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Husband diagnosed with tonsil cancer: looking for tips and support
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Apr 4 11:41am | Replies (174)Comment receiving replies
We finally got the results after a long delay. My husband’s IR Biopsy Lymph node showed this is p16 positive. NavDr test also showed HPV positive. The nurse practitioner relayed to us today that there are 2 options: Surgery and Radiation/Chemo. She mentioned that during the teams meeting yesterday, the oncology surgeon recommended surgery as the tumor on his lymph nodes seems to be encapsulated. I believe TORS will be used. We will find out the details next week. We were told that depending on the surgery outcome, he may not need radiation or chemo.
My husband is considering surgery now and I’m scared of the side effects, bleeding, etc. Not sure if anybody can share experiences, advice, and precautions.
Thanks to everyone in this group.
Replies to "We finally got the results after a long delay. My husband’s IR Biopsy Lymph node showed..."
I had exactly the same issues. They couldn’t tell if the encapsulated tumor was cancer because it was also necrotic. They recommended radiation/chemo treatments in succession. Just had my follow-up PET and I still have residual cancer and it has metastasized to my lung. I feel worse now than I did before treatment and still can’t swallow much. Ain’t that a kick in the pants? Don’t know what the next recommendation will be. Just stay strong. Don’t let worry take over your life. I have and it’s not helping me at all. 🙏🏼
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I have surgery next Thursday to remove the residual primary and to do a lymph node dissection. Also am HPV 16 positive as determined by a biopsy on my tonsil
After it was removed. Dr is hoping there will be no radiation or chemo. I will be in the hospital for two nights or not released until I can swallow. I’m more worried about pain management than other problems because the tonsillectomy was just so painful. I lost about 6 pounds but have gained most of it back and my throat has healed well. I do dread this next round but if I don’t have chemo and radiation I will be so very fortunate. Good luck to you!