Voice box cancer

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Bucephalus here.

Been a long time but I have had nothing to report.I read all the blogs I get but apart from one Lady a while ago I have not had the experience to help anyone.As I have said before,I have been a lucky boy(74) compared to to others I read about or talk to when having my cancer reviews ,now every 4 months.However for about a year I have had delayed side effects which to be honest were predicted by my team.I cannot swallow bread or pastries and the like without liquid.Also COPD( Mild Emphysema) has reared its ugly head which has no cure.Same for the swallowing with having all the tests.When I had the 30 sessions of RT,it not only burns the inside but also the outside of the neck.So voice box and any muscles suffered.Voice is down a few notes and swallow muscles do not know what to do ie:-PULL OR PUSH to get anyfood down,but I manage ok-no choice.The COPD gives me a frequent cough with phlegm/regular coughing bouts where you think you will not get a breath for a few seconds but it off.Spoke to GP and Consultants,no cure,just have to grin and bear it.Do get medication to try and ease the COPD,Acidex oral Suspension 4 times a day which helps a bit.The saving grace is the Codeine Linctus which can stop the coughing quickly.Only snag is that I can only use sparingly due to it being addictive plus it can give constipation.So have learnt to walk a fine dividing line.At least I have kept my voice box unlike others The discomfort at times is worth it for that reason alone as well as being alive with a pretty normal life.Some days energy reserves run low and I cannot walk as far as I used to,that's when my car comes in handy.I am now 3yrs and 3 months post treatment and still Cancer free.I wish you all well.Keep fighting and always make a list and talk to your relevant team, DO not wait for your next appointment if something is bothering you, and never listen to Dr.Google.Any advice get it if  possible from the Community.Get phone numbers for relevant people you can get in touch with.I have them and have got same day appointments,not necessarily with one of my team,but on the team.I am sure you will have heard some or all of it before,this community was a great help when I started out and from what I read is keeping up the excellent work and contributions they all provide.Difficult i know,but try and enjoy the hols as best as you can.Hopefully speak soon.

Best regards and wishes.

Raymond.

  • Hi Raymond

    It is great to hear from someone who has successfully been treated for voice box cancer.

    So glad to hear that in the grand scheme of things that you are doing reasonably well after your cancer treatment. Unfortunately adjusting to our new normal is sometimes part of the journey for some. Sorry to hear about the COPD, that makes life more challenging but sounds as though you are coping with it the best way you can. You have offered very helpful advice from the voice of experience. Wishing you the best and hope you have a great Christmas.

    Lyn

    Sophie66

  • Hi Raymond 

    great to hear from you wow is it 3 years since you were last in here. Thanks for update and long may you continue to sorry about the c o p d hope you can keep on managing if. 

    hugs Hazel 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Good to hear from you Raymond 

    Getting old, let alone cancer, does stuff to our bodies

    I have a neighbour who manages her COPD coughing with codeine linctus too, unrationed, ....she just takes Laxido with it

    Hopefully speak soon.

    I rather look forward to your annual updates. 

    Keep them coming and keep well through the winter

    Oh.....and Merry Christmas

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Yes Dani that's one way and has been left open to me by my GP.At the moment I seem to have it balanced  since  it's  mild COPD.As you often say things can change quickly though.

    Take care.raymond.