The Swallow Head & Neck group

Thanks for the update

I only ever got to one and that was a virtual meeting. I look forward to Chris and his team putting the lectures onto their website. Was there anything particularly interesting? I noted Ali Khurram was speaking and mentioned the younger demographic.

Are they showcasing any new products?

We have Swallows Cornwall, we met last night, as we do each month. It's really good to speak to people who have all been through the same, although some a lot worse than others, I feel I got off quite lightly compared to what others have had to have. It's also good for those who cared for us, to come along a have a chat too.

Ray.

I do think it is a shame that they have stopped streaming the conference.  Made it easy to attend.  Dani you suggest that the lectures are available online.  Where did you find them from last year?

Hi Peter. The swallows website is a disaster 

I asked just now and got this 

Many interesting topics for patients, caregivers and medical professionals. I was interested in PBM therapy which can help with the effects of radiotherapy. Also Acupuncture, which I’ve been very lucky to have for the past 9 years at my local hospital, Torbay, but which I now know not many get on the NHS.  MeiraGTx gene therapy to help restore saliva was also of interest. Two celebrity speakers, Tommy Walsh (who has personal experience of throat cancer) and chef Michael Caines who was speaking about flavour and texture of food. Some new products for dry mouth and advice available too, always worth trying them to see what works for you. Next year the conference will be in Sheffield. 

I’m sure you’ll be able to see the videos once Chris, Sharon and the team get home to Blackpool and get back to normal life after several days away. There will be lots to upload, it’ll take time. 

Thanks. I have a friend in Sheffield so might make that a date.

The PBM therapy is being used in some hospitals already. It's helping people through treatment too by reducing mucositis. I too had acupuncture but only for saliva. I'm lucky to have avoided surgery and chemo and have few side effects but I can certainly vouch for the Auricular acupuncture which I had for 18months

Peach Flamingo said:

Also Acupuncture, which I’ve been very lucky to have for the past 9 years at my local hospital

What sort of acupuncture are you having?

I would really have loved to see Emma Hallam's lecture. She is responsible for the UK's first and award winning radiotherapy late effects clinic

I'm sure there was something from Edinburgh about the gene therapy when the conference was virtually at Cardiff. I will have to have a dig around

Hi, I have auricular acupuncture, 3 needles in each ear and one in each index finger, at the joint nearest the nail. It takes 30 minutes, about every 4 months. It’s carried out in a small group (3 or 4 people) in the ENT clinic. I’m sure it helps with my saliva, I know I’m lucky to have it provided. Not the case with PBM though, I was told that nowhere here in the SW does it. 

Peach Flamingo said:

Not the case with PBM though, I was told that nowhere here in the SW does

You can try Paul Burns at Thor directly. See if he can point you to somewhere near you that does? 

I had a chat with Paul yesterday and he checked availability for me. He’s added me to a list in case anything changes in future.