Head and neck

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My consultant says my throat cancer is stable " suspended in time " and hasnt spread. Im 5 months into immunotherapy ( pembro) he said i wouldnt regain my voice and swallow because if the immunotherapy would have shrunk the tumor it would have done so by now. I dont know wether this is good news or not. Im having mixed emotions. He said to continue with treatment.i dont know to feel. Will i have options if the immunotherapy stops working? Not sure what to make of it all .

  • Hi Dbjones. Sounds as thought the immunotherapy is doing its work as the doctor wants you to continue.  Cancer being stable is a good thing as it means it is not progressing. I'm sorry that it looks like you might not regain your voice and swallow. That must be hard. I know there are people on this forum who have been having immunotherapy for a few years and are doing well.Speak more to your doctor and get him to answer all your questions so you fully understand about how things are for you. It might be a difficult conversation but your doctor may also be able to put your mind at rest abut a possible future prognosis. The not knowing is the hardest I found. I have had 3 occurrences of jaw cancer and there is always a chance of more but the future is unknown as no one knows how things might play out. Consequently I am enjoying my new normal life to the fullest. I decided that worrying about the future meant that I was not enjoying the present and that was such a waste. 

    Sending you positive thoughts

    Lyn

    Sophie66

  • Thank you so much for your comment means a lot. My partner also said that it was good news that it was stable. Im too scared to ask questions to the consultant incase he gives me an answer that would break me.its so difficult. But like you said for him to be wanting to carry on with the immuno and not see me for another 3 months cant all be doom and gloom. 

  • Not sure what to make of it all .

    Don't despair.We have a forum member who had two years of Pembro and is alive well and NED two years later

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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