Hello . I was diagnosed with SCC HPV 16+cancer of base of tongue March 2023. Stage 3. The Good news is HPV 16 is a very treatable cancer. I am sure the earlier you start treatment the better. The best I can remember it was about 2 months from cancer diagnosis to my TORS surgery. Then another 6 weeks or so before Radiation.
If this is any help here is my story....I am 58. I had TORS surgery April 2023 to remove base of tongue 3cm tumor ( partial glossectomy )and lymph nodes through right neck dissection. 2 of which had cancer. I had 30 rounds ( ending July 2023) of Proton Radiation to "cleanup" any cancer that may have been left behind from HPV16 base of tongue and Few Lymph nodes . I opted out of any Chemo treatment. l was very worried about going on a feed tubing , Dysphagia and Not being about to swallow (eat or drink). It was a struggle to eat during radiation and a few months after and I FORCED myself. I lost my appetite and everything had no taste. I ate soft creamy foods for about 3 months once radiation stopped and then slowly back to normal foods. As far as today 18 months out of treatment I can eat and drink about anything I want. My taste buds are about 90% , My throat mucositis has almost gone away, Saliva production 90% and My stamina is back to about 90% . I will continue to have a throat scope and CT scan every 3 months for two years. So far no evidence of cancer remains.
Make no mistake this will not be a fun few months but things will be much better for him in the next 6 months or so. Some things may not taste the same, He may have some slight neck or throat discomfort and a little less energy but you will be alive. I take the time now to thank God every morning when I get up.