Community News Blog featuring the head and neck cancer group

Thanks for highlighting this.

Despite what the treatment does to us, head and neck cancers are generally very curable and there is  a good life to be had after recovery 

Our medical support is usually spot on and the treatment doable  

Chemotherapy can be particularly difficult as it is combined with the simultaneous assault of radiation. 
It can leave some with a fog to live in for many months 
Radiotherapy especially to a sensitive mouth and throat has a huge impact. It flattens patients completely and often makes eating impossible for weeks. Recovery can be prolonged.  Often there is a real turning point at 12 weeks but most of us are told by our clinicians that we should be feeling better two weeks after treatment ends. Normal or new normal takes much longer. 
There may be long term physical effects to cope with and significant mental adjustments to be made. 
I highlight this particular essay by psychologist Dr Peter Harvey which throws much light in how we feel “When The Treatment Finishes” 

www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/.../After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

I wish it was true what you are saying. I suppose it is for some people but certainly not for everyone. It may be curable but I wouldnt call it the good life. You say recovery can be prolonged I think after five years I dont expect it anymore  Someone who hasnt had it even the best doctor has no idea what one suffers. And my doctors tell me it is a relief to talk to me since I am always in a good mood and never show what I really feel, that tells me what others are. It is life changing in every way however you want to put it.

Hi Seeker. I’ve followed your story ever since I joined the community in 2018. I try to look on the bright side for all the new folk that face this cancer and the awful treatment they face. As you say a good quality of life is not possible for everyone and I know you have really been through the mill. This cancer does indeed change our lives and for some it is life changing. 
But a lot of us do make a good fist of it nevertheless. 
I hope you find some level of peace somehow. 
Take care 

Hi Seeker

I’m sorry that your journey has been such a tough one. After 5 years you are certainly had more challenges than most and had to adjust to a very different life.

I know when I was first diagnosed I was hoping as everyone does for the best outcome but what that  was to be we only find out over time. Some have much better outcomes than others.

I have found on this forum encouragement and a positive outlook that I have found invaluable. It has made me feel so less isolated knowing that others are out there who have experienced many of the emotions and physical issues that I have.

The Macmillan resources have been so helpful.

None of us come out unscathed unfortunately.  I now have a great appreciation of life and am making the most of everyday in both the little and big things.

Best wishes to you

Lyn

Hi Seeker1 I agree with  what you  say to a certain extent and by the sounds of it you have had a really rough time . I had a few heart attacks last year and cancer treatment over christmas and beyond. I am still getting over the side effects which will take as long as they take and may never change. My brother in law has just got the all clear after a 5 years gruelling battle. Unfortunately my other brother in law who has been having the fight has been told there is nothing more that can be done and they gave him a few months which is coming to the end very shortly. I am very upbeat like yourself and thats the way to go rather than being a miserable boo hoo type  of person. No matter how bad you feel there is always  someone  else worse off than yourself. All the Best Regards Minmax  

Thanks

I would put it another way. A person has to believe in life for some reason. Usually its religion. And believing in life means that however bad it is, it is still better than non-life. And I must add not complaining about it since it doesnt help. Do what you can to make it better whatever it costs. Like I keep writing on here choose the best peg instead of using one that needs pain killers with it. I have to take three tablets a day but I make sure that I dont take anymore. I have many ailments not all to do with cancer but that comes from getting old I suppose, and  do my best to 'live' with them..

Hi Seeker1 I have to take 4 pills every morning. I have quite a few side effects from my treatment which I won't bore you with. I also have other aliments to add to the list but in the scheme of things its  ok . To be honest with you splitting up with my partner of over 30 years is doing my head in more than the cancer treatment etc. As someone said here if I can get over cancer I can get through this. Chin Up Seeker1 All the Best Regards Minmax