So surgery done, I think it went well, but the scar with the 20 stiches in it looks more like a zip, perhaps I will stick an zipper handle at the top to make it look right !
Right side of neck is numb, but will ask about that at my next consultation which is booked for the 19th June. In the mean time just need to keep the scar dry, which when washing my face is easy said than done, but I'll get there.
My throat is very sore and being very "picky" in what I eat, even though I don't really feel hungry, I do keep on getting reminded I have to eat !!
19th June 2025. The next steps
The surgeon - A Consultation back at Churchill Hospital, spoke with the surgeon about what went on, I was right, the op went well, removed 4 lymph nodes, one with cancer in, the others clear. The right hand tonsil which was removed by R2D2 was clear, the slither of tongue, also done by R2D2, was clear on the left side, but the right hand side had traces of cancer approximately 16mm diameter which this is believed to be the primary source. At least I know the cancer is Tongue based. So the next action plan was discussed... Radiotherapy and potentially Chemotherapy, more as a belt and braces thing to make sure any traces left are dealt with. will discuss this with the Oncologist later this morning. I asked about the numbness of my neck which She said this is due to all the nerves being "messed about with" and will probably take a few months to fully recover, but its nothing to worry about.
The Dentist - Next its a meeting with the dentist to discuss if any works need doing prior to starting the radiotherapy. apparently the radiotherapy can stop the blood flow in the jaw bone which in turn could cause the teeth roots to rot quicker if there are potential future problems, he then went on to explain that this could lead to the actual jaw bone not growing back over any extractions and then setting of major problems......... Never did like going to dentists ever since I was a child, this isn't helping ! He then went on to discuss looking after my teeth during the treatment, recommending cleaning my teeth 4 times a day, not to drink alcohol (didn't like being told this), and using a alcohol free fluoride free mouth wash after every time I eat. He also recommended mouth exercises after the radiotherapy to ensure my jaws continue to work opening wide, definitely going to do this !!
The dentist ended by going over the scan I had had done of the mouth and of any works he recommended doing before the start of the radiotherapy, this turns out to be the removal of two teeth at the back on the right hand side... So he agreed to get this booked in asap as there needs to be approximately a three week gap between removing them and the start of the radiotherapy to give time for recovery and the jaw to heal the gaps left.
The Oncologist - The plan is to have 6 weeks of radiotherapy, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), so at least I get the weekends off. He also also recommends having 2 "shots" of Chemotherapy, one on the first day and the other half way through the treatment. This is a lot to take in but I trust what I'm being told and want to rid my body of any traces that shouldn't be there, so signed the consent form and he went away to get it booked in along with booking in my appointment to have the face mask for the radiotherapy session made.
The Dietician - She went though the treatment and what could happen during and after the 6 weeks of treatment. The radiotherapy continues to "work its magic" for another 4 to 6 weeks after the initial 6 weeks of treatment, So my treatment will begin in mid July and may not start to recovery until end September / October. As the radiotherapy is aimed around my throat and neck there is apparently a good chance that I will not be able to swallow or not want to swallow due to the pain, so I need to have a feeding tube fitted. The choice is either one through my nose, but these are more likely to problematical and if it came out I would need to return to hospital to have it refitted. The other option is a tube inserted into my stomach, this entails a small operation to have it fitted, but is then easier to use during and after the treatment.... This was my preferred option, so this is to be booked in asap.
She then went on to explain how difficult things could get with regards me eating and in particular swallowing and that exercising the jaw and the muscles used in swallowing is most important, its a case of "use it or lose it", which doesn't sound good to me, so I make a mental note, must keep eating and exercising all through the treatment, She also mentioned that it would be worth me talking to the SALT team (Speech & Language Therapy Clinic) who will give advice to help through the weeks of treatment, She said she will speak with them and get them to contact me.
At the end of my meetings / consultations today it was information overload, which I was half expecting and was so glad my wife came with me as between us we think we remember 99% of what we were told and if we felt there are gaps we were told to just get in touch with the MacMillan support team... Its really great to know there is always someone there to talk to and help if we need it.
So onwards and upwards.....
