Husbands Cancer Diagnosis

Also forgot to mention the initial core biopsy from his right lymph node tumour is HPV+.

Bexx85 said:

My husband is now booked in for a tonsillectomy, exploration of the throat and possibly more biopsy depending on what they see and a PEG feed insertion followed by chemo as soon as possible. Does all this sound like normal practice and is it normal to have this constant fear inside. I just don’t want to see him in pain and I need to be stronger then I am right now for him and for our three teenager boys.

Hi Bex. Everything that’s happened to him is normal practice. His team do this all the time and are very good at it. 
He will likely have radiotherapy after his induction chemo which aims to reduce the size of the cancers enabling the RT to do its job. 
It’s not an easy ride. The treatment is challenging but be assured that HPV driven oral cancer responds well to radiotherapy. 
There are a couple of new people here this morning and you could dip in their threads too. 
Stay with us. No question is daft and somebody here will have  an answer 

H I Bexx sorry you’ve had to find it on this forum. We’ve all been in your position it’s the waiting and the fear of the unknown,as a plus point. HPV tumours do respond extremely well to treatment. Mine was HPV 16 positive I had tonsil cancer with seven affected lymph nodes now 5 1/2 years and happily live in my life with us on here keep off doctor try to remain calm it’s not easy once you get a treatment does fall into place and well. I’ll help you wherever we can .

Hazel 

All your husband has gone through is a replica of my journey 

I am 6 months post treatment and clear. A few side effects to cope with but ok. 

The anxiety is perfectly normal - is an awful time 

Be kind to each other and get lots of rest. There is also a carers forum where you can talk to people in your position which may help too. I'm sure it can feel lonely for you. 

Its hard but you will get to the other side - my advice - accept all the help you are offered. 

Lots of luck 

Rachel 

Hi Bexx, I can understand exactly every emotion you are feeling right now.  My husband found a lump pre Christmas and at the beginning of the year he was advised it was cancerous.  It's been the worst waiting period ever, however somehow it is now well into February and we have got through the last 7 weeks.  We have had the CT scan and PET scan and my husband had his tonsillectomy yesterday with biopsies taken and now we just have to wait again for these to be analysed.  So much waiting!  The consultant was amazing, so helpful and so very positive and they are looking at curable treatment.  I feel so much that I have to be strong for my husband and family, and most times I am, however the fear of the future and the unknown can be so scary and I find myself very tearful at times. 

This forum is amazing and I am so, so thankful to have found it.  My husband has always been our rock and so fit and healthy - seeing him struggle will be so difficult, however I know the outcome is so favourable compared to other cancers and that is all I am clinging on to just now.  

Take care x

Hi Bethie

T2N1M0 tonsil cancer HPV+ diagnosed Feb 23  Chemoradio finished June 2023

Waiting is hard no doubt about it...treatment is tough...some tolerate it better than others....but there is light at the end of the tunnel...keep on top of the pain relief  meds ...use them as needed....do not suffer in silence....weekends? make sure you have plenty of everything....if things go wrong it is usually when support is sparse....make sure you have 'you time' carers need to be on top of their game....use this forum.... keep Dr google to a minimum.

Best of luck

Peter

Thank you all for your responses. I feel a bit more at ease after reading people’s different outlooks and journeys.

I think the more you read on the internet the more you become anxious - terrified in fact of what might be. 

Hi Bethie,  it’s nice to hear someone else going through a similar story. I just have these horrid moments where I just break down with emotions. Have they said about your husband having induction chemo? 

Take Care,

Becky

Hi Hazel, I happened to come across your blog last night what a journey you have been on. Can I ask were your affected lymph nodes on the same side as the primary site? 

See this makes me nervous I don’t understand why these cancerous nodes are flaring up in the opposite side now. I’m also apprehensive and dread the results of his PET scan what else may they find. My mind just doesn’t switch off at the moment. 

thanks,

becky

Hi Becky, I know, the slightest bit of sad news on the TV or radio will have me in tears and I feel very emotional. It seems like everyone else is going on with their lives as normal while ours have just been turned completely upside down.  Yes, they mentioned radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy as it is in 2 of his lymph nodes.  Really just want to get started treatment as soon as we can but I know there is so much to get right before they start.  Take care