NEW TO FORUM AND A NEW DIAGNOSIS

2-3 years life expectancy? seems extreme...has the cancer migrated? treatment for HPV 16+ tonsil cancer is usually 90% plus successful.

Hi Freddie

welcome to the community

Where did you get those stats from? 
Generally HPV positive tonsil cancer has a better long term prognosis but both exceed the figures you’ve given. 
Even at 70% chance of survival longer than five years ( the usual metric for cancer survival) the odds are pretty good. 
Have you had any more tests? PET? MRI? HPV status? 

Hi Freddie. I wouldn't even think about those stats. It is now 12 years since my first cancer diagnosis and I am still going strong. Have had a few hiccups along the way with another 2 cancer diagnoses one in 2019 and one in 2022 and had successful treatment each time. Each for jaw cancer not tonsil cancer but it goes to show that early intervention leads to  a very good success rate. Concentrate on the treatment and not the long term prognosis as no one knows what that is although no reason why it won't be highly successful. As Dani says treatment for HPV tonsil cancer has a very high success rate and there is no reason why you can't be in that category. It is all a bit scary at the moment as you are going into unknown territory but your medical team are experienced and know exactly what to do so trust in them.

Lyn

Hi Dani

I was informed by the oncologist of these stats after having biopsies, CT and MIR.

We are all different and I’m at a loss why your onc would say that. Mine told me to ignore any statistics. Oh well. Still good odds though, better than a lot of other cancers. 
RT is tough but worth it. I’m still here nearly seven years later. Stay with us. Lots of help in these pages. 
This is a very useful thread to start you off

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