Neck and throat radiotherapy fear

We were all in the same boat when first diagnosed, scared and feeling lost, the treatment is challenging but very doable, it gets a little easier as we fall into a routine, try to focus on the positive aspects, the treatment for HPV16+ head and neck cancer has a 90%+ cure rate and the treatment will not last forever, try to avoid Dr Google, use this forum for info, support and anything else related to the treatment....

Good Luck

Thank you Michael it’s good to hear it’s doable. Your advice is gratefully received, I was definitely lost after my appointment the list of potential side effects blew me away.

Honor

The side effects can be harsh but not everyone gets them, keep your oncology teams informed about any issues you have, don't suffer in silence...loads of lovely people on this forum to help you navigate your way through the treatment.

Hi Honor

welcome to our great community

Im Dani one of the community champs and I’m over seven years clear of the same radiotherapy you are going to have. Apart from a dry mouth at night I’m perfectly ok. I’m half way through cooking a curry for myself and my husband. 
Things get better the more you know as you go through treatment. It’s harsh but doable and don’t be frightened of it Make friends with your CNS who with your radiography team will be your contact with the rest of your team. 
Have a look at this thread which has some helpful tips

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/head-neck-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis-and-treatment/287136/helpful-tips-for-those-about-to-start-treatment

Also take a look at my blog linked at the bottom of my post

Stay with us, avoid Google. We’ll help you through and don’t forget, no question is daft. 

Thank you Dani that is very comforting to hear. I will approach it with as much optimism as possible.

Honor

Hi Honor, I had TORS and left sided neck dissection followed by 6 weeks RT. I finished RT 10 weeks ago. I know everyone is different but I personally found RT much easier than surgery. With surgery I had 2 weeks in hospital, various drips, tubes and large amounts of morphine. With radiotherapy I slept in my own bed, sat on the sofa watching tv, read and took an occasional co-codamol. Not to say that radiotherapy is easy though. One of the nurses described TORS as being intense over a short period of time and RT as less severe but over a longer time. In my case I'd agree with that. Hope all goes well for you.

Hi Honor it’s fear  if the unknown we’ve all been there. I’m 8 years and post chemo. Radiotherapy for hpv tonsil cancer. Treatments hard recovery can be longish but hnc have  a very good cure rate. I was 61 when diagnosed now fast approaching 70 next year living a great  life I like Dani have dry mouth at night but am fit  cycle walk and have an allotment there’s a good life to be had. 
ant questions just ask. 
Best wishes 

Hazel x

Oh thank you so much it really is good to hear such positive feedback and I’m so glad you are now in the other side of your treatment. 

Joining this forum has been the best thing I’ve done in ages. I feel like weight has been lifted from my shoulders. So grateful to hear you’ve had a positive outcome.

Thank you Hazel.

Hi am about to undergo something similar. Terrified!

Hope you are ok and following for advice x