Newbie

Hi Cat, sorry you find yourself here, but it's a great resource for those that need it; you'll get lots of advice and encouragement every step of the way. Very nearly nine years now since I started out, tough road but you'll get through it!

Hi CatSW9 and a warm welcome from me.  That is just how mine showed up.  This period is difficult, but once you know for sure what is going on it all swings into place and treatment starts.  We will all say that treatment is tough, but doable with good results and the vast majority go on to have a very good quality of life post treatment.  Stick with us for tips on how to get through this.  No question is too silly to ask - so fire away!

Thank you! That is really kind and  helpful. 

Hi Cat I have  just replied to your email mentioning the Macmillian forum please you’ve been on here already. Stick with us we will all help you get through this. Good luck for appointment. Remember HPV driven tumours respond extremely well to treatment 

Ask any questions nothing is too silly to ask.

Hazel x

Thank you!  I'm so pleased I've found this forum

Hi Cat

So sorry to hear about the cancer diagnosis. It is all a bit scary initially but as the others have said most head and neck cancers have a good cure rate.

It is a blow that this has occurred so close to starting retirement. I had a cancer diagnosis a year after I started retirement and I was really annoyed. I had lived a healthy lifestyle and never smoked or drank alcohol. I had to put my retirement on hold for a while.

However since then I have made up for it and have now really started with my retirement plans and had some really nice holidays and been able to follow up with my hobbies and start some new ones.  

There is light at the end of the tunnel but the start of the journey can be daunting. We are all here to support you.

Best wishes.

Lyn

Thank you Lyn!  That's great to hear.  I'll try to take it one day at a time. This forum is going to be so helpful

Catriona

Thank you! I know I'm in good hands

Hi Cat and welcome to the community. You've landed in a good place for help. I wasn't long into retirement when I was diagnosed with cancer in the base of my tongue. My biopsy revealed that it was caused by Human Papilloma Virus (the marker the pathologists use is called P16). I didn't have any lymph node involvement so escaped chemotherapy but over three years out of radiotherapy I am well, eating practically everything I used to and living a fulfilled and active life on a smallholding in Wales with my husband. We are busy all day as you can imagine and my fitness has returned. 

A swollen lymph node is the classic presentation of HPV driven throat cancer which is very responsive to RT so hold onto the fact that this cancer is not only treatable b ut most often curable.

Keep us all in the loop. There are a good few people to help you through and hold your hand.

If you feel you can please put some details in your profile, as you get them. It helps anybody answering any questions and saves you countlessly repeating yourself at the same time

If you click on my Avatar you'll see the sort of thing I mean

Best wishes

Thank you Dani!  I really appreciate your message. 

I started writing profile info last night then thought I'd wait until I've got full diagnosis - 1st appt with specialist today...