Newly diagnosed

Hi Lindy Loo I m Hazel I am 4 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes.i had 35 radiotherapy and 2 of a planned 3 chemo. The chemo aid the sensitivity of the cancer making it  more responsive to radiotherapy. 
One question ti ask are you HPV postive as I was and that does have  an effect if treatment response 
Your teeth will need a thorough check with a dentist 

Ask if a feeding tube will be offered either pre treatment or if need be a n g tube during treatment. 
As for blood clotting speak to oncologist as I have friends who have the same issue and she successfully completed chemo so do ask , saying that  add approx 4% to the overall success rate 

chemo radiotherapy is the gold standard treatment for our type if cancer  

Take everything one day at a time don’t look too far in advance  stick with us in here keep off dr Google Treatments hard i was  61 when diagnosed in happliy living my life 

My blogs below may help.

Hazel x

Hi Lindyloo112. You have come to the right place. My cancer was under my left tonsil , I had both tonsils removed and base of tongue. I didn’t have radiotherapy or chemotherapy so cannot answer your questions, but there are a few people on here who can, and will give you great advice and support. My first appointment I didn’t ask half of what I wanted to, so made a list of questions to take with me the next time. It will seem overwhelming at the moment. The pack is large , but I found coming on here helped me more 

Hi Hazel, thanks for your reply. Yes it is HPV+. I only have 1 effected lymph node and he said its nowhere else.

They did mention feeding tubes but I think I zoned out by then. I think it was a 'if necessary ' thing.

I had dental xrays and an examination at the hospital today.  Dentist gave me a prescription for 'special ' toothpaste for after. 

The nurse kind of suggested that the small increase in improved chances with chemo compared to the increased risk of clots (1 in 5 chance) and other side effects might not be worth it?

Don't worry, I'm 61 and have no faith in Dr Google at all! 

Thank you x

Thanks Debbie60. I'm going to get me a little notebook just for all my questions.

Lindyloo112 said:

The nurse kind of suggested that the small increase in improved chances with chemo compared to the increased risk of clots (1 in 5 chance) and other side effects might not be worth it?

Hi Lindyloo, Your nurse is  in a good position to comment. As your cancer is HPV driven it responds very well to radiation. The chemo sensitises the cancer to the RT. 
I had no nodal spread on scan so got away without it. I had my neck nodes irradiated anyway so any hidden cancer was sorted that way. 
I too had a tube in week four and was never offered a stomach tube. I’m pleased really as the NG tube did the trick. 
I hope that helps 

Hi Lindy Welcome to the club remember HPV driven tumours have an excellent response to treatment. Many I know don’t have the full course of or any chemo so please don’t stress if you decide nit to have the chemo. As for feeding tube talk it over in my case I was was fine up to end if week 3 the wham I couldn’t swallow sufficient water ir food to sustain myself.. I had already consented to the ng tube which was my life saver. 
This part is the worst part once a treatment plan is in place everything clicks. Just ask any questions we’re always happy to help

Hazsl x

Thank you so much Hazel. I'll ask about the tube, I'm fairly sure she said I'd probably need it at some point. It's going in my book!

It feels better just being here, I don't feel so alone with all this as I did when I first got home x

Lindyloo112 said:

It feels better just being here, I don't feel so alone with all this as I did when I first got home x

Its what we’re here for. We’ve done it and got the t shirts. It’s all information overload just now but things will fall into place. No question is daft   There’s always somebody to help. 
Chin up. 

Thank you  

Hi it’s the shock of why me what next .my hubby had just retired we thought our world had ended. I’m sat typing this in Extremadura Spain visiting another lady who has become my friend. There’s a good life to be had after cancer this parts the worst.

Today we’ve visited Cacares walked round the then come back and I’ve cycled 15 km in 30 degree heat. 
Your mind will be in a  whirl 

Hugs Hazel x