Hello
My brother aged 60 had been diagnosed in July (in Greece) with throat cancer - he’s had various tests/scans/biopsies. They have said soft palate/left tonsil/Oropharynx/ squamous cell carcinoma- It has also spread to lymph nodes in the neck….
He is awaiting treatment. He’s had 7 appointments here in the UK so far and the last one was quite bleak and disappointing - I’ve been with him to all appointments. He’s not being offered surgery due to the size and location - I believe the tumour is quite bulky…That was a might blow and nor is he being offered radiation (at the moment)… The oncologist/Dr had told him he needs more blood tests and a thorough kidney test over a few hours to see if he is fit for chemotherapy. We have not been graded or told what stage - but are assuming it’s quite advanced. I’m still not clear why he’s not being offered radiation. They have decided neo adjuvant chemotherapy is the next step, providing all ok with blood tests and this kidney test which he is having this Wednesday. We are all so keen for him to start treatment. Just want the best chance for him to beat this. When he arrived back home from Greece he was only 64 kilos but thankfully I’ve been feeding him up and he is now 73 kilos. She said it was good he has put on weight. But she also said “the chemotherapy probably has a slim chance of working, can’t guarantee it” That was horrible to hear… but I suppose she has to give her honest opinion. However, she agreed we must remain positive and hopeful. My poor brother… he isn’t sleeping and is very anxious. Who wouldn’t be? It’s on his mind all the time. I’m just glad he’s home here with us. I pray that the chemotherapy DOES work and shrinks the tumour and that he WILL be offered radiation treatment. Everybody is different and I’m doing everything within my power to get some goodness into him - a healthy smoothie with actimel and super fruits every day and a good dinner. He’s taking turmeric capsules…. I wish that oncologist lady had been a bit more positive… but we shall see how he gets on and hope for the very best. Any advice or encouraging experiences would be much welcome. Many thanks
Hi ZigZag and welcome.
So sorry to hear such sad news. I can't begin to dissect why your brother isn't being offered radiotherapy except perhaps as you say the tumour is too large and there is only so much radiation a body can stand. There is a limit to the size of tumour that can be hit with Radiotherapy. She's right that neoadjuvant chemotherapy won't cure. Squamous Cell carcinoma isn't very sensitive to chemotherapy which is used in this case to increase the effect of the RT. But there is a chance of reducing the size and I hope your brother is fit enough to take it.
I have a friend who is two years out of neoadjuvant chemo with Cisplatin and Flourouracil followed by RT for a cancer in the same area. She has married and moved house since and she messaged recently that she and her husband have taken up ballroom dancing.
Hold the thought that it's possible.
Stick around. There's lots of advice here on coping with treatment once your brother starts
Good luck
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Enjoy your walk Sally
I’m out with mine
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thanks Dami - had a lovely walk with our darlin’ Lulu - hope you had a nice walk too. Thanks again for the good wishes for my brother - really hope he starts treatment very soon.
Your dog is lovely - I love animals
Take care, TTFN 
Sally xx
