Tonsillectomy

Hi Mmac. I was diagnosed in the May and had my first operation tonsillectomy and base of tongue in the July. This was discovered after lump in my neck was positive after a biopsy. After operation scan showed cancer was deeper under where the left tonsil had been. I had second operation in the August. I didn’t need radiotherapy or chemotherapy . Your time scale is about right, I would think like myself the lump will be removed at the same time. Please talk to your designated nurse, who can talk you through your concerns 

Hi I was diagnosed 29 May 2018 treatment started 14 July there’s a trued snd trusted route. The planning all takes time once they start you’ll. be inundated with appointments. As for tonsillectomy take the pain killers pain ramps up around 10-12 days.  I was fortunate I onky had biopsies my lumps weren’t removed as too close to spine well one was  

any questions just ask. 
Hazel x

Hi Mac. Welcome. At least your surgery is scheduled. They may decide not to operate in your neck. Plenty of people just have chemoradiation. 
I was at the GP mid August and in the treatment table on 12th December. That’s nigh on 18 weeks. I’m clear four years later. 
There are a few things to be done yet before you start treatment and they all take time. Have a look at my blog. It might give you a timeline. 
Relax. You’re in the good hands of a team that is good at it and does this every day. 

Hi Mmac, I had tonsil cancer with 2 swollen lymph nodes  in my neck, I had my tonsils out, but not the swollen nodes, after having my RT and chemo, the swollen nodes were gone, so don't worry too much about it. I was diagnosed in the middle of July 2017, had my tonsils out in the middle of August, the chemo and RT started beginning of October. Your time scale seems about right. If you have any worries or questions just ask away on here, someone will always answer if they can. All the best

Regards Ray.

Tonsillar cancer diagnosed August 17 2020. Tonsillectomy and neck dissection October 8.  Chemoradiation started mid Nov.  All has gone smoothly so far 2 years on.

Hi. Your timeline sounds about right. I had lump in neck. Had bilateral tonsillectomy followed by 6 weeks of chemoradiation. The lump was an enlarged cancerous lymph node. It was dealt with by the chemo & radio. My primary was right tonsil. The waiting is always anxiety inducing. 

I think there’s a general story hear Mmac. My lymph node in my neck was swollen but it was my left tonsil where the cancer was. The node swelling reduced and hasn’t been an issue since (rapidly reaching treatment +5 years).

It is completely normal to worry about an abnormal situation especially where cancer is concerned. It is rubbish, the effects of it can cause a rollercoaster of emotion and affect your nearest/dearest. Keep positive, stay focused on what you’re being told by your oncology team and trust them - they’ve got it.

If you have any questions or concerns please ask here. I am sure that if you’re worried about it, someone has already been through it Year and getting that ‘lived experience’ is golden.

Take care!

Hi Mmac. My husband went to GP with a lump in his neck on 31st January, biopsy confirmed it was a secondary cancer on 10th Feb.
He had a Panendoscopy and double Tonsillectomy on 5th April (also some biopsys taken from his tongue). We still have no idea about where his primary is or further treatment yet., so seems like its usual to wait a while, although it's absolute agony waiting isn't it x

Hi MrsHop22 

Welcome to our little community. 99.9 % of these primaries are found in the tonsil or base of tongue. It's the classic presentation of HPV+ve throat cancer. The good news this cancer is quite curable.

Now that your husband has had his exploratory surgery it won't be long before you find out what the plan will be. Then, when things slot into place you will actually feel much better about it. Stick around. there is a wealth of help and advice here

Meanwhile it's a good idea to stay off Google, for now

Best wishes

Hi. I too only had s lump in the neck. Has Dani has explained majority are base of tongue or tonsils. Mine was tonsillar almost 5 years ago. HPV driven tumours do respond well to treatment your hubby’s sounds like a classic case.
   The waiting is by far the worst part it’s dear of the unknown keep off dr google you’ve found us on here stick with us. Ask any questions 

Hazel x