he continues to make good progress, i'm sure he will.

Will be in touch soon.

Andy