Hi Mal,   Peter my name and I am in Beechboro Perth and I am 49, 50 this year...   I had a lump in my neck for years I had a biopsy done 3 years ago and it came back inconclusive the Doctor just brushed it of as a swollen gland.3 years on and the lump started to grow bigger, back for another ultrasound this time Cancer cells were found in the lump/Lymph node. I was devastated I went home to tell my wife who was still in bed and it was 2 days before her Birthday, we both hugged each other and cried for hours.   It was something you don't expect at all we discussed about telling the kids and we decided to tell them as they are very clued and pick up on our emotions and they are only at the time 8 and 10. They took the news well and we all hugged each other and cried and me and the wife just gave them heaps of positive reassurance that daddy will be ok and we will all get through this together.   Anyhoo first step Royal Perth for Biopsy on tonsils to find the Primary, 1st result negative Doc says got to do it again this on the back of the tongue, result inconclusive. Doc not sure what's going on? Then off to Fiona Stanley Hospital for meeting with all the specialists ..now that was scary 15 of them in a small room all looking at me prodding and shoving a camera down my throat..it was not pleasant and the wife was taken back to by this. Well Mal it turns out my own immune system has fought of the primary so they rated the cancer as a "0" didn't mean much to me at the time surgery was not an option they said 7 weeks Radiation and 3 x Chemos.   Well let the journey begin I guess had no idea how I was going to get through this even my wife was worried as I don't take well to being sick and she also lost her Mother to Breast Cancer which made things worse. I was stressed about my job as I work in a Prison and the Government had just taken over and I had no leave or sick days so this was  a big worry for me due to the first round of chemo and radiation hitting me hard I could not work , lucky for me the Government gave me 7 weeks leave in advance.   During the treatment Mal the Kids were amazing they understood what I was going through and supported me even at times when I was nasty , Misérable and depressed from the treatment they were so strong as too was my wife I would not have made it through without them that's for sure. I guess you have to stay positive for yourself and your family and do everything the Docs and Nurses tell you I got through pretty well in the end I was gargling salt and bi carb nearly 15 to 20 times a day for the whole time and I used these tablets that I was given by who I believe to be an angel who was going through breast cancer she brought a bunch of these tablets in one day on her final treatment and they helped with he severe dry mouth you get with the radiation.    I understand your worry Mal and I hope and pray that it has not spread anywhere else mate, I was so nervous waiting for my PET scan after the treatment I don't think anyone who has not been through this would understand the anxiousness and Dredd of waiting for the results. As anxious as you feel Mal you need to take every day one step at a time  mate and even at your lowest points which will come trust me ,you need to stay strong and take all the love and support you get get from Family and friends and don't feel like a burden as I did you are not a burden you are going through a stage in your life that you need to fight for. Take all the love from your kids and let them know how your feeling and if your in pain as they will be worried for you and they will appreciate you being honest with them. Its a big thing for them and your Family as you all travel through this journey together. And I'm not sure if you are a religious man o not but I prayed and my church prayed for me constantly and I believe God played apart in my healing. Sorry don't mean to preach its what I believe and it helped .   Please keep in touch Mal I am here to listen any time and I pray that the Cancer will leave your body and you will be strong and fight through this. Even when you feel down or feeling good drop me a line it helps so much to talk.  🙂   Cheers Peter       ... View more

Hey Mal,   I have not been on since  last year I can happily say though I am in full remission , after 7 weeks of Chemo and Radiation I am fully fit and back at work since last November. The oncologist states that this Cancer will highly likely not return so I am very happy  yet still cautious as you just never know.   What stage are you at have you just been diagnosed.? It was a long struggle mate but you need to stay positive and gargle salt and bi carb as it worked very well for me. Please message me and I would love to help you through this difficult time any way I can. ... View more

Oh yeah the Cancer cells were picked up in the Lymph node currently enlarged on the left side of the neck 2 small black dots appeared on the PET scan and a dark spot in the throat. ... View more

Thanks Captain, I will let you know how I go when I find out what's happening you have helped me heaps already. Colt 45 out for now but not for good. ... View more

Hello Captain,   First of all thankyou so much for your inspiring reply it was awesome and encouraging to read. I have had my PET scan results and it has not spread, I had Biopsy done at RPH last Thursday and I have only found out tonight that the biopsy results have come back inconclusive and I now have to go through the surgery again this Thursday. They say the Cancer ( Tumor ) is in the tonsil yet they are not sure exactly where. I was informed that I was going to Fiona Stanley this coming Monday to get results and plan for treatment so that has now been changed obviously. I am in a good place as far as knowing and coming to terms with having cancer now I just want treatment to start so I can rid this out of my body.   They state that they don't want to operate and remove it ,yet it was mentioned to my wife by the specialist that it may now be an option so really not sure which way they are going to go.   All I can do is be strong and I am lucky to have a loving and supportive Family to help me through this. One again mate I thank you for you reply it is very helpful and I will keep you updated if its ok with you.   Cheers and I am very happy you have got through and beaten your Cancer, ... View more

Hey MUMTO4,   I found out 4 weeks ago that I have head and neck cancer I was refereed by my Doctor to ENT and within 8 days I was called by ENT at RPH within 5 days I had PET and I am having Biopsy next Thursday so all happening pretty quick have not paid a cent and I was going to go private but was told it would take longer and cost heaps so glad I didn't. I hope you are going ok it is a lot to take in and go through I also have 2 young children.I am waiting on PET scan results and then I guess I will know where I am at.What Cancer do you have? ... View more

Hey, I am yet to have surgery I believe they are only taking Biopsy next Thursday when I go in, my biggest concern is the PET scan outcome which takes don't know how long to get results for...I am usually a very patient person yet this has me being very impatient LOL...How are you and thankyou for replying to me..:) ... View more

Hey sorry to hear what your going through,  I have been diagnosed with HPV on the Linguinal Tonsil I have had PET scan today and second CT scan. I have a Biopsy booked for next week at RPH so really not sure where I am at....I am eager to await the PET scan results. It is scary the waiting and not knowing ...I hope you feel better soon and my thoughts are with you. ... View more