Husband, 72 has had tests and has been diagnosed with cancer. He s scheduled to have radiotherapy. Surgery not an option and chemo not helpful due to his age. No results for the final scan he had before rt referral because the hospital lost them so this has been quite a wait. (First symptoms last August, treated with two rounds of antibiotics before he got a referral in January 2025 to HNT. Obviously very worried but not clear on length and frequency of rt sessions other than expected to be given over 5 weeks. Would appreciate any advice of experience with this type of disease and treatment. Feel lost.
Hi and welcome. So sorry to hear about your husband.
I was 68 when I was diagnosed with inoperable throat cancer. I was treated with six weeks of RT and I’m over six years clear.
Each session lasts around 15/20 minutes though the actual treatment is about 5.
There is little to report for the first two weeks but after that discomfort ramps up to pain which is pretty awful. If your husband is offered a feeding tube he should grab the chance. He likely won’t be able to swallow even pain relief let alone food for a few weeks.
All this is a real challenge but doable.
He will need help from you but you also need to look after yourself and make some time apart, even if just for coffee with a friend. It will be a challenge for you too.
Has he had his mask made yet?
Have a look at this really useful thread
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
PS
Oh and stay with us. There’s always somebody around to talk to and no question is silly.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Can I ask who Topsy is?
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
