Hi Joolz, I took early retirement Aug 19 at the 4 year mark of my recovery. I am 63. Found the ongoing side effects just made worklife just too exhausting. I’ve missed my work very much but now know it was the best decision for both my mental and physical health. Less stress has meant giving my body the best opportunity for healing. You’re doing a great job supporting your husband’s journey. My wife has been incredible just understanding and letting me be me. He will be fine. Shaun ... View more

Sorry mate, but could you tell me what RSO is? ... View more

Angela, I was 58 at the time my 30x5 mm oropharynx malignancy, base of tongue, was treated with chemo x7 and radio x35 (no operation) over the Xmas period of 2015/16 at Peter Mac in Melbourne. I was fed by nasal tube for approx 10-12 weeks during and after - all up. My PET scans were on completion of treatments and again at 12 months on. Since then I've been on quarterly surveillance checks. No nausea or loss of hair during treatments, then at 30 months I lost pretty much most of my hair - total body. Below is my recovery snapshot from October last year after I finally made the decision to stop working; Alopecia – is in my case “the straw that broke the camels back.” Since its onset approx. March 2018, trying to work full time took on a whole new level, in that I tried coping with the daily total body feeling of sticky/ sensitive skin, feeling of puffiness from nose level to the top of my head (particularly eyes), light headedness and cold, leading me to give up work on the 21/8/2019. Burnt skin sensation – onset at the same time as the alopecia. Arms, shoulders and feet. Originally occurring each morning and subsiding say by 3-4 PM. Now seems to occur only when highly stressed/ anxious generally wearing off within an hour or two. Throat – lump/ obstruction still constantly present and taxing. Flemm, mucus, food causes me to try clearing often, mostly to no avail. Neuropathies – both feet and left hand. Constant feeling of numbness and cold Taste buds – may be approx. 70%. Causes loss of appetite to the point where I eat by the clock, not because I am hungry and enthusiastic Dry mouth – affecting appetite also. Choice of foods is an issue. Time needed to eat is a problem Teeth – 4 top major molars (2 each side) extracted prior to cancer treatments commencing. The plate provided is ill fitting causing discomfort when eating, also extra time is needed for chewing. Remaining teeth have decayed somewhat with some breaking also Lethargy - feeling tired most days Energy – low. Hard to get going Weight loss – lost approx 10kg over the 5-month period off work, which remains the same today. Lost strength overall particularly in the legs Mental state – apart from the fact that no oncologist will ever tell you the cancer won’t come back, add living with all of the above and trying to stay positive has been somewhat exhausting Keep in mind this is just me, and your journey sounds like it will be far more upbeat. I must admit I probably am a "glass half empty" type. I thank God for my "glass half full" wife.   Sorry about the extended rant, hope you find this at least interesting. BR, Shaun    ... View more

Hi Angela, I returned to work after 5 months. Throat cancer chemo and radiation. Getting back to work was the best thing I could’ve done at the time to take my mind off the cancer thing, although still coping with the side effects was tough. You may be different. Hang in there. Shaun ... View more

Hi MikeR, you are a lucky man to have an oncologist who has taken the time to respond so comprehensively to your enquiry. I have followed your posts with interest as I have had passing thoughts about medical cannabis myself over the journey. Will you now use it after digesting your oncologists thoughts? BR, Shaun ... View more

Hi Sheryn,  reading your post really resonated with me. I had the same cancer and treatments as your dad just over 4 years ago now and I am still attending ENT quarterly. I am very interested to know what the pathway is now for your dad as I still worry about recurrence near daily. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dad. Shaun ... View more

Thank you Joe. I intend to reach back out today. You are certainly right about this new stranger I now am ... View more

Thanks ... View more

Thanks Budgie,  I know you’re right about counselling. I did see someone via a care plan from my GP some time ago but did not complete it as I didn’t think it was helping. I had a psychiatric assessment meeting at PeterMc last July where counselling was offered and I turned it down also, thinking that with my retirement in August l might be able to quit alcohol by myself. Well that hasn’t happened has it! Can you recommend any contacts with cancer survivor experience? BR, Shaun ... View more