Hi.

[Nic068]

I would like to say hello to anyone. I was told I had cancer of the parotid gland after it was removed in October. I am waiting now to find out when I need to start radiation therapy, after seeing the Oncologist yesterday. It was hard, hearing the word cancer used so many times. All along I had been told the tumor would not be malignant, it was really rare. I guess I just want to hear from people who understand what I am going through. I am finding it hard to cope at the moment but I also feel that I don't deserve to feel the way I do. I am starting radiation therapy next Wednesday for 7 weeks, I am nervous but glad it is starting, though I am not looking forward to the side effects. I have also started seeing the Cancer Support centre at the hospital I am going through, it is great to talk to someone, one on one, and have a good cry.

[Jules_68]

Hi Nic, I dont have your cancer, however, welcome to the club where you are required to be "special" in all the wrong ways. Keep blooging and talk soon. Jules

[Allicat]

Hello Nic068 I had a different cancer to you but I was similarly told all the way through that my lump was extremely unlikely to be malignant. But I had surgery to take it out & then they biopsied it and found it was cancer. I had not been worried at all so it was a severe shock. It is good to talk here to people who understand. I found it a hard concept to get my head around the idea of having cancer. How could I have cancer? Me!! That's crazy talk! Best Wishes for your radiation. Allicat

[SamR]

Hi Nic068, Those first few weeks of diagnosis are awful, things can become tunnel vision and the rest of the world goes by in an "out of focus" way. Try to be positive, that you have been diagnosed, the tumour removed and you have a treatment plan. So many don't know they actually have a tumour and from now on you will be monitored. Whilst we may all have experienced a different type of cancer, many of the experiences are the same, so we know what you are going through. Go well, radiotherapy is not a picnic, but it does seem a necessary evil. David Craig's Aqueous Cream, helped me with the "sunburn", but check with the oncology team first. Sam

[pimbok]

Hi Nic, Like you, I was told my tumour was highly unlikely to be cancer and I was shocked when I was told it was a very rare cancer. All along my surgeon was quite sure it wasn't cancer and it didn't really enter my mind that it could be. It was so hard to handle and I understand exactly what it's like although each of us feels it differently. One word of advice for the radiation - use whatever cream you are supposed to maybe 4 or more times a day if you can and lots of it. Also use it way outside the areas the radiologists say, maybe an inch or 2 bigger area than the area being treated. Don't ever feel bad about the way you feel. Come on here and write as often as you want/need etc. Kim

[Nic068]

I am starting radiation therapy next Wednesday for 7 weeks, I am nervous but glad it is starting, though I am not looking forward to the side effects. I have also started seeing the Cancer Support centre at the hospital I am going through, it is great to talk to someone, one on one, and have a good cry.

[SILLY]

I had also been told mine wasn't cancer until after it was removed and biopsied. It had been in the back of my mind for months that it could be cancer. Mine is also very rare.My ent had never seen it before and my oncologist had only seen it once before . In February it will be 2 years since diagnosis and I must say the initial emotions are all gone . The staff where you have radiation will be so helpful .Ask for any help you need,including counselling ,if you feel the need. I ,too, have a head and neck cancer . I felt better once radiation started and I hope you do too.

[Leeanne]

Hi Nic I have found talking to people on this website of great help. People who have gone through what I was going through. It all seems such a blur with the tests and more tests and doctor after specialist etc. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September and am currently undergoing chemo & radiotherapy for 6 weeks. I am half way through and haven't had too many problems so far - just starting to feel the burn a bit but the staff esp nurses at the Cancer Care Centre have been great. Just let them know if you are feeling any adverse effects and they have things for you to try. Up until now salt baths and sorbolene cream have been working. Funny that they have all these fancy machines (I call mine 'Ray') and then back to the old basics for the side effects. I have found it really helpful listening to a guided meditation for healing before I go which settles me and puts me in a positive frame of mind. The radiotherapy for me only takes about 5 minutes so that is the good news. I try and stay positive but also let myself go with how I am feeling that day. A lot of my journey involves letting go so I have been working on that. All the best for your treatment - hope it is going well so far. My thoughts are with you and your family. Leeanne