Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself

So hope it works, mine tonsil cancer is HPV and I keep having issues 6 years later!

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!!

Here to help in any way! Been there

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Hello, the cancer I have been treated for is stage 4 squamous cell that had metastasized in my lymph nodes.

nmsstauffer,

My sister had tongue cancer 22 years ago. She had surgery at Mayo Scottsdale and at that time she did not need any treatment. 18 years later, it came back and she did not need treatment; but six months after that, the cancer came back somewhere between the nose and the cheek and they could not get to it, so they treated it with chemo and radiation. That took care of the very aggressive tumor. Of course, radiation did damage and she ended having tongue pain that won't go away. Also, her thyroid was affected. Her teeth have not suffered like mine though. But we are alive and we are willing to take the damage with a grain of salt.
For me, the damage was to my jaw, and I have osteonecrosis of the jaw; but my doctor was totally against hyperbaric immersion, and they have been treating me with vitamin E and a medication that improves bone blood circulation. (I think we cannot share medication names in this page), and so far, so good. I have lost three molars due to receding of the gum; but despite dryness of the mouth at nighttime, I have managed to keep a healthy mouth and teeth. I do have my teeth cleaned four times a year and I am meticulous in my cleaning.
I hope this information that seems banal, gives you a perspective of life after radiation. I did not do chemo.
Loli