New here just told I have Tonsil cancer

Hi all,
Just checking in with a bit of an update following my surgery. They ended up removing 50 lymph nodes (yes, 50!) — and of those, 4 showed signs of cancer spread. Strangely, none was found in the tonsil itself, which caught me off guard a bit. But the main thing is, the team has a solid plan.

So, the next chapter kicks off soon:
30 sessions of radiotherapy over 6 weeks
1 session of chemotherapy per week during that time

The oncologist was very reassuring — he’s quoted me a 94% cure rate, which feels like a great number to have in my corner.

The planning stage is just about to begin, and mentally I’m feeling geared up for the next leg of the journey. Physically? Still a bit of tightness, some swelling on the neck dissection site, and my numb ear seems to be holding a grudge... but I’m up, moving, and eating like a legend on soft foods.

I just wanted to say again — the stories and support from this forum have been massive for me. Reading your experiences helped me prepare, stay calm, and get through the madness.

One step at a time.

Ash

Chemotherapy can be stressful, just the thought of it, watch out for hiccups brought on on by steroidal anti-emetics, first couple of sessions were OK then things got a bit more serious, fatigue, sickness, loss of appetite etc., but everyone reacts differently to cisplatin, if that's the Chemo you are on.

Well done Ash. 
Don’t worry about 50 lymph nodes, you’ve got more than 250 left. 
Best foot forward now. Have a look at Loz’s thread on what to expect 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/head-neck-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis-and-treatment/287136/helpful-tips-for-those-about-to-start-treatment

Yes it is I just checked any advice is much welcome  

I had to travel 40 miles each way for Chemoradiotherapy, my wife did the driving, make sure you have a couple of sturdy sick bags handy for travelling, I never needed to use them, had some close calls though.

Hi Civpop,

This was me a year ago, undergoing tonsillectomy, followed by neck dissection and Tors to get a good margin. I was hoping that would be it and be observed but ended up having 6 weeks of radiotherapy.

I took each day of radiotherapy at a time, drove myself a lot but had partner and family help out when they were available or I felt iffy. Fatigue did take its toll some days and eating became a chore at times. The last week and the 2-3 weeks after hit you the hardest. Use the nutrition drinks and eat small and often, lots of protein if you can, and lots and lots of water. 

Take as much advice from your team, and the forums here helped.

Good luck with your treatment and I’m sure you’ll be ringing that bell soon.

Thank you so much I really appreciate that and it does help not feeling alone in this fight. To hear from previous veterans of the same battle helps so much 

Hi  one day at a time we all react differently I was lucky my chemo cisplatin I had no sickness or reactions. Just shows how we are all,so,different. Ask questions just ask  it’s a tried  and trusted treatment plan and lots of us in here are proof it works. 

my chemo,was delivered n y longer infusions every 3 weeks as opposed to weekend , if you do feel nauseous ask for a change in anti sickness med. you see your team every day they are yiur first point of contact. 

Hazsl x

Hi just a quick question is it advisable to add weight before I start chemo and radio? 

Ash

My blog

I did just that, ate out, had all the meals that I thought I would miss out on due to the side effects, put on a few pounds, needed the extra due to the expected weight loss associated with CRT.  Have a healthy BMI now.