I am Noodles (male aged 84), confirmed primary cancer within parotid saliva gland

Hi I am Noodles (male aged 84) and from July 2023 saw the formation of a facial lump on the left side of my face below the ear. Confirmed by Face and Neck specialist and Oncologist as a primary cancer within parotid saliva gland.

The lump grew into a swelling and whilst have an MRI, ultra sound biopsy, and a PET scan with radiation contrast, was in considerable pain, which seemed to vary not only in intensity but being experienced as a Tooth ache, an ear ache - and partial loss of hearing - my left eye watered often and sometime sight in that eye blurry, but no great loss of vision.  The pain went to my neck and lower cheek.   I administered Co-codamol and sometime had to exceed the advised dose.  Sleepless nights and (from the cocodamol) constipation.  I was not a happy chappy.

I have just had my first chemo which I thought very quick and I know the oncologist pushed for an early start.   I am, as I write, about 4 days into after care and left the hospital with a bag of drugs. 2 days of further covid tablets, the same as administer intravenously during hospital chemo, other medications to offset nausea, and help my immune system, and a couple more including 5 days of self administering by injection into my abdomen.  A lot to take in and a lot of leaflets to read and digest.  Whilst in my 3 hour chemo session I had a visit from an Oncologist Dietician to take me through my eating and giving advice and leaving me a booklet to read.  I was also given 3 pain patches to bolster Paracetamol as the Oncologist had taken me off Co-codamol and of course the inevitable Liquid Morphine for pain emergencies, which I had to record.  

The best after effect however was the relief of acute pains, leaving residual types, but I put this down to the pain patches, with an occasional Paracetamol boost.  However I still have hearing loss, and my eyes still water and sometimes are blurry.   I had a bad attack of diarrhoea and settled to runny stools but my peeing intensified to proportions where I had to get to the bathroom quickly, and didn't always make it.   But overall with the absence of the bad pains prior to chemo and medication I do feel listless and tired. But my appetite remains good although I have been told to wait a while before the effects of the chemo (and only the first) kick in.  I am not too worried about hair loss as I am bald.

I have a list of appointments into January (6 cycles they are called). I see the Oncologist in two weeks and a pre-chemo session 3 days later and am due my second chemco on the 9th October.    That about brings things up to date and I am trying to be positive as I am advised to be, but not easy and at my age with mobility problems - and a wife as my carer (and a good one) who has her own problems and has been referred to a vascular surgeon. So things not easy, but as the cancer was diagnosed pretty quickly am assured my chances are good so it is now down to chemo and more chemo with potential radiology.   I am unlikely to have surgery and will perhaps retain a small lump, but have my good wife, my daughter and friends to help out.