Hi, it’s lovely to see some names on here of people I recognise from 10 years ago when my OH was treated for tongue cancer. After a tough time (two major surgeries as the free flap failed, 6 weeks RT) OH got back to work and we’ve had a lot of good times despite his after effects, most recently thyroid gland giving up. Now, though, it looks like he has cancer in his larynx, on a vocal cord. Rapidly losing a voice which was already impaired… He has a biopsy under anaesthetic next week to confirm, and a whole body scan to look for any other cancer sites.
we have already been told that his treatment options will me more limited than if it was his first cancer as he can’t have much more RT, also surgery would be more complex due to scar tissue, weird reconstruction involving his pec muscle, and RT damaged tissues. I wondered if anyone else on here has experience of laryngeal cancer after treatment for other H&N cancer?
Good evening Alichapp, i remember you and your husband/partners' post from 10 years ago, my first cancer was in 2008, then 2009, and ended up in 2010 with cancer of the Larynx, a couple of my skin grafts also failed, but my free flap from my wrist went ok. I had reached my limit of radiotherapy, so surgery was the only real option, i was warned that there was a strong possibility that my larynx (voice box) would have to be removed, but I would not know for definite until they started to operate, unfortunately, they did have to remove it so since 2010 i have been unable to talk, to be honest i had already prepared myself for this and was just happy they managed to stop it from spreading. Hopefully, they will be able to offer other surgeries as they have advanced quite a bit since 2010 with less severe operations and treatment. I have never regretted any of my surgeries or treatment, and thankfully, i have not had any issues since then. Wishing you both all the best, take care.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
Thank you chris2012
You're a gem xx
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
It may be worth a second opinion. My first husband had RT for laryngeal cancer. It failed and he had to have a laryngectomy. His surgery was through damaged irradiated tissue. He was operated on by a young surgeon at the Marsden who went on to found the Oracle Cancer Trust. They are experts at salvage surgery at the Marsden. If laryngectomy is on the table maybe your husband can be seen there?
My husband went on to live cancer free and become more or less his old self for ten years after.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Yes, don't let local surgeons near him. He needs somebody who does two of these a week not two a year. You have a right to be seen at any hospital you choose in England, if they have space. Good luck
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good evening Alichap, of course its ok to come back after your next meeting with the consultant. A very good idea from Dani about getting a second opinion as each hospital/ consultant are different. I was lucky and had a very experienced Maxillofacial consultant and would not give up on me despite the set backs. Good luck and please let us know how it all goes.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
