Bit scared x 9 wks no voice.

Should say no voice, not voice.

Kirsten, How old are you and are you a smoker and drinker? 
I ask because unlike the usual HPV driven oropharyngeal cancer most of us have suffered the main drivers of larynx cancer are the aforementioned. 
Your ENT is just being careful because he can’t see anything on scope. 
90% of referrals for HNC are not cancer so hold onto that. I know waiting is pants but you don’t know till you know. 
Fingers crossed. 

Hi. I gave up smoking two years ago. Used to drink quite heavily about 20 years ago. Only have three or four a week now.

I’ve no family history as I’m adopted.

Thanks for replying x

I’m 57

Hi Kirsten.

My OH had very similar symptoms to the ones you've described, so here's his story that started October 2024, a week after his 60th birthday.

A very heavy smoker and drinker for decades, his voice started going and he sounded like Darth Vader on steroids, puffing and panting to catch his breath. This went on for months and no amount of nagging, or attempts to scare him into action, worked. He began losing weight, unintentionally, and admitted it hurt when swallowing food. One evening last October, he came downstairs and told me he couldn't breathe.

Action stations! Long story short; admitted to hospital, humongous tumour discovered on his larynx and emergency tracheostomy performed to enable him to breathe. Total laryngectomy his only option, basically to save his life.

None of the above is meant to frighten you my lovely, just the facts pertaining to what happened to him. In terms of what you've already had done, you're light years ahead and I'm hoping this will put you in good stead.

Sending you the very best of luck, but keep pushing till you know the score. Like Dani mentioned, it does sound like the larynx could be involved, and as her ex also had a TL she's very much in the know. I'm sincerely hoping your eventual diagnosis will be favourable.

Take care hon xxx

Thank you x

I’m sorry for what you guys have us to go through. Sounds really tough. Hope OH doing well.

At the time I was smoking and drinking I felt untouchable. What a d*** I was. How arrogant and stupid.

Hopes high, expectations low. I’m glad I’ve pushed the scan at least. It’s tomorrow.

Thanks for being there.

xx

You're welcome my love, and if you ever need advice, help or just a shoulder, there are a lot of us here to provide those. Don't pull yourself down as you've done the right thing now by getting checked, and everything's tightly crossed that your scan results will reveal nothing to worry about.

My fella's doing ok now thanks, but I won't lie and say it's been easy as none of it has been. He's still here though, which is what we both wanted. I'll tell you what else he lost besides his voice box - his laid back approach that he could carry on regardless and nothing could touch him. He knows differently now, and then some. You're already miles ahead with your current outlook.

Good luck tomorrow, stay strong and sending you big hugs xxx

Dear KirstenM. My lovely husband is currently in hospital having undergone a pharyngolaryngectomy for cancer of the larynx. This after tongue cancer 10 years ago. He has never smoked and was a very moderate drinker. Yes, smoking and drinking increases the risk, but bad things also happen to people who don’t do these things, so don’t beat yourself up too much.

Paradoxically, not being a smoker or drinker delayed my husband’s diagnosis with the original tongue cancer by about a month as the GP refused to consider cancer in someone with none of the major risk factors and kept treating him for an ulcer when it should have been obvious it wasn’t. 

Husband is doing ok, though recovery is slow due to the radiotherapy he had previously. I am hoping there is a harmless explanation for your symptoms, but, if not, there are knowledgeable people here who will give you massive support like they have to us.

Good morning Alichapp 

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that Paul's recovering from his surgery and I hope that you're coping too, both equally important.

We've had a number of setbacks in the months post surgery, including a hospitalisation for another issue, but thankfully back on track now, with some aid from hubby's new walking stick! I've also got his weight back up to pre-op condition.

Hopefully, when Paul's recovery allows, he'll be offered exercise classes and therapy sessions, all to the good in regaining his strength. Hubby is just into month eight of his therapies and although he doesn't particularly relish them, he appreciates the necessity.

Sending you both a huge well done on your achievements, and all the best for ongoing improvements. Big hugs xxx