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, so pleased its all going in the right direction , i understand you being fed up and frustrated as it brings back my memories of when the cancer returned. Its a wise choice not to have further treatment as it can be there for a back up. That sounds like a good idea going to the pub , all the best with your recovery and fingers crossed it all works out ok, take care.
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
Being left hanging like that must be very tough Peter, can only sympathise. Pub is a first class idea, I had a pint "in" my local on Monday, was bloody freezing but had to be done! Had to write down my order which was a first 
.
Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.
Doing great thanks Hazel (sorry to hijack your thread Peter); today is my birthday (61) and also my wedding anniversary, so a very bitter sweet day. But had a good day after early morning tears and have a huge pile of chocolate to console me!
Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.
Happy belated birthday Mike.You have endured much beyond your years so I shall raise a glass to you myself and on an a happy note Stan and I are meeting his grandchildren tomorrow for the first time since October 2019....so the sun is shining again
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Mike, happy birthday for yesterday.
