Excellent program ... View more

Hi, I agree with comments that first few months can be nasty. I lived on ENSURE supplement drinks for a good few months until taste gradually returned to about 75% over a couple of years. I am 11 1/2 years clear post radical neck discectomy and radiation. Saliva only 25% but chew recaldent gum a few times a week to stimulate saliva and protect the teeth.  would encourage your friend to try some complementary therapy’s like remedial massage, acupuncture, etc.there is a good Cancer Council booklet on these. Good for pain management, stress relief and a feeling that you can manage the side affects, rather than a victim of them. Is worth exploring. All the best,   ... View more

Hi,   Mine too was a left tonsil SCC with I lymph node. Surgery and radiotherapy for 32 sessions in 2010. I didn’t have a specific roof of mouth issue, but did consume mostly ENSURE supplement for many months. Got this account referral for free from the local hospital dietician. She was great. Can then buy it in discount by the slab! Also Consumed lots of milk as it was the softest...am still hooked on iced coffee in various forms...all good. ... View more

Hi Julie, Yes, Brian knowing there are longer term survivors out there Will definitely help. Hope is definitely a good medicine for mental health. If he is up for it, encourage him to call Cancer Connect and talk with another Survivor of similar Cancer type and treatment. It is usually a very cathartic process sharing with someone who has been there, done that, bought the T-shirt! It is a confidential one on one peer support program. My taste has mostly recovered such that I enjoy food again, however, don’t think I will make it as a good or wine judge...sigh. 🙂 ... View more

Andrew,   sorry to hear of your diagnosis and recurrence. Mine was also left tonsil ( And HPV+). Had radical neck dissection and radiation. This was 2010.  I am in the Cancer Connect program if you would like to discuss further.    cheers, Alan Pottie  ... View more

Well done Mahootna...congratulations!!  Know how you feel.  A good upside is that I only get cheap red wines as I can't tell the difference!   Re the Woody neck, I get a remedial head and neck massage about evry 5 weeks ...it really helps keep some f;exibility.   Cheers, Al ... View more

All, if any of you or spouses wold like to chat directly with peer support survivors of head and neck cancers, ring 131120 and ask for Cancer Connect and chat with the good folks there. They will put you to volunteer trained supporters who can empathisize with the experience. It is a great service and they are always on the lookout for others of us who have volunterred to help in this way...it is very cathartic for both parties. It is just a confidentail few phone converstaions.    I was having a dry mouth moment today trying to wolf a scone and jam, without drinking enough liquid..very tricky. You are all great sharers and helpers...well done.    Alan ... View more

, swallowing steak can be a challenge...need to keep making sure it is chewed enough.    Am 9 years post head and neck surgery and radiation, have yearly checkups with my original surgeon at st Vincents clinic sydney. Still have dry mouth, drink while eating. Taste plateued at abot 75% I reckon. Can still taste chocolate though...     ... View more

Sheryn, ron bova was excellent, one of the most highly recommended. Saw him for my annual on thursday. ... View more

Hi sheryn, Sorry to hear about your dads diagnosis. I was diagnosed in 2010 st age 52 with left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma, it had metasisized to left neck lymph nodes. Once diagnosed, had pet scan and surgeon peer review within 5 days. St vincents specialist. Surgery within 2 weeks, after 6 weeks had radiation treatment in wagga. Recommend getting confidence in your treatment team, dont be afraid  to push for quick turnaround times. Ring cancer connect for some peer support, they will put you and your dad in touch with a survivor who has been through similar treatment. I had my annual checkup last thursday: still clear. Cheers, al ... View more