I have no idea, I never had any symptoms that were noticeable prior to the cancer diagnosis. I only found out that the cancer was in my tonsils after a PET scan when a secondary cancer was found in a lump on my neck. Sorry if this is of no use ... View more

Live in Mandurah WA. One thing I have gotten out of this whole ordeal is that no matter how bad you think your situation is there are lots of people who are much worse off, they seem to dealing with their diagnosis, gives you a better understanding or puts things into perspective. I have four children too and eight grandchildren, let them know about your situation, they are a great support for your wife. She will be the one who takes it the worst, be strong and positive for your the one they all look up to, as I said before, you’ve got this ... View more

I had a small lump in my neck, after some tests and a biopsy it was a secondary cancer, had a PET scan and discovered primary was in my tonsils. Had robotic surgery removing my tonsils and also the lump in my neck , tonsil and margin was 100% clear, not as good with the neck margin 99.9% so had 32 rounds of radiation as a precaution. Have had a post radiation PET scan and no sign of cancer. Doing the three monthly check with Surgeon and Oncologist at the moment. Was only off work for five months, nasty operation but the radiation didn’t cause me any discomfort. Have a change in taste which was to be expected and a dry mouth due to saliva gland being nuked. Little discomfort to continue my life. Hope this is of some help, I was lucky (so far) that I got mine early. Hopefully you can have the same result, as you go through this you realise how many people are dealing with cancer, always remain positive, you’ve got this.  ... View more

Gidday Arty, I am due my PET scan end of August to see how things went after Surgery and then precautionary radiation. I only had the one go under the knife where they took tonsils with margin and then the neck lymph node. The radiation was only on the neck as the margin  was clear in the mouth. Recovery from the tonsils took some time but I didn’t have any nerve damage there. The radiation has left me with a dry mouth as the saliva gland gets belted, I also for some reason have to equalise my ears everyday, something I never did before. I have nerve issues in my shoulder which I am working through with a physio., a side effect of the neck surgery.  Hang in there and do what you have to do. I like you went for the surgery, but hopefully the precautionary radiation has got any remnants, will soon find out. Hope you get through the next op OK and all goes well ... View more

Had my tonsils and neck tumour removed on the 25th Jan, been living on pain killers and baby food since then. Had a break through today and had a slice of roast lamb and a couple pieces of bread. Off to see surgeon tomorrow to discuss results and the plan forward from here, fingers crossed we got all the cancer ... View more

Lizzy, had your cancer spread? I noticed a lump in neck first, so after a heap of scans, a biopsy and PET the theory is tonsil cancer primary and neck mass (lymph node) secondary. Looking at robotic surgery to remove both tumours with a margin. If successful, potentially no or limited radiation/chemo.  ... View more