Tongue cancer T3N0M0,

Hi Atheena

CRT for tonsil cancer 2023

Treatment is tough ....side effects can vary from patient to patient...can be a rough ride....some do miss the worst....hope this is the case for you

Peter

Hi. I had six weeks. By mid week three I couldn’t swallow and was tube fed via a nasogastric tube for 8 weeks. It is a real challenge but the side effects can be mitigated. Proper pain relief is key. 

Hello Atheena

The possible side effects sound very scary but the hospital has to tell you all the "maybes" for informed consent - you may not get most of them. The effects of treatment get tougher as it goes on and for a few weeks after, but most people recover pretty well and it's very much worth it!

Is your cancer HPV related? The cure rates for that are over 90%.

Sending love & luck 

Catriona

Everyone’s different with their reactions. Some seem to have it worse than others. I’ve noticed some people have longer treatments than others and some have chemo. 

Sooh4496 said:

I’ve noticed some people have longer treatments than others and some have chemo. 

That is dependent on the stage and histological characteristics of the cancer. 

HI Atheena, 

I had similar to you, a T4aN0M0 salivary gland cancer recurrence, with no casusal explaination!  They removed a section of my upper palate and resectioned with a radial flap and the neck dissection. I hadn't really expected radiotherapy, but they thought I should. It's not fun, it is true. But you do get  out the other side. I finished 6 weeks on 13th December, and still have an NG tube, although I can now eat a bit, drink, and get out and meet people and do stuff. So what I am saying is that although yes it is grim, it does pass and you will cope. One thing I will say, is when you need a feeding tube, get one. You will feel a million times better of you have some nutrition in you, both physically and mentally. I am still waiting to see what and of side effects I am going to be left with, so Ican't really commdent on that. 

Best of luck with it all 

R 

Thank you Rachel. I am on week two radiation. Full of ulcers horrible including cheeks and roof of the mouth. It’s a lot harder than I expected 

Thank you Dani. I am having severe adverse reactions including ulcers all over my mouth 

Thank you Cat. I’m the unlucky one again having severe adverse reactions from week 2 . Hope I will survive. 

Hi Atheena

A lot of us have it rough with the treatment...unfortunately it usually gets worse before it gets better...I was 68 at the start of treatment and managed to survive it, hang in there ....keep the forum updated with you progress.

Peter