New here, so hello to everybody!

My story so far:

In January 2023 I experienced a strange sensation in my throat and swollen glands in my neck (right hand side), so I went to see my local practice nurse. She checked for a bacterial infection; next day these came back negative so she referred me to my doctor. Two days later she had a look, said I want to check this and gave me an appointment to ENT at Torbay Hospital. The appointment date was February 20th; definitely one to remember. I saw the Senior Oncologist, had a camera down the nose and got sent for ultrasounds and an aspiration (small needle insertion). After twenty minutes I was back in his office and he told me I had throat cancer. Phew! He explained the future processes, probable treatments and possible prognosis over the next hour. I was sent from his office to have a dental x-ray after a warning that at my age (62) I may have to have some extractions (luckily none required). Then they sent me home.... lots of shocked conversations over the kitchen table, even the dog looked sad. An MRI was organized for 4 days later at my local hospital and a full Pet scan in Plymouth the week after. Then a Biopsy and the the definitive diagnosis: tumour on the  base of the tongue and epiglottis defined as T3N2M0 (Really pleased about the M0 as was dreading only finding a secondary: my brother died 30 years ago due to melanomas not found on an initial diagnosis).

In a full meeting of the Clinical team I was warned that treatment is "brutal" and that my life had now shifted on a new course. However they were optimistic that the treatment would be curative and that if we followed the plan, we would get the best result. I had a RIG fitted under a general the week later (very painful stomach cramps and lots of bloating - a daily dose of anti-gastric pills helped) and my plan was laid out of daily (Monday to Friday) radio therapy and weekly (Cisplatin) Chemo therapy sessions. I had a thermoplastic shell mask made (fascinating stuff) and I'm now nearly two weeks into the treatment plan. The staff at Torbay ENT, Oncology, Surgery, Ricky Grant day unit, Speech & Language, Nutrition, Dietitian and Radiotherapy have all been fantastic. Hugely supportive and caring, with all questions answered clearly (even the stupid ones) and with great understanding. I cannot fault the way the NHS swung into action in my time of need, especially after all the tabloid headlines about patients waiting 6 months for diagnosis and treatments. The support from McMillan has also been terrific with calls and face to face meetings to ensure not just my practical but emotional wellbeing are being cared for. There are some truly fantastic people out there. Currently I am feeling OK, throat a little sore (I will ask for Pain Meds in my weekly Clinical review) and feel drained after the Chemo sessions (strange when they are pumping over 4 litres into my system over 5-6 hours). I take afternoon naps but try and keep mobile as much as possible. The taste buds went AWOL at the end of the first week (a glass of red wine tasted like sour water), and I have to drink nearly 3 litres of fluid per day. I've stuck to the prescribed drugs and the dental hygiene plan of 25 minutes keeps me busy four times a day (Is it just me but the Calposol dissolvable tablets make me gag - awful taste .. very bitter). Steroids given at Chemo time and four days afterwards keep me awake at night so sleep has become very precious for nearly half the week. I use the Epaderm cream supplied religiously on my neck and lower face to stave off the eventual radio therapy burns, but finger crossed nothing yet. Bowel habits (sorry) are a hit and miss affair but are manageable. I've noted the comments on the forums and bought Biotene toothpaste, soft toothbrushes and Xylimelts for future usage. If there is anything else you can suggest, all will be gratefully received.

I've read a number of blogs from the McMillen community forum and take great heart in their individual journeys through this rocky trail. The advice of "listen to your body and communicate with the experts" is massively important. My Chemo nurse Ricardo said "everybody will react differently to treatment and we can adjust a lot of factors to help you with whatever you come across. Just ask). 

I know there is still a way ahead but with the help of the Torbay Hospital staff and this forum I am determined not to lose hope. Onwards and upwards!

Sorry for if I am oversharing but I think it is important that stories are told, and, hopefully, successes are shared.

P.S. To the gentlemen who parked his 4x4 vehicle in the Radio Therapy reserved parking bay at Torbay Hospital (limited to 30 minute stay) and then went for a one hour lunch in the Bayside Restaurant before leaving, I have your number and it is marked!

Thanks all!