Hpv after cancer treatments

Hello ChrisB24,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.  

I can see that you’ve joined the Macmillan Online Community, Head and Neck Cancer and New to the Community forums. I hope you are finding these a helpful, welcoming, and supportive environment for you.

I hope that he is beginning to recover from treatment for tonsil cancer. It’s understandable to sometimes feel worried and uncertain after a cancer diagnosis and after cancer treatments.

There are different causes and risk factors of head and neck cancer. There are many types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Only certain types increase the risk of developing cancer. There is no treatment to get rid of HPV infection. Usually, the body’s immune system gets rid of the virus naturally. The hospital team will continue to monitor and do regular check-ups at follow up appointments after treatment has finished.

Unfortunately, we do not have access to NHS medical records so we can only provide general information. We would encourage you to speak to your hospital team, Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist so they can explain more fully your individual situation.

The Swallows Charity also have information, a 24/7 support line and support group that you may find helpful.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further information or support needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

Best wishes

Karen, 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/Khe/DC

It’s a constant worry thinking the cancer comes back. It’s been nine months since radiation and chemo and food is still hard going down. Nothing is the same. He had neck dessection and neck healed, and now going to immunotherapy every three weeks. 
His tonsil cancer was from hpv +16

I’m really sorry to hear about the ongoing challenges. It’s completely understandable to feel worried about the cancer returning, especially after everything you’ve both been through. The recovery process can be long and difficult, and it’s tough when things don’t return to normal as quickly as hoped.

My name is Alison, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurses with Macmillan Cancer support. Thank you for getting in touch with us and I hope you find the online community a helpful and supportive environment.

It’s good to hear that the neck has healed after the dissection, and that he’s receiving immunotherapy. Immunotherapy can be a powerful treatment, and it’s encouraging that he’s able to continue with it.

Here are a few suggestions that might help with the difficulties swallowing and the emotional strain:

Nutrition Support:  Cancer and its treatment can cause eating problems

Working with a dietitian who specialises in cancer care can help find foods and textures that are easier to swallow and ensure he’s getting the nutrition he needs.

Speech and Swallowing Therapy: A speech therapist can provide exercises and techniques to improve swallowing function and make eating more comfortable.

Emotional Support: Both of you might benefit from talking to a counsellor or joining a support group for people affected by HPV-related cancers. Throat Cancer Foundation has information on available support and nutrition.  Sharing experiences with others who understand can be very comforting.

Regular Check-ups: Keeping up with regular medical appointments and scans can help catch any potential issues early and provide some peace of mind.

Self-Care and Relaxation: Finding ways to relax and take care of yourselves, whether through hobbies, gentle exercise, or mindfulness practices, can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.

It’s important to take things one day at a time and reach out for support when you need it. You’re both incredibly strong for facing these challenges, and it’s okay to seek help and lean on others.

 Kind Regards

Alison W, 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/SMcM

Thank you, this site been real helpful, lots of people going through the same as my husband and hearing there story is reassuring.