HPV Tonsil cancer: I'm very nervous about chemo and radiation

@rllampton
Hello, sounds like you are in good hands and moving forward at a good clip
which is especially important. This particular type of cancer is rather fast growing
so getting into treatment early is quite beneficial.
How did you happen to find out you had tonsil cancer ?
My particular case took 3 mos from diagnosis to treatment, too long, but nothing I could do to speed it up. Long story there.
Good news is this particular cancer responds well to treatment unlike some others so you
have that going for you although its not a cakewalk by any means.
Good luck and keep us posted as the process plays out.

@rllampton Hello and welcome. One should consider that much of what is talked about here are problems and issues patients have or are dealing with. Seldom do we have comments from those who breeze through. However those people exist as well.
While likely you will physically experience uncomfortable or unpleasant side effects, these may be short lived. Mentally however most patients experience a life altering journey, often for the better. I wish you well and good healing.
Feel free to begin your own specific “discussion” as it likely will draw more attention to any specific issues which you may be working through.
You are in good care with Mayo.
Courage.

Hello, I truly appreciate all the comments and feedback on this site. I just found out a couple of days ago that I have HPV+ tonsil cancer. Not sure of stage or if beyond the tonsil yet. My PET scan is later this week the meeting with surgeon and care team Thursday at the Mayo. Like many, I believe the treatments had me more concerned than the cancer itself. Just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experiences and tricks to dealing with side effects. Hope you all are recovering well and continue moving forward through recovery. much appreciated

Not really sure what else is available. Chemo and radiation seems to be the gold standard for treatment. Is there a Memorial Sloan Kettering nearby? They have wonderful people working there that care about quality of life. Very compassionate and excellent staff.

@woodsy1 Week by week you will get there. Maybe try as many different types and flavors of food that you can think of. The worst is over,now you heal.

@woodsy1 You're tasting more than I did at 2 week post radiation. I'm 6 months and I still do not have all the taste back. Sweets are a no go. I can taste Original Almond milk for reasons? Anything with oil in it I can taste? Strange. Egg Flour soup is a suggestion if you have a Chinese Restaurant close by.

Woodsyl1, Please do not drink sodas. Your teeth have been damaged by the radiation and sodas, which contain acid, will make it worse. I gave up sodas in 2011 after radiation. You will most likely spend a lifetime of dealing with dental issues. Don't make it even worse with sodas.

Hi Kamrin ,
No can't taste the blueberries or much of anything else.
The texture of food seems more important
now that most everything is tasteless. Some foods like Greek yogurt are just a turn off , maybe the texture ?
Anyhow glad you are hanging in there as best as possible.
Now we know where the term battling cancer comes from.
Got through the treatment phase with no weight loss but am dropping pounds fast now that food
is so unappealing . Energy level is quite low too.
Expecting a few more weeks of this dilemma
before a gradual turnaround in my case .

@woodsy1 Thanks for sharing. Ive been eating Pho, chicken noodle soup, tried chicken pot pie but was too bland. I have water and soda to help break the mucus. Dramatic cough. Are u able to taste the blueberries? I will try the oatmeal as well.

2 weeks post treatment now and oatmeal is my new favorite food . Mixed with fruit like bananas or blueberries, chopped smashed walnuts nuts and chia seeds.
Top with cinnamon for taste ? and your favorite milk to thin .
Trying different foods to find something that tastes recognizable is a challenge.
So far a little vanilla and chocolate flavor is starting to come through but flavor wanes after a few bites or sips.
Soups and Stews are nourishing though lack flavor .
Been dealing with thickened mucus and ongoing dry mouth issues with some success but the battle continues after the treatment. A bottle of water goes everywhere with me.
Fatigue has become an issue , not much stamina. Sleeping 10-12 hrs some nights.
Light at the end of the tunnel ? Not yet but everyday is hopefully a step closer.