Update on CT scan with oncologist today. Good response to the chemotherapy and no spread. Thats the good news. Now for the very disappointing bit. My partner has been unable to swallow since his oesophagectomy in November 2024. His speech was restored in August 25 to be taken away due to a recurrence of cancer in lymph nodes pressing on laryngeal nerve. Chemotherapy started in January 26 but in all of this he needed a tracheostomy which is still in place. There is shrinkage of the lymph nodes but as the cancer has eaten into the nerve it’s now unlikely that the tracheotomy will ever be removed. He will now have targeted radiotherapy to control the cancer. To recap: he can’t swallow and can sort of speak with the tracheostomy. He was such a fluent and intelligent speaker. He loved to discuss ideas, chat with friends. He got so much enjoyment from his French speaking classes. Now all of that has been lost. And of course is now dependent on tube feeding. I’m devastated and so sad for what has been lost. Thank you for reading. Anne
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Do you know how I can find them a
If you look in the larynx cancer forum there will be more but it’s not a very busy forum.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good evening Galloway. Sorry for the late reply, as Dani and Sophie have said i have had three cancer operations, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Im sorry to hear about your husband, as it's a lot to take in, but with time, it will become a lot easier to accept and adapt to his new way of life. I had my first operation in 2008, 2009, and 2010. During this time i lost the ability to swallow properly, so I have been PEG dependent ever since, although i can still swallow thin liquids, which is a godsend. During 2010 i had to have my voice box removed due to larynx cancer. I know how difficult it is to begin with, i remember waking up after my operation and trying to speak, but nothing happened, so it then sank in that I would just have to overcome it, day by day, week by week, and year by year i just adapted to using my phone as a way of communication, i dont really think about not being able to speak or eat its just normal to me now. My family and friends still speak to me, and i lead a normal life. My hardest part was accepting i would not be allowed to work anymore after 30 years of working in a shipyard. Tell your partner to remain positive, as im sure he will cope in his own way, wishing you both all the best ,take care.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
You are welcome, Anne. Always feel free to let me know if you need help along the way. Not if you have been in contact with a speech and language therapist, as they can be of some help. In the meantime, tell Stuat not to think too far ahead and take things as they come, as we all have our good and bad days.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
