Base of Tongue Cancer T4. I made the mistake of googling it

Morning Rachel. 

Hopefully you’re not still awake and you’re getting some much needed sleep. 

It’s hard not to google. I’m pretty sure we’ve all done it at the start as it’s natural to want information. The downside to google is that it’s not tailored to your particular case and, in many ways, presents wrong information and very often provides stats that are just plain wrong. 

I didn’t have a T4 staging but I googled last year at the beginning of my journey and after my consultant told me off, I didn’t look at it again. I’ve stuck to nhs websites or on here. I also believe that with the prevalence of AI these days, you can be bombarded with information that seems like it is for you, which it isn’t, so don’t be fooled by it. Stick to on here and your medical team. 

I agree with your positivity, the M0 is a big win. In my view and I’m sure many others will agree too. No distant spread. That and the fact that the HPV positive strain reacts well to treatment is all good. 

Hi Rachel head and neck cancers staging is NOT  like other cancers. The T4 responds to the size of the tumour eg t4 is between 4-6 cms not stage 4 of cancer. Best advise stay off dr goggle stick with us in here. Hov hnc have a 90% ply’s cure rate. I’ve been in here over 7 years lots have been  T4 and are still around. Please don’t stress treatments efffctuve and cure rate is excellent. Google has its uses but medical wise unless you know where to look you’ll end up down a rabbit hole frightened and scared. Ask on here. 
hugs Hazel 

hope dentist wasn’t too bad. 

My husbands staging was t4n2m0 and his surgeon is expecting a complete cure. Hope you’re feeling more reassured now x

Hi Rachel,

You have had some good advice already about the staging and cure rates.  All I would add is that this forum is a safe place to ask questions or just vent.  Nobody will judge you for doing that - we have all been there, in one form or another, and wear the T-shirt.

Hi Rachel.

Great advice from others, especially about laying off Dr Google as he'll just scare you daft, as he did me in the early days.

My hubby had the same staging as yourself, albeit a different cancer, but just over a year since his diagnosis he's still here and NED, as I type. The majority of H&N cancers respond well to treatment with positive outcomes, so bear that in your worried mind and start thinking positively my lovely.

Fingers crossed your dental appointment wasn't too testing, but best to get any potential work done with soon. And if you find yourself unable to sleep, why not join the Awake thread in the cancer chat forum? There are quite a few of us there, happy to chat at ungodly hours about anything at all.

Sending you best wishes and a big hug xxx

Thank you for your kind reply Chris, 

that was my first big cry since the diagnosis. It continued on the next day with bells on and I cried all over the dentist, but the good news was that only two teeth had to be removed and they were not in the best shape anyhow. 

Now two days on, and minus the two teeth I seem to have reset myself in the night and am prepared for the fight again. Neck biopsy tomorrow - has the PET scan got it wrong? Or have more nodes appeared on the opposite side? 

I led such a boring life until this. My phone rarely rang. Now Im in high demand. It’s all very hard to get your head around in such a short time isn’t it, and it hasn’t even begun yet. I still can’t decide if I’m being realistic or am I unprepared?

Thank you Hazel!

I do know that it’s a ‘large’ one. - I think around 3cms.  Im just putting my head down now and going with it. My children (grown up) are being SO amazing, like my own little back up army. I feel totally buoyed up by them. 

it’s very hard not to feel alarmed tho, Im just utterly bemused! One minute I was a boring housewife and now I’m a cancer patient! Within only six weeks from my first ENT appointment  my treatment will start. 

The dentist was a doddle! I managed to blag an instant appointment and have both teeth out at the same time. I was so keen to have them out so the mask can be made that I was cheering them on! Funny to discover you have hidden bravery reserves. 

thank you again x ill be back Im sure

Thank you Doramouse

my initial ENT consultant said the same. Bloody Google! I hope your husband is doing well x

Thank you Peter!

I did feel slightly sheepish to have ranted. I think there might be a few more rants left in me tho  it’s very hard to come to terms with. Im trying to decide if (for me) more information is good? Or is it best to just take what comes and deal with it without prior fear? 

it’s nice to feel in good company. Thank you 

Thank you Gill! 
I’ll try the Wide Awake Club! I don’t sleep well at all. Im a bit rubbish at navigating this site tho. The whole experience is proving a very steep learning curve! I used to be an ordinary person! Haha