Signs of recurrence

My fiancé was just diagnosed as having a recurrence of the HPV+ cancer on his tonsil (confirmed via biopsy, PET scan and exams), 5 months out from last clean PET Scan. Guess someone has to fall within the 10% range of it coming back. Waiting now for a call to schedule a radical tonsillectomy (different doc and medical facility).  Anyone here with experience on this procedure and after effects? Doctors last time around obviously did not like to talk about effects of treatments until they show their ugly heads (like the horrible mucous we were initially told by the rad doc was just a sinus infection...seriously!?!?! It was from these boards that I learned what was causing the mucous.) Thank you. 

wbcgaruss said:

I Don't Have Experience

With your particular kind of cancer, I had throat cancer and later a small spot on my tongue. I am sorry to hear you have a recurrence. We always hope we are never in the recurrence group. I would say whatever operations or treatments you are prescribed check out the after effects possibilities on major web sites like Mayo clinic, cancer treatment centers, etc. and ask the folks on here. I think operations on the tonsil are no picnic for adults especially but not sure so maybe someone else on here has first-hand experience. I would say be informed and prepare yourself for the worst plus some and it may turn out that it is not too hard to handle but at least you are ready for the worst. I went through the horrible mucous, they told me about it but it was worse than expected. Take Care-God Bless.

I did have the radical tonsillectomy via robotic surgery. It is much worse in adults with that said I couldn't eat anything but very soft foods for 2 weeks (mash potatoes and pudding). They will give you pain meds to help you get through this. After a couple weeks I introduced more foods to my diet. This is just another bump in the road but you will get through it. Any further treatments will be decided by your medical team,trust them and have faith.You can do this wishing you have a quick recovery.

 I would add that when anyone gets a cancer diagnosis they also need to be thinking how can I get my immune system back on tract fighting cancer cells so after treatment there is less chance of it ever coming back. There is much good research about this though not so easy to come by. Everyone should have a blood test that also tests for your vit. D3 level. As we get older it is common our level will go down. If only at 30 or less ( range is 30-90 ) you need to get it back up close to 90. this will greatly aid your immune system to fight and kill cancer cells again.