Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Nov 13, 2017

Welcome to the Head and Neck Cancer group.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet other people who are living with head and neck cancer. Let’s learn from each other and share experiences from diagnosis through treatment and coping with symptoms and recovery challenges.

As you know, head and neck cancer is the general term for a broad group of cancers that begin in the head and neck region. This include oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer, salivary gland cancer, squamous cell neck cancer or ameloblastoma.

Let’s get to know one another. Why not start by introducing yourself? What type of cancer have you been diagnosed with?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Maureen, Alumna Mentor | @alpaca | Feb 22, 2021

In reply to @wcm "Hello, the cancer I have been treated for is stage 4 squamous cell that had metastasized..." + (show)

Hi @wcm. It must have been an ordeal. If it was an HPV cancer, Stage 4 loses its power as these cancers are very much more treatable than non-HPV. I hope you are feeling okay after your treatment.

will24 | @will24 | Jun 13, 2021

Hi. I was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the mouth..buccal mucosa and retro trigone. I am 74, and generally fit.
I had my surgery March 10 of this year .
I had a radial free flap grafted from my forearm into my mouth. I am having great difficulty adjusting to it, with resulting anxiety

agelessspirit | @agelessspirit | Jul 17, 2021

I am almost 2 years past my surgery for a malignant tumor on my tonsils, squamous cell. I am struggling with constant symptoms in my neck due to scar tissue. I feel I am grieving the loss of the fluidity that was in my neck and is likely not to return as specialists in the field have told me. I am grieving what is no longer there for me. I thought a group would be helpful.

agelessspirit | @agelessspirit | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @alpaca "In New Zealand immunotherapy is not funded by our free medical system but some people pay..." + (show)

I used Proton therapy for my tonsil tumor after surgical removal and lymph node removal. Yes it helps with more targeted results that can save thyroid and or hearing, etc. It is very debilitating but I guess that is the natures of the beast.

kdjoch | @kdjoch | Jul 17, 2021

Hello, I was diagnosed with larynx cancer (voice box) on March 31, 2021. Just started radiation and going into my 3rd week. As of today I am having problems swallowing and going quickly to a blended diet. Not getting chemo which is good. Just started feeling it and afraid of what is to come. I am following all advice. God help me.

Jano | @jano | Jul 18, 2021

In reply to @agelessspirit "I am almost 2 years past my surgery for a malignant tumor on my tonsils, squamous..." + (show)

Here to help in any way! Been there

sammy15 | @sammy15 | Jul 21, 2021

In reply to @alpaca "Hi @wcm. It must have been an ordeal. If it was an HPV cancer, Stage 4..." + (show)

I was diagnosed with HPV tonsil cancer 6 years ago. I had surgery, 33 throat radiations and 3 chemo treatments. That was difficult to go through, then unfortunately it spread to my lungs and for the last 5 years I've gone through chemo, radiation, robotic surgery, a lobectomy and more radiation. My last scan showed 3 more nodules so the doc put me back on chemo (taxotere). I had my 3rd treatment on Monday and will have one more then a scan. Hopefully this will work! I wish you all the best of luck with your treatments!!