Hi everyone,
My dad completed extensive chemoradiotherapy last August for head and neck cancer due to the HPV virus. It had spread from the base of his tongue to lymph nodes. He had several lymph nodes and jugular vein removed. He had a PET scan in February this year which was clear. He has had some issues with lymphodema and swallowing but was discharged from those clinics. He recently felt some changes in his neck - under his chin and to the left - around where his submandibular gland is. When he puts his head back it feels very hard and he says swallowing has become more difficult. He mentioned this to his consultant and they have booked an ultra sound with possible needle aspiration next week. Could he still just be experiencing changes to scar tissue etc or is it more likely the cancer has returned. We are all terrified and I can’t really think about anything else. I’m presuming that if it has returned he will only receive treatment to control rather than cure. He has done so well and he says he can’t face anything else. Feeling very helpless and scared! I wondered if anyone else out there had had an similar experiences or are dealing with a recurrence?
Hi Flowers246, sorry to hear your dad is having more issues with the after affects of cancer operations and treatments , I would not like to say what the out come will be as I have I have had positive results from scans etc where it turned out to be scar tissue and one where a lump appeared , and is still in my neck now , that was tested and was also nothing to worry about . They are trying this first and like you hoping it is scar tissue but if they are still not happy they will do a CT /MRI scan.to get a better picture , Of course there is the chance its come back ,as I have had , but try and deal with this Ultra sound scan and see what the results are , I know its worrying times but he is in good hands and being seen very quickly which is always good . What ever the out come his team will treat him and look after him reassuring him all the way . Wishing you all the very best and fingers crossed for the result of the Ultra sound scan with needle, this procedure takes about 35 mins and he should only have mild pain if any afterwards . Take care .
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
No worries Flowers246, yes lets hope it is something simple . I did have a rough three years with head and neck cancers , thankfully they managed to stopped it in 2010 so it was just a case of adapting to my new way of life . If you press on my name at the top it will take you to my profile where it gives a rough outline of my journey . As I say its all good now this is why I try to approach cancer in a positive manner , once again good luck .
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
No worries Flowers246, its great news that it was nothing sinister , all the very best on your dads recovery ,take care .
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
