Hello

Hi jinty and welcome. So sorry you’ve had to find us but stick around. There is a wealth of knowledge here. 
First tip I’ll give you is to avoid Google. You’ll scare yourself to death with inaccurate information 

Second. Swollen lymph node is the most common presentation of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma that is HPV positive. It’s eminently curable so hold on to that. 
I had base of tongue cancer and I’m 3 years clear of radiotherapy 

Things are relaxing a little now so you’ll be able to go in to consults with your husband. An extra pair of ears is invaluable. Make a list of your questions because you’ll forget things. Make sure everything is explained. 
Also make sure you have your husbands clinical nurse specialist who will be the nurse looking after him. 
As for support. Just be there. You’ll probably need to drive your husband to treatment as time goes on. The rest will come as and when. Too much information overload is overwhelming at this stage 

Best of luck and let us know how you get on 

Macmilan has financial information here 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/financial-help

Your husband is entitled to free prescriptions so contact your GP to arrange that. 

Hi Jintymc and welcome.

Dani has given a good overview.  I will reiterate the point that HPV driven cancers respond extremely well to treatment.   I was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer in May 2018 and finished treatment in August that year. 

Much as it's very tempting to Google, please resist.  At this stage you won't be able to glean any useful information as your husband hasn't had a full diagnosis yet.  Once he's had all his scans etc his team will put a treatment plan in place based on what they find.

I know how scary it all is at the moment  but once a treatment plan is in place most people feel much less anxious.  You'll find lots of helpful support and advice on this forum from people who've experienced similar diagnoses and treatments.

All the best

Linda x

Hi Jintymc and welcome to the group.  Not a lot to add to what has already been said just at the moment.  We're here for you.

Hi Sorry you’ve found yourself on here. Dani had given good overview. As she says keep off dr google stick to us on here. I too had swollen lymph node nothing else just that. H p v driven tumours are eminently curable as are most oropharangheal cancers. This waiting’s the hardest part. Just be there ready to support him. I couldn’t have done it without my long suffering hubby by my side. 
Take it one day at a time. 
Hazel x

Thanks everyone. Will work my way through the links and blogs you have shared. Definitely avoiding Dr Google. Luckily we get free prescriptions in Scotland anyway. I do believe we will feel less anxious once we do know the bigger picture and have a plan of action in place. It's just torture waiting for that point. This year feels like it's been 24months long already. 

Thanks again

Karen

Karen, for sure the waiting is the difficult bit, once you have a plan it gets "easier" (I emphasize the inverted commas bit); your husband will almost certainly be fine, a bit battered and bruised admittedly but all will be well.

Hi Jinty, 

So sorry you and your husband are here. Its just as hard for you as it is for us.

I'm actually in exactly the same place as your husband. I also have an enlarged lymph node, no other syptoms and was diagnosed 30th Dec. The not knowing when or what's coming is hard. It felt unreal... like I didn't know anything about what is to come with some dark moments. I have been told over and over its highly treatable, please do keep that in mind. It is a very worrying time but the appointments will come.

I've found keeping positive people around is massive... although I don't want preaching constantly to, I want to be allowed to have a wobble and to air the possibilities so I can mentally prepare as I haven't had a treatment plan yet and only just yesterday had an mri to find the primary source.

Listen to your consultant and the clinical team... other departments will quote text book timescales that may be longer like I was told 4 to 6 weeks for the report yesterday but I know it'll be sooner.

I'm finding my partner is trying to keep me strong with healthy meals and a bit of exercise together, were trying to keep everything as normal as possible, enjoying a day out if we can, a glass of wine and a film, visiting family and friends, still doing the jobs in the house, were still working as we're self employed so haven't the sick pay... but I'm kind of glad I'm kept busy.

Ring the numbers for support if you need to, they're there for you too... look after you as well. My bet is he's as worried about you. 

I've been told to stay away from Google and I am now. This site has all the info you need. I'm concentrating now on what I might need to help with the treatment, books, creams, new loose pyjamas, my slippers are fit for the bin! Doubt I'll need them for hospital but they'll make me feel better I've got them!

It is a journey... one we'll all remember forever and we'll get through it x

You're so right Shab71.  Head and neck cancers aren't widely known about  in the public domain so being diagnosed can be very scary.  I hadn't found this forum at the time I was diagnosed so wasn't really sure what to expect and went through several weeks of panic having read some horrific tales on Google.  Luckily I discovered the forum just as I started treatment which helped enormously.  

I found audio books were brilliant when I was at my worst.  I didn't have the energy to read but laying back and just listening  was perfect.

Well done for keeping busy and positive.  Take care.

Linda x

Well that's the CT done, but consultant on annual leave this week so now just a waiting game to see when we will get his results. Fingers crossed for next Monday or Wednesday at the latest. It has been frightening, but also comforting reading others experiences and knowing there are positive outcomes. Thank you everyone!