Day 3 Post Diagnosis

This is the first entry on my blog. The aim of the blog is to provide an update/log of my cancer treatment to friends and family. It should hopefully save me having to repeat the same information which is both very boring and tiring.

The official diagnosis of my cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The tumor (only one at this stage) is about the size of a walnut (3-4 centimetres) and is located at the base/back of my tongue. Two lymph nodes in my neck (right side only) are inflamed/swollen although not showing obvious signs of cancer at this stage. Apparently with this type of tumor, the lymph nodes do become cancerous.

The treatment (chemo plus radiotherapy) is curative in nature and aims to kill the cancer. The doctors have said there is a 50/50 chance of success.

I am currently waiting to hear about a date for a second opinion (from Royal Marsden). Am hoping treatment protocols will then be agreed to commence treatment in circa 3 weeks.

Still quite surreal as I am not suffering any effects from the tumor. No problem eating or sleeping although I have lost some weight which I hear is a common symptom.

Everyone has been amazing (includes the doctors, nurses etc. plus friends and family) which has been a huge help dealing with the initial shock. We are going to need all the support of friends and family to get through this, however, I am 100% confident that the final outcome will be positive and that I will be given a clean bill of health at the end of treatment. I have it on the highest authority that this is going to be the case.

I am feeling very upbeat about the tough road ahead and am at peace with the whole situation. To experience the incredible outpouring of love and support from everyone has been a very humbling experience - thank you all again.

All prayers and positive thoughts are welcome. Please contact either Ruth Tyson (01327 857065, r.tyson@arkdesigns.co.uk) or Ruth Chesney (01327 857735 ruthchesney@hotmail.co.uk) if you would like to join the prayer chain.

Stephen