Hi

Hi there,

My husband was diagnosed with tonsil cancer and also in lymph nodes in neck. 
This came due to HPV we were told.

He is week 6 of Mon to Fri radiotherapy (finishes on Fri 1st Oct) and today should have been last session (7th) of chemotherapy but they decided not to do it this week. 
My husband has been and absolute trouper never moaning just trying to be upbeat, I would say until last week. He got so down, all with the no eating and food not going down due to the thick mucus etc he has many many medicines etc but what has been causing him so so much pain and discomfort is the oral thrush he has now had this foe 4 weeks and has been given various treatments but it's just not clearing so this on top of all the other side effects of the treatment is just hard going on him and so sad to see him like this. He is still at work, self employed (don't ask touchy subject! He won't listen to me lol) and he has driven himself 80 miles round trip everyday to the hospital (again don't ask he won't listen to me lol) His attitude has been amazing but he is really struggling now. The hospital mentioned the feeding tube this week and he has refused it and given him shakes to drink, but he said he's not taking them as they are not nice at all with the tinny metallic taste he has all the time now. He was doing great with no weight loss at all but in 2 weeks he has lost around 1 stone 6lbs. His neck has like blood spots on it this week amd even more of his hair has fallen out from nape of neck and going higher and higher which he is demented about. 
I could go on and on as so much on my mind tonight, any information from anyone on here would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and my husband is 53, healthy and always been a non smoker. 

Thanks 

  • Hello Positive-thinker

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. It sounds as if he's coped amazingly well up until this point but it's absolutely understandable that he's hit a wall. I've read many posts here on the forum from folks who have been through treatment for tonsil or throat cancer and undoubtedly it's a tough journey that you're both on. 

    I'm going to suggest that you post on this thread which as I'm sure you'll see is very active with members who have been through treatment for tonsil/throat cancer. I'd also suggest having a look for posts by [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ aka Hazel. You'll find a link to her blog that she wrote during her treatment which you, or indeed your husband, might find helpful. Hazel also had HPV+ tonsil cancer and has shared lots of useful tips and advice both here on the forum and in her blog. 

    I also wanted to let you know that if you want to speak to our team of nurses at any point you're most welcome to give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that things settle and improve over the coming weeks. Keep in touch and do let us know how you're both getting on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi positive thinker. Oh dear sorry your hubby is struggling to be honest he will not be allowed to loose much more weight as the hospital will admit him if his mask doesn’t fit treatment can be stopped and he doesn’t want that. Try to read my blog I had ng tube fitted week 3/4 it saved my life. I had it out eeek 3 of re ivery but if he’s refusing to ensure drinks im aftrsuf to say he will struggle big time. If he’s driving himself be careful as soon he may find himself on opiates for pain and ni driving. I hate to say thus I’ve been on this  site 3 years it’s always the her men  who try to brave it out please try and talk to him. Recovery will take far longer if he’s not getting sufficient hydration and nutrients I am onky 5 foot but my target was 3 litres of water and 2500 calorirsx each and every day which I git from my feedingbtube. I do feel for yiu if I can help please ask. My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com it may help 

    Hazel xx