Not long now

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Hi everyone, 

well I met my Oncoligist 2 weeks ago today and I was told the intention was to cure me, last week I had my mask made and I commence with radiotherapy on the 10th Feb which is 3 months from seeing my GP. I have been told they do not have to fit a feeding tube as I should be able to swallow, I am not convinced. How long did it take to get back to work, I have been told 4 months from start of treatment but I am hoping to get back before then as I am self employed with savings so I cannot claim benefits and I live on my own.

  • Hi Julie, welcome to the group. The cure rate is very high up to 90% which is reassuring. As for recovery after treatment, it varies, some take longer than others, you just have to let your body heal itself and give it the time it needs, it can't be rushed. There will be ups and downs along the way, but you will get there. Any worries or questions just ask, someone will always answer if they can, and always keep your team updated on how things are going for you.

    Ray.

  • Hi Julie

    T2N1M0 TONSIL CANCER HPV16+ chemoradio finished June 2023

    Treatment can be harsh but some tolerate it better than others, oncology will have looked at the treatment you are having and made a decision about a feeding tube ....they are usually right....luckily I was retired when treatment started but I would have said 6-ish months for resuming work ...depending on the type of work.

    Take care and best of luck

    Peter

  • Hi Julie. Can you remind me what your diagnosis is and where your RT is going? ( in fact putting a short summary in your profile would really help others too) 

    Don’t  worry about the feeding tube  I wasn’t offered one either but was told I could have a nasogastric tube when needed and I did  … I had 65Gy over six weeks with treatment mainly to the cancer and neck in that side with a little to the other side of my neck  

    Six months after treatment end is a general guide to return to work  

    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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  • Hi Dani, grade 2 tonsil cancer HPV.

    Thank you for your support.

  • Hi Dani, grade 2 tonsil cancer HPV.

    Then I would remain open minded about an NG. They are no great shakes and I tolerated mine well. I’m glad I didn’t have the intrusion of a PEG in the end. 

    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

    Community Champion badge
  • Hi like Dani my trust didn’t routinely fit feeding tubes but they fit ng tubes if needed by week 3 end I needed it Was my lifesaver and enabled me to make a fairly easy recovery. As for work it really depends on what you do 6 months us usual but I do know one ie 2 whi worked through working from home at reduced hours but one was hospitalised as she tried to do too much. Aim  for 4 months and see how you go. Any questions just ask. 

    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/

  • How long did it take to get back to work, I have been told 4 months from start of treatment

    I can add that although I’m retired husband and I are physically busy in a smallholding. Four months from start of treatment is 10 weeks after treatment end and before PET which is 12 weeks at the earliest. 
    At 12 weeks I was still on morphine. 

    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

    Community Champion badge
  • Thank you Hazel, do you eventually go back to normal? X