Just Diagnosed with Tonsil Cancer and Still Reeling

Steve...don't regret. Most tonsil cancer is caused by HPV, is eminently curable and is not your fault. There's little point in regretting life style anyway. What's done is done. You need to now get your head down and get better.

I know how overwhelming it is. One day you are well then the next day the months ahead lie completely outside your control.

Treatment is usually surgery followed by radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. It's a tough treatment but you'll get through

Stick with us and we'll help where we can

Don’t panic Steve. Lots of us in here have had the same. My registrar told me that if you have to have cancer then this is one of the best to get. Small comfort at the time when it’s you sitting opposite them, but it’s true. The treatment affects us all a little differently but there are some common factors that we all seem to go through to some degree or another. So stick around this forum and all the good people in here will help you through this most traumatic time. They certainly helped me. 

Hi, Dani. 

Thanks for your positive reply. I think this group will be good for my morale. In preparation I have bought a journal to track my progress, feelings and so on. I'm feeling more rational now. 

Steve

Hi,

It's great to get replies so soon, and all positive. I know being part of this group will help me. 

Hi. I remember that initial overwhelming feeling when I was diagnosed. I am 7 months post treatment for tonsil cancer which had spread to a lymph node in my neck. I had bilateral tonsillectomy, PEG fitted & then 6 weeks of chemo & radio. 
This community is amazing. So much support & real life experience. Please feel free to ask me anything. 

Steve Cat Dad said:

Thanks for your positive reply. I think this group will be good for my morale. In preparation I have bought a journal to track my progress, feelings and so on. I'm feeling more rational now. 

That’s a jolly good idea. It gives you control over something at least. 
Then you can look back when you’re better and see how far you’ve come. 
You’ll do it. We all do xx

Hi,

Thanks for your support. I'm feeling calmer now, and I will know more after my first meeting today.

HunSteve welcome to the club none if us wanted to join. I’m 4  years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes in either drs i or smoked mine was h p v 16 positive have yiu been told that yet the test does take a whike so don’t blame yourself either way it’s the luck of the draw. We’re told one in 2 of us will get cancer at some point. 
i didn’t have surgery just a biopsy then. 35 radiotherapy sessions and 2 out of 3 chemo. 
it’s nit easy I was 61 when diagnosed but here I am living a great life 4 years later. 
stick with us as Dani has said. 
Hazel x

Hi Steve - As others have said  - it's just bad luck - not your fault. When I got diagnosed with tongue cancer back in April, I went through the same thoughts - If only I hadn't done this - or maybe if I had done that, I wouldn't have cancer. But we all did things that maybe were not for the best. Don't have regrets. I won't lie to you, it's a tough journey you are going through, but you will get through it whatever treatment they offer you. Don't ask Dr Google about stuff - Research using this site, but a bit at a time. My MDT at the hospital have been really good. All the best  and try to stay as strong as you can be. I still get emotional most days but that's just a natural reaction.

Cheers

(A Different) Steve ! 

Hello,

Thanks for those positive thoughts