Hi all. A quick update on progress after the removal of my right tonsil followed by adjunctive chemoradiation. (Treatment for t1, n1, m0 started with surgery on October 8th and ended January 2nd.)
Things are still slowly improving. I’m off all drugs now apart from a daily half-dose of Lansoprazole which helps to keep any irritating acid reflux at bay.
My dissection scar still gets itchy and sore and is susceptible to the sun so I need to use 5* Factor 50 sun cream nearly every day, even if it’s cloudy. I am still doing daily neck exercises and massaging with Bio Oil to try to unstiffen my neck which, although not painful, still feels stiff, lumpy and swollen even though it looks pretty much normal now on the outside. There is still no sign of any facial hair around the scar area, which remains smooth as the proverbial baby’s bottom.
Inside my mouth, the area where my tonsil was (the ‘glossotonsillar sulcus’, apparently) feels a little raw and rough still but is not painful. I’m told that this is the result of surgical and radiation scarring.
Energy levels are good, anxiety levels normal, apart from the odd blip, and eating is almost normal, notwithstanding still needing fluid to help swallow starchy stuff like bread due to lack of saliva.
I’m doing at least 30 minutes outdoor exercise daily and keeping very, very, busy as I find that to be tremendously therapeutic.
Next face to face check up in about 4 weeks.
Wishing all fellow travellers well.
Hi Mark. All sounds good to me. A Christmas to look forward to xx
Your posts and bio have been immensely helpful to your fellow travellers so thanks again
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Well done for getting through that first week. How are you feeling?
Have a look at Ronnie’s post.
community.macmillan.org.uk/.../1629036
More inspiration. I remember those early days as if somebody else did it.
Best wishes
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
You're very welcome......I love your bio by the way. Now THAT has helped loads of people
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Lovely to read this positive up-date Mark, i used to do the same with my neck with the sun cream and bio-oil due to the sun and tightness of the skin, it must have helped as i don't get any side affects in that area. Totally agree with keeping busy as it takes your mind of the subject and keeps the grey matter active, good luck with your next appointment in 4 weeks. All the best.
Chris 
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
