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I am so glad I found this message board. I have learned so much just reading your responses. My husband had his left tonsil removed 12/21 which was cancerous. He also has the lump on his left neck. He will have 7 weeks radiation and also chemo. It has been so scary reading of all the side effects. I wonder, will he will ever feel normal again? The lump is apparently in his lymph gland, so how is it that it hasn't spread throughout his whole body?

My Dad just finished his chemo and radiation in Oct. If you want any suggestions to ask the doctor about or what worked for my dad during his treatments e-mail me directly at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ---. There are some things that he did during treatment that really helped in his recovery such as the hyperbaric chamber, he had a peg-tube which allowed him to get all his nutrition (he only lost 15 lbs during treatment). Let me know, Sharon

I finished my treatments for stage 4 tonsil cancer a little bit more than a year ago - it's been a rough ride but I'm okay. Like your husband, it got into one of my lymph nodes but hasn't spread to any other part of my body. The best advice that I received prior to my chemo & radiation was to have a PEG tube put in - even with it, I lost over 35 pounds (215 lbs to 175 lbs.) You might want to discuss it with you Dr. to see if it's a good idea for him. I was 44 years old so they hit me extra hard so I'm now living with trismus and some dry mouth but I'm not complaining.

It's going to be rough on your husband - let me know if I can answer any questions. Good luck.

I am a female, age 36, non-smoker survivor of tonsillar cancer. I had neck disection, tonsillectomy, 7 weeks of radiation, and 2 rounds of chemotherapy. I, too, had peg tube which was placed 3 weeks into treatment due to rapid weight loss (total: 30 lbs). It has been 13 months since I completed treatment and I received the "all clear" from scans just last week, have gained 14 of the 30 lbs back, and had my first haircut 2 weeks ago (hair loss from chemo and radiation). The peg tube was removed in July 2005. My biggest long term effect has been dry mouth and some stiffness in neck. I use Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash to help. My doctor has also prescribed pilocarpine to increase saliva flow and it helps, too. It does take time and improvements are gradual, especially swallowing, taste, and the mucous going away. This is a brief version of my story. Hope it provides some insight.

Thank you for replying to my message. It has given me some hope that life will one day return to normal. Did you feel well enough to work after your treatments? We don't know what to expect. My husband starts his treatments the 23rd. We are anxious about it, but know the sooner he starts, the sooner they can be over. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

I am a teacher at a local elementary school. I was able to return 6 weeks after completing treatment but I was off a toatl of 4 months from start to finish of surgery and treatments. I wasn't able to eat so I was using the peg tube which was an inconvience. Other than that, it was OK. My opinion is it will vary based on the individual, recovery, and line of work. I hope everything turns out OK for your family and I will keep you in my thoughts.

Hello-Im a 38 yr old female that was recently told I had a lump on my lefy tonsil. My MD beleieves its a cyst. I also have a enlarge lymph node on the left side of my neck.I go to the ENT Monday-Question..did your MD know your lump was cancer by looking at it?
(prior to biopsy results?) And what other symptoms, if any did you have? My mother lost
her battle with cancer 14 years ago-cancer is my family history, one form or another.Im in great
health another than this lump.Help!!Any advice??
Any questions that I should ask the ENT doctor.
Thanks so much for sharing your story.Sounds like
your back on track-HOW WONDERFUL!!!!