Husband with tonsil cancer - HPV +

similar situation to me. Had a cold at Christmas, cold cleared but scratchy throat remained. Looked at tonisls mid Jan and looked enlarged and cysty like a big coldsore. Had tests for strep/glandular which came back clear. Doctor requested a photo and he instantly did cancer referal. Saw consultant next day and she wasn't overly concerened she said they were inclusion cysts but she did take a biopsy which came back as cancerous. Had both tonsils out 22nd March and having neck dissection on Monday at Derriford in Plymouth ( part of Pathos trial) Hoping to be monitor only if there is no spread to nodes but will have to wait for the pathology to come back. Mine was hpv 16 positive. They say I'm a rare case as it's not showing on any scans

best of luck with your op. I hope you heal as smoothly as possible. 

My main concern is that I know I’ve had a 1 sided large tonsil for at least 4 years now. I wish I’d pushed for another opinion but I was told it was fine :( 

Hi LizzG,

I was wrongly diagnosed for 2yrs(every time told it was nothing to worry about) with one swollen tonsil at ENT clinic.Only when lymph node appeared swollen on same side of neck did they decide to remove tonsil although the consultant still said he didn't think it was anything to worry about.When they operated they couldn't remove tonsil as it had spread on to throat by then.T4N1M0.I finished my treatment Oct 23 and three weeks ago got all clear.It still makes me angry too.I'm sure they will be able to treat you.You're young and will get through it.The waiting is awful and I hope you get good news.You'll get alot of good advice on here.Don't google stuff.I did and I ended up terrifying myself.We all have our own stories and are not just stats.

Turi

Hi Nicnak

I was in the same situation as you last March when my husband had a neck dissection to remove 35 nodes and robotic surgery to remove both tonsils and some tongue.

June and July he had 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy - he couldn't have chemo as had reacted badly.

He had a PEG as was unable to swallow - this was removed in December.

Although the treatment was hard, and we had good days and bad days - we got through it!!

Now - he is doing so well!!!! He can eat most things - still struggles with bread (which used to be his favourite) - has some aches and pains still and suffers a dry mouth - but life is good and we have recently had a lovely holiday in Italy.

I now have a very ill dad to worry about but Hubby is doing well.

Hope your husbands treatment goes well - the lovely people on this forum are amazing with advice to help you along the way. Always ask xx

Paula xx

I had just the same over three years ago, although they manage to remove lymph nodes, and am now living life probably even better than I was BC.  Try to reassure him that although the treatment is a challenge the outcomes are excellent for this type of cancer. All the best. M

Hi I’ve only just read this. I’m so sorry and hope you get answers soon. Take care xx

Hi 

I hope that you don’t have to have any treatment  my husbands didn’t show on scans either but the neck biopsy gave the diagnosis. Keep us posted xx

Hi Turi thanks for sharing on my thread. The positive stories give us all hope. X

Thanks you so much for replying Zooki the positive stories are a real boost. He starts his chemoradiation tomrorow. I’m terrified if I’m honest. The thought of him being in pain etc. but one step closer xx

Thank you, I wish they could remove his lymph nodes. But it isn’t to be. 
im very glad to hear your positive story! X