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!
Belated birthday wishes xxxenjoy chocolate xx
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Just a quick, and positive, update. I had my first proper post-operative check up yesterday and all is clear I can't believe it is only 2 months since the aborted operation!
I did not see my normal consultant and I managed to baffle this one in having lost a cancer not once, but twice. He said he'd never heard of that!! I'm officially a medical mystery
Nice new equipment in the hospital for the nasaloscopy. Ultra thin scope that was much more comfortable and a great high resolution video that the consultant took me through from nose to vocal cords.
It all looks a bit of a mess and it explains some of the side effects I am having (none are anything that I can't live with). As he said, 2 months is really early on after the operation so he is not surprised it is still swollen and I'm having some difficulty with swallow. But absolutely no visual signs of the cancer. Will discuss a PET scan to double check at the next appointment and probably have that in the autumn 6, months post op.
I also managed to negotiate the follow-up checks from monthly to 2 monthly. That's a result
Hi Peter
new equipment sounds good well done on negotiations. Just another waiting game for you at least keeping consultants on their toes.
Enjoy summer
Hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Hi Peter, thanks for this update it all sounds positive news, i know you have been messed about with so it great to see your positive outlook. Wishing you all best for your next meeting/appointment. Take care, be good.
Chris
What a bumpy ride emotionally and physically you have had and the No Evidence of Disease is the greatest news. Now get out the sun tan lotion and bask in the sunshine......
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
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