Hi
Im new to this group and would like to reach out for any advice from anyone who has been through or going through the same thing. I’m trying not to make the ultimate sin of asking doctor google but at the same time I sense that the consultants don’t tell you everything unless you ask specific questions.
My mum has been diagnosed with cancer of her voice box 2 weeks ago, the last appointment on Thursday they told us it’s at an advanced stage (I didn’t as what grade this is) and it’s spread to the back of her tongue. Although it is localised and not spread to lymth nodes or anywhere else at this stage.
The consultant said they are hopeful to cure it with Radiotherapy 5 times a week for 6weeks with chemo 1 day a week too.
We have an appointment this Friday for a mask/guard to be measured and made and she will start treatment in 2 weeks when the mask is ready.
Emotionally wise I’m holding myself together, going into complete organising mode and trying to put everything in place to support my mum, whilst juggling taking mum to appointments, working full time and looking after my family. I think part of me is not allowing me to think the worse and I’m keeping positive.
I’m strong enough for straight talking, I need someone to tell how how it is so I can mentally prepare myself of what’s to come tbh
thank you
Hi Missyem,
I can understand your concerns etc from the opposite side, I had a total Laryngectomy just over 2 years ago and whilst I didn’t have Radiotherapy for that my latest cancer Oesophagus I had both treatments and happy to say came out of in March with a clean bill ! Obviously I still on 3 monthly scans as back up which also is handy as they cover my head and neck as well.
I had also a thyroid lymph node removed as well which unfortunately still gives me discomfort but as the Consultant has explained the surgery I had was quite big so the body is trying to repair itself.
Anyway your Mum will find the treatment will get more gruelling as she goes on, I actually managed to carryon working through it but the last 3 RT sessions and then I was flat for 2 weeks, having said that as we say on these sites each person is different and the treatments effect each differently.
You may find it useful when the treatments start to go onto the Head and Neck site as many have had your Mum’s treatment and can possibly give you a better insight, there is also a Larynx group but there isn’t much activity, unfortunately Larynx cancer is one of the rarest cancers
I hope all starts well, if she gets through the mask fitting she will be braver than me, that’s what put me off the after RT treatment that they wanted me to have-my mask must be knocking around Royal Surrey/St Lukes somewhere
Take care both of you
Tony
We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,
call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Onwards and Upwards
Laryngectomy and OC survivor
Lead Volunteer for Hampshire MacMillan Buddy Service
