Throat and neck cancer just diagnosed.

Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm very sorry to read that you've recently been diagnosed with a throat and neck cancer but you've done the right thing coming here for support. Like you, not everyone wants to know all the ins and outs of their cancer and you need to do whatever works best for you. 

The community is divided up into groups, so I'm going to recommend that you join the Head and neck cancer forum group where you can ask questions, share experiences and get support from others who have this type of cancer.

To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'click to join' on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post questions after selecting '+New' and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'. 

When you have a minute, it would be really useful if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Wishing you all the best with your upcoming treatment

x

Hi I had stage four throat cancer five years ago it’s been a long hard slog and emotionally as well. It is tough and went into it very naive. But touch wood I’m still clear my biggest problem is eating and putting weight back on. I wish you all the best and my best advice is stay positive and you will get through this.

Peter

Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

The post you've replied to is very old and, unfortunately, the poster is no longer a member of the community so won't see your reply.

However. I'm sure you'd benefit from joining the group I signposted them to if you'd like to connect and share your experiences with others who have had some form of head or neck cancer.

If you need any help navigating the online community just drop me a reply and I'll do my best to help.

x

I was diagnosed in August and have now completed the radiotherapy which was 30 days of treatment. Staff were amazing at the radiotherapy department and went out of their way to help with all sorts of things like food supplements and sorting out appointments etc. in my case I found it helpful to understand the treatment a bit better and the doctor helped explain how it works which made me feel better. If you don’t want to know that is fine. The treatment itself was fine, I fell asleep in the linac on one occasion. A month after treatment now and I am feeling a lot better. Best thing was taking someone with me for my appointments with the doctor or for the MDT as you will get a lot of info given to you and it helps having an extra pair of ears. Also I didn’t know that as soon as you start treatment all prescriptions are free if you are under 60 and your GP can give you a form. It’s a long process but not something to be scared of as the team will help you through it. Hope all goes well.

arch

We have gone into this at a mad rush. 5 weeks ago referred and now 1 week post op. He is desperate to get off his feeding tube. I hadn't thought about eating!! I knew some people had to relearn things.... Um, would you mind explaining what problems he will have? I honestly hadn't thought!! He WAS very active and had high calorie intake. Will he have to have supplements? We're both in the dark and scared to ask too many questions at the hospital in case we're upset by the answers. Thank you, for when/if you reply.

Hi Vann. Why don't you pop onto the  Head and Neck Cancer Group which is where I hang out and introduce yourself. I am a nearly four year survivor of throat cancer and there are lots of us there to help you along. Just click on the link I made.

We need a little more info. It sounds like an operation of some kind? Recovery depends on what it was.

If he has a feeding tube then food supplement drinks like Fortisips and Ensures are usually prescribed.

Do come over and say hello