Hi Everyone,
Unfortunately, I’ve just been diagnosed with a salivary duct tumour. I’m in my 30’s with a busy life and two young kids and I’m very worried about the future. I’ve had a lump in my neck for about 6 months and had repeated visits to the doctors, each time with the message it’s probably nothing to worry about. I pressed on with it and eventually got referred for further tests to “rule it out” so was hugely surprised when I got the news.
The consultant believes it is operable subject to further scans proving it hasn’t spread, but it sounds like a particularly rare and aggressive tumour that needs sorting fast. After that there may be a few weeks of radiotherapy. If it has spread I really don’t know what’s next.
I don’t know what I’m seeking posting this , I guess everyone who gets a cancer diagnosis is full of why’s and what’s and anxiety. I’d like say I’m positive having made it through a few challenges in life, but saying it and being it are different.
Id love to hear if there are some stories out there with a happy ending
First off very sorry you find yourself here but it's a good place to be given the circumstances, that sounds contradictory but I'm sure you get my drift.
Very difficult to give any specific thoughts given the early and vague stage you're at, that we've all been through as well; but I'd just say at this point that there are many and varied stories with a happy ending here, far more happy endings than sad ones in fact.
Keep us updated as you know more and you'll get loads of support and advice, people on here are brilliant. I'd just also add that your age and fitness will help very much, stay positive.
Oh, and don't use Dr Google under any circumstances.
Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.
Hi and welcome from me too.
There are a few threads, some fairly recently HERE if you's like to join in.
Stick with it and trust your team. If your consultant thinks it's operable it surely is.
Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
You are in great hands and you'll be running that Marathon yet. I managed a London Marathon once in my life. Wanted to try again to actually be able to enjoy the day instead of doing all the wrong things first time but I never got another ballot place. Go for it...you'll be fine. Lots of folk have had neck dissections and while they are drastic if you pay attention to the physio when you have healed you'll do well. I hope you are home for Christmas.
I'll tag Peter PFJTHS who is our "expert" in neck dissections and I hope he'll pop on with some words of advice
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
Hi there. Getting out for regular runs will be a huge boost both mentally and physically and will undoubtedly help you with your healing. I had a tonsillectomy and neck dissection followed by RT and chemo last autumn with treatment ending in January this year and I was, (and am again), a three-times-a-week runner. Keep on going until your body tells you to stop. I kept running until my second week of radio/chemotherapy and after that took long daily walks. I’m now back to running and did 14k, including Parkrun, yesterday morning. It has helped me enormously through all I’ve been through in the past year or so.
Good luck with the treatment. It drags at times but is worth it 
