Hello

Hi ZOEC, welcome to the group. Not surprising you had a meltdown, I think most of us do, it's a lot to get your head around with all that goes on. You won't get all the side effects and those you do get. your team will be able to give you something for them, so keep them updated. Once you get started on your treatment you will feel better about it all, bear in mind the treatment does give very high rates of cure. Any worries or questions just ask, we are all here to help you along the way.

Ray.

Hello. Thank you so much. 

I had Chemoradiotherapy for 6 weeks.. it's a tough treatment but very doable, the outcomes for HPV 16+ head and neck cancers are very good.

Most of us find ourselves in dark places but we soon find the strength for the fight ahead... some people do get off relatively lightly with side effects... but even if you have to cope with some nasties they don't last forever... ask your oncology teams for the meds to manage them... don't suffer in silence... keep in touch with the forum...loads of support and sound advice.

Exactly the same as me i was blown away when the consultant went through the risks and side affects some of it happened some didnt  i dont want to bring you down but the treatment and side affects are tough but doable .Are you having a feeding tube fitted if not insist on one it becomes difficult to swallow during treatment and after for a while .Good luck any questions just ask .

Hi and welcome from me. 

All of us will get some of the side effects, both short and long term, but I don't think anybody has every had anything like everything they have to mention!!  It is daunting, but in return for the challenge of treatment and recovery around 90-95% of people are "cured".  The odds make it well worth the brutality of the treatment and the frustration of a slow recovery.  You will get through it and if you let the medics take a year out of your life in exchange for many more good years then you'll have the right mindset.

Welcome from me too 

ZOEC said:

Unfortunatley can't operate due to location

I I was the same

The treatment is tough on your body and mind but it’s doable and I was comfortable throughout . Seven plus years clear now  

Hi ZOEC welcome to the club I’m 8 years post treatment tonsil cancer with 7 lymph nodes . I couldn’t be operated in  same reasons it’s common nit to be operated. Chemo radiotherapy is. The tried and tested route. Ask any questions on here we’re all happy to help 

Hazel xx 

Hi Zoec,

I had pretty much same diagnosis and treatment ,it's a tough cookie ,but it's doable! I'm 16 months post treatment and doing pretty well . I would talk about a feeding tube with your team ,as mine was very much needed for several months ,but we are not all the same ,but it would be there if you did need it. Keep on this site for information and also comfort. There's a lot of people who have the knowledge of this crappy disease and how to get through it . Best wishes 

Mark

Thank you. Having 2 wisdom teeth taken out this week, before it begins and PET scan today. Feel a bit overwhelmed. All happened in a week. Getting there. That is fantastic being 7 years clear, that is great news . 

Thank you. Well done for getting through it, so brave. They have mentioned the tube in about week 3. I am going tontry to take one day at a time. Thank you for your kind words.