Hi everyone. I found this site Googling T2N2b and found Hellion's post, his situation is very similar to mine.

I'm 46 from Brisbane Australia. Diagnosed by FNA about a month ago, followed by the CT, bone scan, MRI, PET and lots of blood tests. Then off to the head and neck clinic where they determined my best course is to have 7 weeks of radiotherapy, and 3 lots of chemo, starting 31 March.

I had three teeth taken out on the right side last week, it wasn't much fun but at least I've got gargling salt water down pat!

I went to a psychologist just for some techniques on how to deal with everything. Coping with a worried wife, telling the kids, how to relax and sleep. He was pretty good but it was mainly for coping with the waiting stage. Now we're into the planning appointments, making the mask, talking to speech pathologists and dieticians etc. My wife comes with me for all these things. She's a great support, and its really helpful to have another set of ears absorbing the information I might have missed.

Of course I've been reading a lot, Google can be your best friend or worst enemy. Tip: If you are lying awake trying to sleep and wonder what a radiotherapy mask is, don't do an image search! Took me hours to get to sleep after that!

One of the scary things is your signature blocks. Many of you have been on this ride for YEARS! And you're the survivors. I don't want to be on this ride now, let alone in a year's time. Of course I'm scared, but the biggest battle is in my head. I'm going to win that and I'll tell you why.

I have a loving wife and 4 kids, and I have 3 grandkids who mean the world to me. My first grandson was born on the day of my first CT.

My eldest granddaughter is 4. I looked at her and wondered how I do I tell this wonderful little girl her Poppy is sick and needs to go to the hospital to get better. She took it in, processed it as she does, and told me the answer. "I went to the doctor and I got 3 needles and he gave me a lollipop. You know why? Because I was brave. You get a lollipop if you're brave Poppy." I hugged her tight so she couldn't see me cry.

So there I was in the MRI, freaking out in this tight tube with the mask and the loud noises, and there she was, in my head, telling me to be brave. And I was. And I will be.

So that's my intro post about me. You wouldn't be reading this if you didn't have a battle of your own, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hi,

You sound extremely positive and that is the best thing. Stay positive and strong. The support here is great when you need it. I always found myself reading posts in the wee small hours when I couldn't sleep. You're absolutely right about Google - it can be dangerous to your peace of mind. Ask questions here, someone will try to help but remember, we are all on similar journies not identical ones and so our experiences are different. It's a very good idea to take someone with you to hospital appointments; it's very difficult to grasp all the information being thrown at you - I also used to write down any questions I thought of between appointments in a note book so I didn't forget to ask. I know what you mean about the MRI - I had a panic attack the first time they tried to put me in it but like you thought of something important to get me through it, in my case it was my daughter. Good luck with the radiotherapy.

Cheryl x

Welcome OzMojo, I assume it's Base of Tongue or Tonsil being p16 positive, indicating possibly HPV-16, but not necessarily all the time. If so, both are good prognostically. Good luck.

Thanks Paul, its tonsil, well its where my tonsils would be if they were still there. Its P16, not necessarily HPV but yes, the prognosis is good.

Welcome to OCF! Glad you have found our group. We have many members from Australia. You will gain both info and support here. We will help you get thru this.

You are so right.... when its nighttime and your mind starts to wander.... NEVER get online. One page turns into 100 and the same goes for searching for things.

One of the most important things you can do is pay close attention to your intake. Now is the time to eat as much as you can, especially eating all of your favorites. You do not want to get half way thru treatment and have cravings. Your intake should be a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water every single day. This may sound like alot but its not. Your body is burning up calories at an incredible rate and that will increase as treatments begin and thru out recovery.

Best wishes!!!!

Hi welcome... And stay strong...

G'Day!

I responded in the other thread, too, but I wanted to say that it's kind of cool to have a cancer doppelg�nger! Well, cool may not be the right word -- but cool insofar that as we both have it and can't change that, we might as well decide to be impressed by the coincidence f similarity!

One thing I have to ask -- what's it like in the future? Is it all flying cars and food pills? (I never get tired of that joke when I talk to Ozzies/Kiwis).

Keep me posted on how you're doing if you like, and I'll try and do the same.

We're like cancer twins!!

The Hellion

You and Hellion...We are here for you and your wives. It's great your wife goes with you to your appointments. She might want to consider coming here with her concerns and questions. This group was a Godsend for me.
Your attitude is awesome. Like I told Hellion...that's half the battle!!!
Kathy

Hey Oz,

Not sure what happens to some of my posts. Looks to me like we're Cancer twins separated by half a world -- seems like we have every excuse to compare stories and get throgh this together!!

No matter what, I plan to stay positive and let the experts do what they need to do.

How is life in the future? Is it all flying cars and food capsules?

I never get tired of that joke when I talk to Ozzies and Kiwis!

Cheers, mate, and let's stay in touch here!

The Hellion

Hi Oz - I am sooo glad you found this great place to be! It sounds like you and Hellion make a good team. It's great that your wife goes with you to appointments to help in remembering what happens and ask questions. I went with my son to his appointments with the cancer team and to the Rad Tx. There were many times when a nurse friend of mine as well as my daughter also came with us. Sharing moments like these does lessen the stress level and keeps everyone focused on the positives. As you progress along this journey you are on, you or your wife might think of things that need doing, so if anyone asks how they may help, have your list ready - like picking up prescriptions, fixing a meal, laundry, walking the dog, etc. They can pick from the list and it will leave you free to concentrate on getting better. It will help them, too - to keep busy and lessen the time they have to worry about you. Your granddaughter sounds precious! Maybe she will bring you a lollipop after an appointment or Rad Tx? My granddaughter was just about the age of yours, when my son was in Tx and it's amazing how much little ones can really put a smile in an otherwise stressful situation. You have lots of support with your family as well as here, so keep coming back often and let us know how you are doing.

Thanks all for the welcome, it is much appreciated.