My husband, Tony, is going for his first follow up appointment with the consultant next week and I was wondering if anyone can tell us what to expect. Will it involve any further torture!?

Kate

Hi Kate and Tony

For me the 1st follow up was to feel and examine my throat ,take some bloods and the scope down my nose to look into the back of my throat

All painless but you still worry

Dave and Sue

Hi Kathleen,
My first follow up was the old nasoscopy (tube down the nose thingy), a prod of my lymph glands, bloods and a general check of how i was recovering from R/T. This was 11weeks post R/.T.
The 3weeks after that i had my base line C.T. scan. That came back clear, so they'll use that to compare all future scans to.
& i go back again in 5 weeks for the next follow up.
All the best,
Michelle

Hi Kathleen, My Hubby also had Tonsil cancer with spread to the Lymph Glands. He was seen monthly for the first year & had the "tube down the nose" for the first 6 months then only when a new Dr wanted a look. A good look around the mouth, a good feel of his neck, a wee chat & that was it till the next time.
We were told he wouldnt be having any scans unless they were worried as they could easily see where the cancer had been. He's now on 6monthly checks. All the best, Fran

Hi all

Thanks for all the info. at least we know what to expect.

Kate

Hi Kathleen,

I found the tube up the nose very painful. After the first visit, I made sure I took some Oramorph about 20 minutes before my appointment. My throat was really sore, so the scope just made it worse. I bled every time they used the scope for about a year. The consultant will use an anathestic which is squirted up the nose, but you have to ask for this. I always ask for the anasthetic when I first go in, as it takes a few minutes to work. The one difference I have noticed between the NHS and a private consultant, is that the private consultant allowed the anasthetic time to work before using the scope, whereas the NHS consultant just squirted the anasthetic up my nose and then used the scope immediately afterwards.
Sorry not to be more reassuring, but I found it better to be prepared.

Jenni thanks. Tony's throat is still quite soar so he's going to take your advice and take some Oramorph.

Hi Kathleen,
I have not had "the tube" at any of my check ups.So you never know Tony might not have it. I did have problems with a hoarse voice so then I was referred to an ENT chap and then had "the Tube" then. Not pleasant but bearable I even looked at the picture at the time - very interesting!
Good luck for next week
Anne

Well Tony's fist follow up yesterday. No tube up the nose thingy, no bloods, just a quick feel around the neck and a look in the mouth with spatula - in and out in less than 5 mins!
Although he's having an MRI scan in 3 weeks - was told scan required 10/11 weeks post R/T - hopefully no suprises. Next follow up 4 weeks.

Kate

Great news guys! Glad you had an easy time. I( bet Tony's sick of being poked and prodded by now. I know i am!
They have to leave the scan until then as Tonys insides are still repairing. & they wont appear as they did before treatment. So in order to get a true base scan it has to be settled.

All the best!
Michelle

Thanks Michelle. He was rather relieved not to have the tube.

regards
Kate

Kate and Tony

Good news guys
Dave and Sue