First wanted to say thanks to Lindielou and others who've replied to posts, and also to the MacMillan staff on the ward in Ashford where I've been for 3 weeks - they were great!
They didn't get all the cancer out, it's more aggressive than thought and has extended slightly into a muscle that runs alongside the tongue (so now classified as a T4 tumour) - though good news, no lymph node involvement. Long story short, we're' moving on to radio/chemo options, and given my focus on quality of life rather than outright longevity, I've said I don't want chemo. My oncologist seems happy with that decision.
Seems I'll be in for 5mins/every day for 6 weeks - and side-effects over the next 10 weeks following the start. Hopefully it's manageable, and I suspect it won't be as bad as the last 3 weeks of ops and bleeds.
Will no doubt have lots of questions once I've done my research!
Chris
Hi Chris. The chemo is normally used when there is lymph node involvement so you're probably not deminishing your cure rate at all. As you know it's brutal treatment so hang on in there. Having had surgery and CRT I'd say the CRT is worse mainly because of the length of time it takes to recover. Ask away and try to prepare as much as possible so you're ready when things need doing.
Hi Chris, the Rt although it does come with side effects does do a good job of getting rid of these cancers. Just take things one day at a time, always keep your team updated on any side effects, they will give you something for them, don't suffer in silence. We are all here to answer any questions you have, if we can, so just ask away.
Ray
You sound really upbeat and organised which is brilliant, the treatment can be harsh and recovery difficult...try to stay off Dr Google, do your research on validated sites...Macmillan, Cancer Research...NHS etc....stick with this forum...all posters have been there...done it.
Michael
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