Tongue Cancer T2 (N0 M0?) Just Diagnosed, Operation to remove Cancer, Flap from Arm, Remove Lymph Nodes

Hi Sue 

T2N1M0 Tonsil cancer HPV16 plus finished chemoradio treatment in June 2023...age 68 at diagnosis 

None of us were brave, probably just pragmatic and frightened 

The treatment is very challenging though some patients tolerate it better than others, make sure that you have plenty of pain meds and laxatives on hand, don't be afraid to ask for more or stronger meds, oncology will usually understand.

Ask anything at anytime... always support available 

Peter 

Thanks Peter for that.  Emotions are all over the place at the moment.  Just trying to come to terms with it all.  So much to get my head round.

Simple things like what to pack for hospital, batch cooking meals for husband & son.  Who’s going to walk the dog! Etc

xxx

Hi Sue 

I’ll tag a friend she had similar treatment to you 4 years ago Panch  she should pop on tomorrow if not tonight she had free flap and radiotherapy. 

Treatments  hard we’re all happy to pass on tips etc  

Hazel x

Hi there 

I had a similar operation 4 years ago now when I was 55. They thought Stage 2 but it turned out stage 3 because it was over 4cm

Radiotherapy followed, but ro be honest, I’d focus on the operation for the time being.

I’d make sure that your GP is aware and they can prescribe you any pain meds that you might need before the operation.

If we can “request friendship” I can give you a whole load of other information about what to expect.

Stephanie

Thanks Hazel, I’m sure I’ll be asking loads more questions as I go. The help given here is great as you’ve all been through it so you know what works.

Hi Stephanie

mine is said to be 2.6cm. It’s all dawning on me what a tough ride it’s going to be.  Mainly thinking about the operation, they say 10-12 hours. Going to pop down to the docs tomorrow to see what they can do.  One minute you’re getting on with living your life, next thing everything is upside down.

so kind of you to give me some more information, I’ll suss out how to accept you as a friend.

hope you’re all in good health now and recovered well xx and thank you xx

If you click on my profile, I think you just need to “accept” friendship.

It’s not a fun journey and it’s really difficult to accept that you WILL need help and recovery is both slow and non linear, but if it helps, I was eating in a restaurant within 6 months of finishing Radiotherapy x

Think I’ve accepted friend correctly!  Good to know you made it through xx

Hi Sue. Lots of lovely people on here who will have your back and answer all your questions. Very best of luck with it all. J x