Today was a follow up to an operation I had three weeks ago. The operation lasted 13 and 3/4 hours. Half this time was for removal of a 6 cm tumour on tongue, the remaining time was for reconstruction of tongue using a long strip from left thigh, and the disection of neck to remove 34 lymph glands.

Today was a revisit to the surgeon to discuss progress.

Histology of the removed tissue shows cancer to be fully removed, along with a clear area of 1.5mm width next to the cancer zone. This was decided upon because of a "hit it hard attitiude" as age and health on my side. Best chance of cancer not reccuring.

Analysis of lymph glands removed showed 4 infected.

The fact that I have so many infected glands and also the tongue safe zone is less than 5mm means that I must now prepare for a course of radiotherapy for a period of 6-8 weeks. More on this treatment as I learn from relevant personnel about this.

The three major wounds I have on neck, ignoring the lymph removal scars, are two 3/4 inch gaps where drains were fitted, and the inch gap where tracheostomy was (excuse spelling here). All are healing well and are closed up.

In fact I will attempt to add some pictures shortly.

No body expects this sort of thing to happen. To me I believe it was bought on by a long period of extreme stress and associated lifestyle in a third world country. Whats done is done though, we should never portion any blame and must look to the future now. The surgeon mentioned I am doing as good as can possibly be expected. So we battle on, dealing with the limited speach, the indirect feeding through the PEG, the awkwardness of being different to before of 43years. I thank who ever for being lucky. I read some stories on this site bringing me close to tears. My heart and best wishes go out to you people, and my heartfelt thanks can only be repeated to those out there willing to share their experiences and offer valuable insight and advice to this menace of a type of ill health.

Nigel

you have been through the mill nigel and i am happy for you that the cancer has gone.good luck with your radiotheraphy and keep us all informed about how you are getting on.good luck with your journey and take care,love shirl xxx

hello nigel
what part of wales are you from i am from north wales best wishes to you take one day at a time as this is a very long journey but all of us here on the forum will help you on your way if needed
bevx

Nigel

You have been through a hell of a lot. You have my fullest sympathy. On the cause of the cancer, as you say what is done is done. It is self-destructive to dwell on possible causes. Good luck with the radiotherapy.

Martyn

Hi Nigel

nice to see you have found your way to us,and be sure of any help or advice you may need.Cancer is no respector of age ,my Robin was 44 when he was diagnosed and there are some on this board many years younger than that.
There is usually a six weeks recovery period between surgery and radiation,so use it well to rest and get some nutrition in you.the more you can take the better it will be in the long term.
good luck

love liz

Hi Nigel,

I am glad you have found this website. I was 20 the first time I was diagnosed, 39 the second, and 40 the third. So age doesn't seem to matter. Recover and rest, get ready for radiation.

Good Luck and let me know how you are doing.

Leann

Hi Nigel, good luck with the RT. All the best, Hagg.

Hi Nigel,
Great follow up news.
I think we all have thoughts about previous life style and associated when in reality people with a 100% good history still get it!
Stay with what you are feeling now, you sound positive and willing to work towards being better. Lot's of people have the peg short term, speech does get betterand hell 43 is just a number!
SusieR x

Hi
keep positive it will take time to adjust i had 3 ops the 1st time 10 years ago and rt and chemo last year you are doing really well

always here
Dave and Sue

Dear Nigel,
I apologise for not having posted earlier as I have really cut down on my posting but could not help putting this down on reading what you have mentioned. You are right when you say - one never can imagine that it can happen to "me" and again noone is to blame if it does. What is done is done and its time to look ahead.

I truly like your attitude and am surev thats going to go a long way in a speedy recovery. I know how it feels to be on the peg as its been eight years since I last had a solid meal or a sip of water orally. In fact I think I am better off with the peg as I would have to learn how to eat all over again - should it be possible they manage to do something about it.

Its strange you should mention that the cancer may be due to extreme stress and associated lifestyle as this was one of the comments I got from my doctor regarding my problem (though nothing to do with a third world country!) - another comment I recieved was the possiblility of "voice abuse" being a contributing factor ( Working and talking like all day/night and working the same all day, week, month and so on).

Nigel - things will turn out right - you have the attitude.

Take care,
Ananth

Hi Nigel

Missed your post a while ago, as I was not posting much for a while. Just wondered how you were doing. How is your gardening going?

Regards
Gwyn

Hello, today the sun is shining and thanks all of you for the support, and kindly showing an interest in my progress. And Gwyn, my broad beens are sprouting and the spinach seeds just appearing above the damp soil this morning.

The week preceeding last, I had another councelling session, exploring all possibilities of getting out of further treatment. To me the prospect of becoming ill again, for an extended period of 8 weeks did not justify the resultant reduction in the likeliness of the disease reoccuring. Well I was wrong in this approach, I like so many of you heroic people out there, must accept the road to recovery is often a long and not so painless journey.

So I got a mask made and subjected my-self to an hour getting all measured up. At least I could have the thing removed, how tragic must it have been for all the victims of these earthquakes of late.

Tuesday 3rd May I commence Radio therapy, together with chemo of Carboplatin AND 5- Fluorouracil in weeks 1 and 5.

So I got a cheap electric razor now, some pure aloevera gel and am going for a few more Guiness before the admission date. I wanted Aloevera, we have one such plant in Thailand just outside the house, and whereas I do not want to refute the benefit of Pixie dust this plant does aid heeling in an almost catalytic way.

So keeping an eye on the future, well I suppose I didn't realize how serious all of this is, and I still don't really. Lets just knuckle down, look forward to diving and sailing again in my boat, and fathom how much in gasoline all these trips to the hospital are going to cost.

I like writing on this space, never done this stuff before, quite cheers me up, I would like to make a website, if any of you girls or lads out there can offer a few pointers on how to accompish such a task. Just be great to have a few more picures, reality, like Pauls.

regards Nigel

Do you know what Nigel - I can't beleive what has been going on whilst I have been recovering. 2 teenagers murdered in the UK - what a waste of 2 young lives, the Burma and China tradigies - we are all lucky really.

I'm with you about this site - It really cheers me up posting here and reading responses, but also it would be good to add pictures. I sent one into Krishna and he responded but it hasn't made it onto my profile :-(

Enjoy your final few guiness's for a while. I haven't had a glass of wine for 9 weeks!

I was like you during my treatment and wanted to tr an negotiate the time down, then part way through 2 extra days were added! I was devastated as I had a date in my head! I am so looking foward to feeling better again. Roll on those times!

Love Chloex

Hi Nigel (been some time - but great to see you doing well - as things go and still have the zest) and Hi Chole,

I dont know if you aware there is a "community album" here on the forum. You can post photographs as well as see how the others all are.

Take care and lol,
Ananth

I can't figue out how to add photos - it says I don't have permission