hi all
thought i was well prepared to hear what the consultant surgeon had to say today. well he could have hit me with a brick, i wouldn't have felt it. Brother has a very large tumor on the right side of his gullet, he has to have a total larygectomy plus pharingectomy reconstruction using his bowel. Is there any one here that has had that done?
After 10 days he should be able to drink and after that will live on a soft diet.
Elllen

Hi Ellen,I've been through cancer myself but nothing prepares you for when the consultant tells you that you've got this dreadful disease. I can't imagine how you're both feeling at the minute,scared confused,devastated but we are all here for you both whenever you need us. I'm sorry I can't help as my cancer was in my tongue and lymph nodes so completely different but in one way no less terrifying. Please take care both of you, love Sammy x

thankyou sammy, i went to the consultant fearing the worst and it was worse than that.
we were told in the begining he had cancer at the base of his tongue. He is expecting surgery in 2 weeks. He has been a sales man all his life so thats his job gone at 50 which is yet another blow.
Does any one no on this site if its classed as a disability not being able to speak?

Hi Ellen

So sorry to hear your brother needs such a big operation - it must have been a huge shock for you both.

Anyone who has had cancer is covered by the disability discrimination act. Not sure what this might mean for your brother. Employers have to make "reasonable adjustments" for you (in my case this just means letting me have time off to go to my check ups).

Hope the surgery goes as well as it possibly can.

Thinking of you both.

Gwyn

I would definitely look into the diability side as there are lots and lots of things you can claim for and are covered by because of the cancer.I got alot of information from my Macmillan nurse who was fantastic with alsorts from getting the right pain relief,obtaining financial information to me when I had it and still helps me now. If you have not yet got one please try as they are very very nice not just helping but always are there to listen no matter what.I've been cancer free for 18 months now but still see mine as often as I like or can.Fingers crossed that you can sort someting out x

Link: Financial Help for Cancer Patients (U.K.)