Hi there. I'm due to go in for a microlaryngoscopy tomorrow morning, as I have a mass on both vocal chords.
I have been unable to quit smoking. I am all of a panic and I know the risks. I have cut down from around 30 per day to around 10 over the last 3 weeks and also cut down on drinking by 2 thirds. I suffer with extreme anxiety and for the last 20 years this is how I've self medicated.
I've struggled so much, had lots of counselling but always turned to the dreaded drink and cigarettes and this is probably why I'm writing in this forum now. I don't plan on having any cigarettes today and certainly no alcohol, but I can't stop thinking I'm going to have all of the postoperative complications that come with surgery.
I guess I just need a little reassurance from someone who may have been in the same situation as myself. I'm 48 years old.
Hi and welcome to our little community
I know it’s hard and one of the first things that will help is to stop blaming yourself. Start at zero.
Would you consider getting some help to stop smoking, patches maybe?
I do have personal experience.
My first husband smoked and drank and ended up with laryngeal cancer at 47
He refused to stop either during treatment and the treatment failed. What saved his life was a laryngectomy. He coped extremely well but didn’t give up drinking and that was his demise 10 years later. If he had he would still be here with me
You can’t undo the past but you can give your hospital team a good chance to save you so do seek help. Maybe your partner would give up too?
I can't stop thinking I'm going to have all of the postoperative complications that come with surgery.
If you stop smoking, eat well and do as your team tells you there’s no reason why your recovery should be difficult. The body recovers very quickly once you do stop smoking.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
