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Vocal cord cancer

Mum-42
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I’ve recently been told I have vocal cord cancer in my left vocal cord. I’ve been for surgery today and they have lasered it away along with healthy tissue to be tested. I was told it was T1 type (caught very early) doctor said. Bug now I’m home I feel relief the surgery is done but I’m now worrying like mad over secondary cancers. I have read this is normal but I’m struggling emotionally. Any help would be appreciated.

Does secondary cancers happen a lot. Thanks for all replies 

  • Offline in reply to Peachk01

    Sorry to hear the bad news. If you look back over this thread to my posting on May 1st you will get my angle on this , I had 2 ops and 4 weeks of radiation and 18 months after treatment finished , apart from a husky voice, am feeling brilliant. Just remember if the treatment gets unpleasant, I had 2 weeks of non stop coughing , that there is a 93% CURE rate for this when caught early. My major advice is to liberally bung the cream on after rad sessions and last thing at night : also, take a good dollop of honey immediately before and after rads.

    The picture accompanying my posting is of my rad mask which I brought home and is now doing great work on my allotment ( complete with sonar light bulb inside ) scaring away the birds and small children. I’m 67 and sailed through.... hopefully you will experience few problems also... GOOD LUCK .... keep us informed.

  • Offline in reply to Woodstock

    Thank you so much for your reply it’s really helping me talking to others that have been through it so I’m kind of getting used to what will happen when the treatment starts in a few weeks. 

    So are you all good now ? That’s fantastic news I’m liking what you’ve done with your mask all be it scary to look at. I guess it’s to protect your face. 

    I watched him yesterday in the garden with my son he looks so well it’s scary to know too really don’t know what goes on inside your body. He has had no voice for nearly 8 months now and this really was his only concern he never thought it would be cancer x 

  • Offline in reply to Peachk01

    I know it may be difficult to accept because of all the dreadful cases we hear of, but, cancer is not the automatic “ killer “ that it has been for past generations. In our particular vocal cord variety we should fully expect to be cured when it is caught early. Your husband will continue to look well throughout treatment, he’ll have a red neck , will experience difficulty with certain types of food and will likely develop a nasty, hacking cough with excess mucous which will not budge: but, he will , in a years time be entirely back to his old self, maybe with a different tone of voice, which will be a small price to pay. Everyone says “ stay positive “ and I think this is a major factor in a speedy recovery. Assume the best and it will be so. You’ll find the radiotherapy staff are brilliant and will make acquaintances with fellow patients who you will meet on a daily basis. It may seem a long time to attend these sessions but I found my month flew by, and I actually missed the chat and humour with fellow sufferers!

    The mask is to prevent any movement whilst the beam is pinpointed to the exact area of treatment. It is fixed to the table. I was dreading it, but it’s only on for about 10 minutes and I very quickly adapted, I’m sure your husband will soon get used to it. Staff will stop procedures at any time if the patient requests. Just take deep breaths and relax. You can even take music of your choice and they will play it whilst treatment is ongoing ! He will be on the table for a maximum of 15 mins per session. Staff ensure you are positioned exactly. The mask goes on and you receive 2 very short blasts of radiation, which is totally painless. I’m sure your husband will cope after he has experienced his first session.

    So just keep thinking good, positive thoughts and remember he WILL be CURED...

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    Hi mum42 nice to meet you ,just to answer ,my husband has vocal chords cancer ,almost 2 yrs now although he didn't receive laser ,he had 3 lumps removed off left vocal chords, been fine up to a week ago ,having problems swallowing ,hospital cancelled 2 appointments , so now need to get through for a check up for him ,glad you are being positive , &although there's a dark side hopefully you'll come through it ok  ,just listen to your consultant &keep apointments regards chuckymeg 

  • Offline in reply to Peachk01

    Hi there peachk01

    I have only just noticed I never replied not sure why I didn't see ur post so sorry 

    and sorry ur dad was diagnosed Hope he is doing ok 

    so far I am 2 years clear since laser and radiotherapy but yes hoarse voice comes and goes 

    also I know to late to give tips now but did wonder how everything is going 

    again my apologies for not answering u been a long road xx

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