Husband has tumour at back of tongue and in lymph node in neck

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Hi everyone. 

Never thought I would need to join a group like this and I'm struggling to be honest. My husband went to the Dr's last Monday, was referred for an urgent cancer appointment and was seen by the ENT on Friday. They found a tumour on the back of his tongue and his lymph node in his neck on the same side is very swollen, so he thinks it's spread. He's got an x-ray on his jaw tomorrow a CT Scan and MRI on Friday and a pre-op appointment on Monday. It's all happening so fast and we have so many questions but no answers. I'm trying to stay calm and be strong for my husband who is understandably terrified. I don't really know what I expect from anyone but just some words of advice and wisdom would be so gratefully received! Thank you 

  • But in the meantime just reading the positive comments from people who have responded has already calmed me down.

    Thank heavens you joined us. We have your backs

    Hugs

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Sorry to ask another question. Do you know how long it takes for the cancer specialist nurse to get on board? It would just be nice to have someone to explain a few things. He only has his first consultant appointment last Friday so I know it's early days. Just wondered that's all. Thank you 

  • Hi. I had a phone call with my Macmillian nurse the next day after consultant confirmed I had cancer. That was 5 years ago pre covid it depends are you  at a dedicated cancer  centre or an hospital wiith cancer centre attached. Eg I. Was at Leeds cancer centre for treatment I had a dedicated Macmillian nurse some  hospitals have  cancer nurses. Someone will contact you in meantime ask us we will try to help. 
    Hazel x

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Thanks Hazel. The appointment was just at our local hospital. So not a cancer dedicated hospital. The consultant said he would make a referral. I think I'm asking just so we can possibly get a bit more of an idea about what happens next. We were in and out within 20 minutes and we didn't ask enough questions. You don't when you're in shock I guess. Thanks again 

  • hi Raz

    was just reading your description of what youve been through...what a trooper you are..bless you

  • Hello Rachel, just popping up to echo what the wise ones on here have already said,  and to wish you & your husband well. His cancer sounds similar to what I had and I'm fine now.  Treatment is very tough but it's only for a few weeks and it works for most, as it did for me. Your husband is lucky to have you to support him. My partner was a pillar of strength - keeping me fed, managing my meds. When it was over I booked us a fabulous holiday to reward ourselves! Hang in there - once you have a treatment plan it does get easier. One day at a time. Stick with this lovely forum,  it's such a help.

    Catriona

    September 2022 aged 63 diagnosed with HPV associated SCC base of tongue T4 N2 M0. Chemo & radiotherapy for 6 weeks ending Nov 2022. Now over 2 years all clear. See my profile for longer story

  • Hi Rachel. Agree if like me your heads a shed to start with it’s the fear factor. I started to take a duplicate set if questions one for me and one for the consultants   Then we worked through the questions together  that way you had a record of what yiu wanted£ to say. My oncologist got so used to me he held his hand out for my question sheet. Try nit to stress there a tried and trusted route for head and neck cancers ..I was 63 days from being put  in the pathway  to first radiotherapy session. 

    my blog gives  an indication  of what I went through. 


    Hazel 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/