Just diagnosed with salivary gland cancer - muco epidermoid carcinoma

Hi BoBlack

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of salivary gland cancer. It is always a shock when out of the blue you get a diagnosis of cancer.

Although I did not have this particular cancer I understand that the treatment is much the same as for other head and neck cancers i.e. surgery, radiotherapy and maybe chemotherapy.

Also if caught early is treatable as for other head and neck cancers.

This being the case most people on this forum followed the route as mentioned above and  will understand the issues that may arise for you. They will be able to give you the support and info you need.

I had jaw cancer and had an operation in 2013 and 2019 and radiotherapy both times,  the first time on the right side of my face and the second time on the left side.

I am now well recovered and moving on with my life.

Once your tests are complete and you have your treatment plan in place things will start to fall into place. The waiting game is the worst

Sending positive thoughts your way.

Lyn

Thank you so much for your reply. Like you say it's a shock.  It's the unknown and the waiting that is difficult.  Having said that, I am generally a very positive person and I'm hanging in to this xx

You will get lots of good advice and support in this forum. Other people will tell you don’t use Mr Google the advice and information isn’t always correct. My cancer was in the base under my left tonsil, I have had two operations , and now on the road to recovery. I was afraid waiting for tests to come back, but the support I got on here was a life saver for me. I wish you all the best . Debbie x

Hi Bo black. Welcome to our small community group sorry you’ve found yourself on here. This  is by far the worst time the waiting. I am 3 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes. I was 63 days from being  put on cancer pathway to treatment starting. 

As Lynn sats once your results snd treatment plan in place everything else follows.
Treatment is pretty much standard for head snd neck cancers radiotherapy and chemo if needed. Some have surgery I didn’t. 
Any questions just ask. 
Hazel x

Thanks Hazel. I have a meeting with consultant in 2 days so hope to find out more then. I feel a bit numb to it all, in all honesty. Also, all the coding about grading the cancer is a mystery to me. I'm sure I'll find out more very soon. Glad to have this forum. Feel less isolated with it all. Xxx

Hi my coding was T2N2Nm which in English t is tumour 2 is 2-4 cm n2 was 2 lymph nodes nm no metastasis which is no other spread other than local lymph nodes  

will help where we can 

hazel 

Thanks for explanation. Wonder will I get more.info on Wed. Seeing consultant but wont have had CT or MRI..

Hi it’s usually the scans thst  can tell the consultants what’s happening g. That was in my case   It’s a waiting game unfortunately. 

Hazel