Well, a year and 6 weeks after I finished treatment, (tonsillectomy and neck dissection followed by chemoradiation for t1, n1, m0 tonsillar SCC), I had my one-year check up today with my amazing surgeon. She pummelled my neck, had a good look around my mouth with a spatula and did the usual camera-up-the-nose routine and said she was pleased. That’s all I wanted to hear! However, I’d noticed a little soft lump just next to my Adam’s apple a few days ago which was worrying me a little but she’s ‘almost certain’ it’s just some oedema and she’s not worried about it. (I’m pretty sure it’s where they yanked out my neck drain after surgery and I remember it took absolutely ages to heal so I guess there may be some residual damage in there.)
So one year on, I still do twice-daily neck exercises as my neck gets stiff, I still massage my neck with oil twice a day as it gets very dry and I still have some residual lymphodema, although nothing wobbles about any more. You have to look very closely to see my scars.
Eating is fairly normal, apart from sometimes struggling with drier things due to reduced saliva, and my taste is back. The taste of meat was the last thing to fully return round about month 8. I use Duraphat toothpaste, sugar free gum and toothpicks to keep my teeth clean.
Energy levels are good but sleep patterns are abysmal - but then they always were. (I still sneak half a Zopiclone once or twice a week just to get some decent sleep.) I came off the Lansoprazole tabs altogether about a month ago and do get some acid reflux from time to time, but Gaviscon and Rennies usually sorts it.
So that’s me a year and a bit on.
Wishing you all well on your own journeys. M
Hi Mark. That all sounds good. Have a think whether your reflux might be waking you at night. Silent reflux is a major cause of restless nights. Since I propped myself up in a wedge pillow I have slept better
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good thinking. Thanks Dani 
