Hi new to the group

Hi and welcome.

Tell us about yourself. There always someone to chat to

Hello, about 5 months ago i had a tumour removed along with a part of my tongue and a neck dissection, I am 54 and have never been ill so this was a terrible shock, physically im ok but emotionally i ham having a tough time . I know its early days but i have not been myself since the op.

It’s a real shock. Most of us here were fine til…. Bang! 
Macmillan offer free counselling if you feel that might help.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support

You could also give  the support line a ring. Number at the bottom of my post 

Do you have a Maggie’s near you? They are brilliant with their support. 

I think that for many of us hunkering down to heal and hoping for the best is not enough and we have to take a deep breath and look for help. It’s out there. 
I did post a link to Peter Harvey’s bit on life after cancer in your thread in New to the Community but here it is again 

https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Stay with us. We know how you feel. We can help even if it’s just to “listen”

Thanks i am going to speak to someone on monday about counselling, which is going to be daunting to me, i come from a family where showing your feelings is a sign of weakness, but i need to give it a go.

That first step will be hard but remember it’s not a sign of weakness or defeat. It will open the door to your recovery. I counsel people here that the body is a wonderful thing. We put our trust in our teams and it’s their job to fight the cancer. It’s our job to stay sane and our minds need help. It has never been more true. 

Hi jigsaw girl,

A warm welcome to this very friendly and supportive group.

We are all with you and like you experienced the horrific shock of a cancer diagnosis.

Like Dani said Mcmilan or Counselling via your GP/Cancer charity may be helpful.Im 56 and have found this whole  experience to be very traumatic Im also a therapist which hasn’t made this past year any easier just more understandable… we are here whenever you need us as a group of people all of whom have had Head &Neck Cancer and want to support  one another in our times of need x

Thinking of you

Debbie

Well Done for being so brave to take the first step .

Being open and vulnerable in front of others is not easy for anyone but the gains from talking to someone can be so helpful .

All the best for Monday x

Debbie

thanks, let you know how it goes xx

Showing your feelings is definitely not a sign of weakness. It takes strength to reflect on your emotional state, share it with others, and put the work in so you can come out the other side feeling better.

It’s also critical to your wellbeing, and only fair to those who care about you. 

Hi Jigsaw 

Tonsil cancer HPV16+ hit me hard physically and mentally, as it does all, we have no option but to meet it head on, treatment is tough ....recovery is also tough....but cure rates are great...keep on posting ...plenty of support and sound advice on here from fellow cancer sufferers who have walked the same walk.

Peter