Andy's stupid throat.

Hi Nicky... everyone is anxious at this point and in sure covid is not helping but your husbands journey has already started.. having had similar experience as I was diagnosed in September 2018 and having been through chemo and radiotherapy and returned to work full-time then I'm proof of the excellent treatment available on the NHS these days. hopefully you get a good prognosis but I do have some tips.

Try and stay away from Google...stick to this site as everyone on here has actually been through this

Always go with your husband to consultant appt s as I found I only heard what I wanted to hear...so my wife was a great help here.

Try and remain positive... it's difficult but it really helped me through the harder times

Good luck and let us know how you guys are doing

Chas

Thank you Chas.

Nope, Dr Google isn't allowed in this house right now, something which I'm known to consult far too often 

Definitely, he forgets what questions and things to ask at the best of times so I'll always be with him.  Fingers crossed that I'll be able to go with him to chemo and radiotherapy when they begin.  We have an oncology centre (Clatterbridge hosp) so I'll have to ask today i guess.

Thank you again.

Hi Nicky. Welcome to our little community here. Stick around there is plenty of good advice support and tips from people who have been through this, survived and thrived. 
Come back as soon as you know the score and ask them if your husband’s cancer is HPV positive. 
You’ll have lots of questions and best address them when you know more. 
Chas seems to be along the same timeline as me. I’m almost two years clear of radiotherapy and back to almost normal enjoying my retirement with my husband. 
Best of luck for this afternoon and keep in touch 

Hi Dani,

HPV pos is now in my notebook.  I'll be sure to ask, thank you.

Nicky.

Hi Nicola good luck with appointment today pop back onand update when you’ve seen consultant. Between us will be able to offer advise 

I am 30 month post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes and living my life 

Hazel x

Hi Nicky

Hope the appt went as well as it could today.

Lots of us here who have been through similar and come out the other side so plenty of advice and support available should you need it.

Linda x

Hey nicky, i know someone who works at clatters oncology centre- it is undoubtedly one of the best in the country and you are in good hands.

Really hope the appt went as well as possible

Trev

Apologies, I couldn't sleep last night and conked out on the couch.

I was dreading hearing the word "palliative" which we didn't so phew.

He has a big tumour down the back of his throat so surgery is out of the question unless we turn him into a pez dispenser.  The big lymph nodes either side of his neck are cancerous which i was expecting, everything else is clear.

There were a few problems at the head and neck clinic so we didn't get to speak to the oncologist, however we're seeing her on Wednesday.  It's been confirmed that he'll have a chemo / radio combo starting soon.

Oh, not HPV+, and the deafness and ear pain he's experiencing is impacted ear wax - the least of his problems. 

We met one of his Macmillan nurses today (she's brilliant) and although I'll be at his initial appointments and any consults at Clatters, no support allowed during therapy - boo! We'll have to look into the taxi ambulance things.

Throw your advice, 'watch out for...'s and such.  I am a sponge. 

Thank you all for your replies and advice, you're the best,

Nicky.

Nicky while news of cancer is never welcome I found it a relief to know that they understood what was up...the diagnosis is almost identical to mine and the treatment advised was inline with what I had...the treatment itself was hard going in the later stages and post treatment tough but once done it will be a relief...you will no doubt experience  2 steps forward and 3 step's backward...but just keep your chin up and you will get through... I found this site really useful as it's hard to guage when in the middle of treatment and recovery how you are really doing ...as recovery seems like a slow process...I took to walking several miles a day as the only thing I felt I could control was my fitness...I still do it now as it gave me time to process what I was going through .I hope this helps

Chas

I totally agree with Chicotime regarding having a close one with you at consultations.

I was the patient ( laryngeal cancer ) and sometimes felt remote from what was happening during such visits.

I think initially I was wanting to fully understand what was being said and yet not.

Also good news from me too Nicky I am also clear now and have been for 5 years plus... all people involved were marvellous. Mac support was superb .

take care Ron