Finding it...

1 minute read time.

The beginning.

At some point in the summer of 2019 I started to notice a feeling of something stuck in my throat. Having a look in the mirror was a bit tricky and although my right tonsil was swollen i didn't pay much attention. I should say I suffered from bad tonsil infections in my youth and when I saw it swollen again I didn't pay much attention. I gargled with salt water for a week or so, then had another look. 

This time there was definitely something on my tonsil - something that could only be called a lump. Well you don't think the best do you - even though at this time I knew nothing about HPV16 (well very little) and the risk to men my age from this type of cancer.

I didn't stick my head in the sand, instead I went and made an appointment with my GP. This took about 10 days and so on the 25th June I sat down in the surgery and explained the issue. Basically she took one look at it and immediately referred me to the local hospital, under the emergency cancer referral guidelines.

That was obviously a bit of a shock. I'm young (ish) healthy, never been in hospital or even had a serious illness before. 

I was speedily referred to the hospital within 3 days - so did not have long to worry. Or so I thought....

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>Hi Bedrock 66 that is exactly how my cancer started in December 2012 i had a tonsillectomy to remove it they took both tonsils out and the lump removed from my right tonsil was cancerous,&nbsp; have had radiotherapy 30 doses then right side neck dissection then left side neck dissection and just had a 9 hr op to remove my soft palate but i am still here cant talk very well struggling to swallow had a peg fitted when i had my first big op but may have to have another one fitted but life is sweet keep ur chin up there is a light at the end of the tunnel rgds Alan good luck if u want to no anything just txt me...</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>Anyone know about cancer back of tongue</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>what treatment can I&nbsp; expect? Should I go private as I have health insurance that covers cancer. When asking NHS they say this could cause problems and delays. I don&#39;t understand as my Private does not have a cash limit.</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>So far the NHS has taken since July , now nearly into October.</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>Tibbsy,</p> <p>Sounds like you&#39;ve had a tough time. I&#39;m hoping to avoid getting tubes and pegs, medical team haven&#39;t really mentioned them so far. Did your cancer return?&nbsp;</p> <p>Your sound like it&#39;s not getting you down however, which is amazing.&nbsp;</p> <p>I&#39;m only at then end of the first week of radiotherapy, so a while to go yet.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>Bedrock</p>