How does treatment affect your quality of life post treatment

Hi T2

Welcome  sorry to see you here though  

As for never being in a forum you’re doing ok  

i was 68 when my treatment finished. I was pretty ok at about a year. I’m four years plus clear now and apart from having to be obsessed about dental hygiene because of a reduction in saliva I am normal. 
The treatment is a challenge but pain and discomfort can be mitigated and those weeks fly by. 
The good news is that HPV driven oral cancer responds extremely well to radiation and cure rates are in excess of 90%
Stuck around. No question is silly or a waste of time. Somebody here will have an answer. 
Please leave Google alone for now. The best advice and information comes from your team and from the folk in here who have the T Shirt. 
Best wishes. 

Hi Iam Hazel i am almost 5 years post radiotherapy and chemo for tonsil cancer hpv 16 plus diagnosis very similar i was T2N2NM my blog below might  help but please ask questions on here i too had 7 weeks radiotherapy its nt easy but its doable take everything. One day at a time tell your team straight away if you have any issues. Im happliy living my life was 61 when diagnosed 

My. Oncologist said he would cure me but also take up to a year out of my life in doing so ,he was right on both co units. I can now eat almost as before spicy food i cant tolerate or some cheese but that just me. If you get. Offered a peg my advise is to have it fitted or if like my hospital its n ng tube if tou need it again dont struggle take their advise.

To be scared is only human nature we all were in your shoes. Now we try to help others we’re a friendly bunch 

Hazel 

Hi there yes it is scary. I am 64 and you do wonder if your body can take it. I have just finished week 3 and it has been really hard. I have a feeding tube fitted but so far haven't had to use it. I'm just taking taking it a week at a time. You must have faith in yourself. I wish you all the luck and everyone else going through this awful pain  the strength to get through. 

Therese

Thanks Beesuit. i feel much more hopeful after reading this forum!

Thanks Hazel. I checked out your blog. I'm not so sure about getting myself photo'd through treatment but honestly it helped me. Especially seeing how the helmet fit ( I get fitted for one next week) and seeing the NG tube worked. Also good to see your healing from the burns and really, from everything!!

Thanks Therese. I appreciate you admitting it is scarey because to me it. really is. Congratulations for finishing week 3, and having a feeding tube fitted. I am feeling more willing to have a feeding tube now that I've read others who had it. I guess it doesn't mean you can't swallow after it's all over. Anyway, my very best wishes for your continued treatment and care!

Hi Pleased the blogs helped you get your head around everything. By week 4 of recovery the burn had healed touchwood I haven’t had  any issues with it at all it’s just a case of using factor 50 on the neck area every day once it’s healed and factor 30 everywhere else . It doesn’t stop me living my life as you probably guessed quite often over in Spain. The mask is nothing to fear and remember HPV tumours have an excellent response to treatment. Just stick with us in here we’re all happy to help. 
Hazel 

Hi 

I am in the same boat.

I start radiotherapy for 7 weeks plus 3 X chemo starting 29/05.

I have read a lot and have been on the forums here too.

The pain from surgery was excruciating and the guys on here helped me through that. 

I was reading too much about PEG fitting and had a melt down! So my husband took me to the beach. No more Google. Also the oncologist said I won't have a peg but an NG feeding tube. I pictured a hose pipe but apparently it's thin.

I must say I was a bit nervous about the mask fitting. I had to ask the staff to stop at 1 point as it was a bit much but I got in to my zone and was ok. I asked them to cut the eyes out and they did. It made a lot of difference to me. I'm sure I will get used to it as it is very tight but ok. You will be ok as long as you tell the staff exactly how you feel and they are there for you 100%

I'm 56 years old. I don't smoke. I like A beer on a Saturday if I'm watching West Ham Utd. I walk at least 25000 steps everyday. I train at the gym everyday. I love life!! How did I get cancer? 

Its going to be a tough ride I'm sure and all I'm going to do is take every day as it comes. Everyone here says the same. Keep on top of your meds too, which I'm rubbish at.

So I have 1 week left of normality.

I'm sure I will be on here lots asking for advice on experiences. That makes it easier. You must do the same as someone would've had the same troubles. 

We can do this!! 

X

Hi Worrier1 yes both you and T2N3CHPV16, can and will do this. Like you say if you need any advice or have any worries or questions, just ask someone will always help if they can. We are all here to help each other. All the best to both and anyone else just starting out.

Regards Ray.

Thanks Warrior1! I too am fit for my age despite knee arthritis which has kept me to around 9,000 steps/day on average depending on weather. I don't drink or smoke. I realize there is no "fair" in getting cancer. Thanks especially for the advice on the mask re getting the eyes cut out. I will want that too, I think. I also love life and feel that I have lived a very privileged one so far. Due to my age, I was allowed to request 7 smaller chemo doses rather than the 3 giant ones. And also I appreciate that the doctors said I could stop chemo or radiation any time. That each step is all my choice, which really helps me.

Very best wishes to you!