Hello all,
I hope its ok to share and am hoping that my little story can be shared with others and am trying to maintain positive thinking after being diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer.
It's not for everyone but I do have gallows humor and it has helped me no end while going through diagnosis and impending radiotherapy.
I started noticing a lump like feeling in right side of neck and was there everytime I swallowed and round about Jan this year
I visited the GP 3 times to tell them but was told its nothing and throat is fine.
Was after 4th visit I was referred to ENT consultant, had tube down and told was fine, no cancer , red tonsil bit inflammed and might have bit of flux and acid from stomach.
Was given landoprosol and had a really bad reaction and after 4 weeks of chronic diahorreah was then hospitalised for a week of intravenous steriods. This also made me miss my follow up ENT appointment.
Next ENT appoinment, I thought was going in to be told when tonsils out, but was told fairly sure cancer now and needed surgery asap and was to get a pre check that instance and MRI and CT scan
In hospital few weeks later and most right tonsil out ( recovery not that clever)
Biopsy confirmed throat cancer stage 1 by consultant who advised needed 6 weeks radiotherpay.
Then few weeks ago all back teeth out before radiotherapy in 2 weeks times.
Also had my mask made 2 weeks ago.. The first one was loose and had to get another made same day. Takes around 10/15 mins and was not that bad to be fair.
When you read back it sounds awful and I guess it is, but I have never once wavered and kept my humor, which has helped my partner and family and myself. I look upon this as an ailment that needs treated but although having to go through radiotherapy in a few weeks there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I have radioatherpy and no chemo, have been told by consultant that although not 100%, pretty sure looking to cure this.
Its not for everyone and shock to take but Ive remained positive, ever since I was diagnosed and just accepted whatever I have to do.
Steriods caused quite bit weight increase but was told could help when going through treatment. I have given up alcohol from the day was diagnosed and also no more fizzy drinks for me.
It's not pleasant, i agree and I am continually tired and sleep is fractured and probably my only concern as treatment is meant to make you even more tired. I am constantly havig power naps during day at around 2 hours at a time.
It's been from Jan until middle of October before my radiotherpy for 6 weeks starts and I guess as a result series of added unforunate incidents with Microscopic colitus after landoprosol, which isnow under control after 3 months of steroids.
I wonder if its normal to remain so cheerful and positive but I guess being stage 1 and told hoping to cure this by consultant helped.
Everyone will have a different story and after coming across this forum found it quite therapeutic and hope no ones minds my cheerful attitude as not meant to belittle the diagnosis but to tackle head on and be positive.
I imagine might not be so good with the side effects of radiotherapy, but have no option to have and there is light at end of tunnel.
Apologies if a bit wordy, but just wanted to share my litle story and I have personally found having a positive attitude and keeping fun, has really helped.
regards
ian
