oropharyngeal cancer still there after radio/chemo, operation next

Dear MarksAmy

A very warm welcome to our online community here at Macmillan. I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at our support line service. I notice that you have joined our patients head and neck cancer forum. You might like to have a look at our family and friends forum, where you can connect with others in a similar position to yourself.

Supporting a loved one with cancer can throw up a wide range of feelings and emotions, I can imagine the news that your husband needs further and more extensive surgery might only increase these for you.  It’s natural to feel very worried when you don’t know what to expect, I know that doesn’t make the waiting any easier though.

On this platform we don’t have access to health care records to be able to comment on what this means specifically in your husband’s case. Only the hospital team will be able to comment on what they expect it to be. You could try contacting them to discuss your fears, but it is likely that they may not know what this ‘something’ is until it is removed and examined thoroughly by the histopathologists in the hospital laboratory.

It can help to keep an open mind until you know exactly what you are facing together. This is easier said than done, I realise. It’s not a foregone conclusion that it is definitely cancerous spread though. For example, one possibility could be changes brought about by the radiotherapy he had. Only examination of the cells removed by the operation will be able to provide a clear answer.

Please do your best to look after your emotional and physical well-being; If there is anything we can do to support you too please do get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts on freephone 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

With warm wishes,

Gemma J. Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/KM