HPV POS

Of the original cancer yes 

But anybody who has an oropharyngeal SCC is at greater risk of another than somebody who has never had the cancer. 
I guess it’s why we are never discharged. 
You should ask your oncologist 

Thanks Dani.I take it it's cos once you've got HPV you can't get rid of it ? I had a feeling the oncologist said 10 % risk but I was struggling to take everything in.Should have taken someone with me. Wasn't sure if that means for the original or new.Thanks for your help and time

Turi

Turi. All you can do is get on with life. You can’t spend time worrying if this is going to fell you again. What I was told was that once you get to a year your odds are good and once you reach two they are excellent. 
There is a trial enrolling patients just now called PETNECK2. Low risk patients ( ie small tumour and maybe no nodal spread… but I’m not sure of that one) are PET scanned at a year and moved on to self monitoring. That means no more routine reviews. That’s how confident the oncologists are 
What should encourage us is the fact that HPV driven HNC is really sensitive to radiation and cure rates are over 90%

Hi Turi. Please don’t waste time wondering about the what ifs. HPV driven tumours hsve excellent response to treatment. Dani’s covered the timelines. Just face each day as it happens before you know it you’ll be ringing the bell and starting recovery. I take the attitude now especially why worry over something  I’ve no control over. Live each day to the max. 
Hazel x

Dani and Hazel,

I get myself in such a state some days.I know everyone is in the same boat and maybe as time goes on I'll learn to except things better and concentrate on the here and now.

Thanks for your patience,

Turi

Accept things better ! 

Turi

Turi said:

I get myself in such a state some days.

Turi. It’s difficult to not catastrophise if that’s your nature but you can learn coping mechanisms. Believe me I know how you feel as I tend to imagine the worst in lots of situations. 
Counselling might help. 
Macmillan offer six free sessions. That’s something to explore 

www.macmillan.org.uk/.../bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support

Dani,

I've been getting counselling at our local Maggie's centre.I spend far too much time alone and I don't think it helps. I should concentrate on the 90% cure rate and the advice given here.Easier said than done some days.I worry about everything.....you've probably gathered that !

Turi

Then just post and rant away here. Hazel is always ready to reassure you and I’ll blind you with science. Just stick around. We’ve got your back. 
Xx