Hi,
I am nearly 3 weeks post op to remove secondary cancer in my lymph nodes and primary in throat. Primary site was not found despite removal of both tonsil bases (tonsils removed as a kid) and part of the base of my tongue. I was told it's not unusual for the body to destroy the primary. All lymph nodes removed from around the secondary site were clear. I have been told that having the radiotherapy as a follow up is a 'belt and braces' treatment.
Has anyone else had to choose whether to go ahead with RT after a result like this? Have you decided to wait for the first check up after the op to make a decision? I am in a quandary because the long term effects of RT are very daunting, especially if everything has been successfully removed in the op.
I have a meeting coming up next week with RT team and I'm trying to get as much info as possible beforehand.
It was an HPV cancer btw
Thank you
Hi, As you will see I am a survivor of 2 cancers, the first was voicebox cancer and had a laryngectomy- removal of the voicebox, I had the smae type of offer from my Consultant and had to deciede within so many weeks, left it to the last week and saw the Oncologist for the Radiotherapy treatment, I asked the %age of the treatment and without, I was told that the cancer coming back was about 10% and RT would reduce the risk to 5%, I am not recommending that this is correct for your situation I'm just saying what it was, the main factor fot me was the danger of it upsetting my new voice arrangement via a valve in my windpipe the RT could have damaged that arrangement.
My Consultant only recently advised me that had the cancer been suspect in any Lymph nodes then she would not have been as happy for me to not have the RT, as it turned out I was lucky I didn't take the RT because roughly 1 yesr later in a regular scan they picked up OS cancer high up in my OS pipe and I had Chemo and RT treatment had I had the RT then I wouldn't be here today.
What I am saying is question your Oncology team and make notes before you attend the appointment so that you are happy to proceed, It's not easy decision and it will be a rough journey for you ut as said they are the ones with the full picture of your cancer status
I wish you every success in the treatment you are going through, Take care , Tony
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Onwards and Upwards
Voicebox Cancer- Laryngectomy 2020 and Oesophagus survivor 2022
Adminitrative Assistant at Frimley Park Hospital, Cancer Support Hub
