Tonsil Cancer - post treatment - what to expect next?

Hi Hope and welcome. I’m glad to hear your husband is recovering. 

Generally post treatment scans are done at 12 to 16 weeks. Some trusts do MRI but most I think are doing PET/CT. It doesn’t matter, either are effective in picking up any cancer. 
I had base of tongue SCC and had RT only.  My PET was at 16 weeks and I didn’t need any further treatment. 
I had about a weeks notice of my scan. If you are worried about the lack of communication just message your husbands CNS. I’m sure they will get things moving but it looks like his consultant will be booking the scan after his next appointment 

Thank you  good to know this kind of wait is normal 

Hi I am 3 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes. My pet ct scan was booked in by my oncologist at my 12 week check up because of Christmas and new year it was done 17 weeks after treatment finished with results given to me 10 days later. I got the response of total metabolic response which indicated the cancer had gone. I was then referred back to ent to be seen in first year every 6 weeks or so sometime it was 8/9!weeks. Year 2 /3 every 3 months niw seen every 6 months . Well done on completion g treatment and well done to you as our other half’s don’t have it easy. Any questions just ask we’re a friend lot 

Hazel 

Well done to you both in getting through; the treatment is brutal. Thanks for the information and friendliness

Hi, in new here too. 

I'm so glad you asked these questions as my husband has just been diagnosed with tonsil cancer which has spread to his lymph nodes in his neck.

He was due surgery last week but was cancelled after waiting 9 hours, due to no beds, and has received no treatment at all other than tests so it really is quite worrying.

They've re-booked him in for surgery now on Tuesday, tonsillectomy and a biopsy on tongue. Does anyone  know how long it will be untill he starts Radiotherapy and Chemo after the op, as this is the treatment his consultant said he would have after.

I do hope your both doing okay, it's such a difficult time for you both l. 

Unknown said:

Does anyone  know how long it will be untill he starts Radiotherapy and Chemo after the op, as this is the treatment his consultant said he would have after.

Hi Duskie and welcome. Its usually anything between two to four weeks. 

He needs to recover and he needs to have his radiotherapy planned. Tonsil cancer is eminently curable so hold on to that. Don't worry too much about the wait. I had to wait two months between biopsy results and start of RT and I'm still here

There is a really friendly, knowledgeable and helpful community here so stick around and ask anything. My one bit of advice at present is to leave Google alone. 

Best wishes

Hi Duskie.  It may be that the surgery is all he needs.  I've had nothing but surgery.  I am slightly off the normal pathways for H&N cancers but the need for further treatment will be determined by a) what they already know and b) what they discover during and post surgery.

Tonsil surgery is very painful, but tell him to keep up the painkillers even if he feels OK and hang onto the knowledge that by day 10 or 12 it is starting to fade to a distant memory

Hi duskie I’m 3 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes. After op just as Peter says kerp on top of painkillers. From diagnosis to treatment starting g j was 63 days don’t worry about the time it takes time for planning

hazel 

Hi Dani, thanks so much for your help. You've put my mind at ease and I'll make sure I stay away from doctor Google. This group has been really helpful so far already.

Many Thanks.

Hi Hazel, thanks for your help, I sha take a look at your blog.

Many thanks.