I thought I would start a single thread to discuss my ongoing treatment rather than it popping up in multiple threads.
For those new to the site a brief synopsis of "Round 1" is below.
I will update this tread as things happen and bits fall off or are removed from me as time goes on!
Synopsis of Round 1:
Late Sep 2019 found a lump in my RHS neck. Within a week had it checked by the GP and was on a 2 week pathway. Ultrasound scan and needle biopsy.
Oct saw ENT and was told the needle biopsy was clear, but they would like to take the lump out ASAP just to be sure. Glad they did as it came back SCC HPV+. OMG - moving from all OK to cancer in one very uneasy step!
I found this out 3 days before going to the USA for a 3 1/2 week holiday. We still went and I spent the time enjoying myself, getting my head around things and booking all the scans and appointments I would need on my return. I was in PET/CT & MRI scanners within 24 hours of landing back in the UK and discussing treatment pathways within 3 days of completing the scans.
With Christmas coming I was lucky that the planned biopsies were scheduled for the first working day in the New Year. Looking back I am grateful that I had a "good" Christmas.
The tonsil and tongue biopsies were clear, but we knew the cancer was or had been there. Probably in my tongue. Despite the clear biopsies we agreed to remove the tonsils and the RHS Level II downwards. Tonsil surgery hurts! Neck dissections are easy (in comparison).
Histology did not find anything so it was decided not to move into radiotherapy as there was no "target". Instead I was on a 5 year "watchful waiting" program.
Covid has not really interrupted my treatment. I've been luck to work with 2 fantastic hospitals and some impressive clinical teams.
In the summer my check PET/CT was clear and the Covid rules allowed for a great socially distanced party!
However, my January check-up and scoping found some swelling in my tongue where we thought the primary may be hiding. I was booked in for a panendoscopy within a week and got the results 10 days later. The primary had been found. Hence Round 2!
Hi Peter you must be scanned and contrasted out. Yes they are pretty on the ball and efficient. I could never complain about any of my scans except perhaps some technical skill in venous access but there you go.
Fingers crossed for everything and keep us in the loop.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Next up MRI with Gad
For beginners here Peter means Gadolinium which is the usual contrast agent used at MRI scans
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Oooops missed that out
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
