Newbie. xx

Hi TheonlyChris 

My cancer was at the base of my tongue and I had six weeks radiotherapy. It is a real challenge but doable and life saving.

Six years later I am fit and well with only a slight dryness in my mouth at night to remind me.

Have a word with your consultant. Immunotherapy is unlikely to be offered to you without further tests to see if the cancer might respond. Even then the response rate is only around 15%

I can't help with photodynamic therapy I'm afraid

If you want to consider less invasive surgery than a total laryngectomy maybe seek a second opinion? The surgeons at the Royal Marsden are pioneers in fancy laryngeal surgery. That might be your first port of call

Thank you Dani xx

My husband had chemoradiation for vocal cord cancer last summer. He coped really well with this and was able to carry on eating and drinking throughout. I know some people do get it worse but it is worth it.  

Take care

Jane

Hi JaneO.

I'm so pleased your husband is doing well and fingers crossed the trend continues.

My H also got through 30 fractions of RT pretty much unscathed compared to others.  He was able to eat and drink throughout and didn't need any painkillers.  It's only now, almost six weeks post, that his appetite has dwindled somewhat but he's ploughing on.

He had a very large tumour on his larynx, so it was removed prior to RT.  He didn't need chemo and the RT was given to hopefully mop up any remaining cancer cells after his surgery, so we definitely think the treatment was worth it too.

I like to think the gods were being kind to him, by giving him a more gentle ride through those six weeks, as the forever loss of his voice was traumatic enough!

Either that or he's one tough cookie, cos however much I asked (nagged) if he was in pain, he always gave me an emphatic NO!

Take care all.

Gill xx 

Hi Gill, it's great that your Hubby also faired well during radiotherapy. I'm sorry to hear he has lost his voice, that must be hard.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Your H is only in the early stages of recovery. Mine is 8 months out. We can't believe that it has been a year since that awful day when we were told his sore throat was cancer!

On the whole, life is good now. He suffers from radiation fatigue but is back to work .

Good luck to you and your hubby. I hope the rest of his recovery goes well

Jane x

Thank you so much, Jane.  I really appreciate your good wishes.

Although only 60, H has opted for ill health retirement so won't be returning to work.  His disability would make a return unfeasible as things stand 

But hey, onwards and upwards.

Take good care of yourselves.

Gill xx 

Hi can I please ask about the hoarseness I’ve had this for over 8 months and recently my voice has almost Disappeared, I’ve no pain etc but gp sent me for urgent referral which I have next week . 
did you have any other symptoms ? 

Hi Karli.

It's pretty late, so I'll make an educated guess that your sleep is suffering through worrying?  Or maybe you're like me and don't need much.

Whichever it is, well done for going to the GP for that referral, as it's imperative you get this sorted asap.

My fella's noticeable symptoms started with a continuous sore throat and hoarseness that got worse.  Despite my nagging, he refused to visit the Doc.  A loud and hacking cough joined the other symptoms and his voice got so bad I could barely hear what he was saying.  His head remained in the sand for several months, easily longer than eight , and I bought loads of OTC preparations that only provided brief respite.  I kept telling him what I thought it was, cancer, in an attempt to get him to see someone or frighten him into doing so.

No amount of nagging or scaring worked till one fateful evening last October, when he told me he couldn't breathe.  That's when I sprung into action, ignored his protests, and got him to hospital.

I'm certainly not trying to frighten you Karli, but that's how it was for us.  I'm so glad you've done the right thing as it could save you from a whole load of grief.

Now you take good care and I'm wishing you the very best outcome possible.  I really hope it's nothing serious and you get sorted with positive results.

Gill xx 

Addendum 

I've now read your other post on the H&N forum in which you give more details of your symptoms.  Hopefully you'll receive replies soon.

Hello, my symptoms were very similar last July '24' doctor referred me to see specialist and then referred for scans, all within a week. The speed everything moved at was unbelievable. Then in August at the Christie for 4 weeks of Radiotherapy till 6th September. Hoarseness was still with me but still no pain and no side effects from radiotherapy. In October I went back to work but almost collapsed on my 4th day so I went on permanent sick. In February '25' told cancer still present surgery is the only option left. Total Laryngectomy. A very frightening experience, especially has I knew nothing about it. So I started to research into it myself and the further I got into it the more at ease I became with what will be a new way of life. The operation I had in March '25' and home by April which was a very quick recovery. I had the valve fitted during surgery so during last few days in hospital was learning to talk again. There's a lot to learn about life after a Laryngectomy and you can still lead a normal life it's just a different way. For further help and guidance there are charity groups like The Swallows or if your closer to Oldham Lancs. The Oldham Quiet Ones. You can introduce yourself to The Swallows own Web page or Facebook. With OQO's WhatsApp or Facebook. They both have  great support and are welcoming to all.

Be positive keep calm and think everything through you will get through it. You are not alone, reach out. All my best wishes and good luck. 

Hi again Phil!  So glad to hear you're doing well and relaxing into your new way of life.  My fella's doing ok too, and apart from ongoing mucous and lymphoedema, it's not too bad.

We had some great news last week and was told he doesn't have cancer anymore - couldn't believe it!  We know the hard work will continue but slow steps and patience are the order of the day.

Like yourself, I think, he took early retirement as returning to work wasn't ideal.  However, he can be bone idle so I have to keep pushing him to accept it's happened and crack on!  We're getting there now.

I'm so glad to hear you're marching forward.

Gill xx