Read the post "head and neck cancer". Another lady seems to be going through the same thing with her mother. You may really understand each other . Her mother's cancer was recently diagnosed but now terminal. ... View more

I am so sorry that this happened this way. No wonder you were shocked and devastated. Your mum must feel that way and she must be experiencing a whole range of different emotions as well. No doubt you will be a big support for her. I realise you are in need of support too and this site will be some help. ... View more

I feel for you. It will take time to adjust .It is early days . I know there are others here who have a better idea of what having this cancer feels like . I don't . Mine is a head and neck cancer. Still, the emotional side is similar. I feel like I say to so many,try counselling ,but I'll say it to you too,if you find it all too much. I wish you well. ... View more

Congratulations!!!! Reason to celebrate . ... View more

Silly is not my real name . I just use it because all we post here can be seen by anyone in the world and it can be out there in cyberspace forever. I want to keep some level of privacy. Your surgery was 6 months after mine .It takes time to deal with all your emotions and physical changes. Have you tried counselling ? It helped me . I didn't think it would but gave it a try. I went to the Cancer Council for help. I try to not let things get to me. Talking to people who have dealt with much more helps too. Head and neck cancers can be very disfiguring and many with my cancer are so much more affected than me. Yet these people are so grateful to be alive . Many have coped with recurrences and metasteses as well . Many have undergone experimental chemos as there is no one chemo regimen for this cancer. Your support group should help you . There is a lot of support out there for breast cancer survivors,not much for other cancer survivors. Use this .In time things get easier. ... View more

Wombat, I think these comments gradually got a long way away from your post. I apologise for my part in that. ... View more

My surgery was 2 years ago. Radiation followed. I had my husband and some close friends and family members for emotional support. I decided to try and not think about the ones who were not supportive or seemingly disinterested . Only occasionally the thought pops into my head.I forget about it the rest of the time. I also believe that some people realise you need your privacy and that is another reason they don't ask much. I'd best not dwell on it as it is the way to stir up negative emotions. I try not to live that way .I had enough of that in 2010. When was your surgery(s) ? ... View more

I looked up what you said the cancer was and it also said it is slow growing and not aggressive. It also said that surgery followed by radiation is best ,but radiation can effect quality of life. It looks as though your mum's case is unusual. Was there a delay before surgery? Did it recur after surgery? I have a rare head and neck cancer ,adenoid cystic carcinoma. It is usually slow growing . It was 2 months between diagnosis and final surgery .This was because of PET /ct scan ,further biopsies of suspicious areas and debate of aspects of surgery. I am ok 2 years later . With my cancer there are some cases where it can be very aggressive. It can be slow ,then speed up. Still usually slow . I am sorry about your situation. ... View more

I guess congratulations are in order . Congratulations!!! ... View more

I suppose it's a new look for you,a change . ... View more