Hi Laura,

I am sorry that you and your husband are beginning this journey, especially with a young family and at this time of year - being the vacation season in Australia. I was diagnosed with stage 4 tonsil SCC in late December 2002 when many consultants were closing for holidays. I want to offer you encouragement because I completed my treatment in May 2003 and have been cancer free ever since. I had surgery and radiation. There is no doubt the radiation saved my life.
I would suggest that your husband has a thyroid function test before he begins rad, I was found to be severely hypothyroidic after treatment but whether I was prior is not known so I may have begun treatment under par.

Like Gabriele, I am a little concerned about being treated at Gosford hospital only, I was treated at the Westmead head and neck cancer unit where all the dentists and doctors are oral cancer specialists. I believe the Newcastle Uni hospital is excellent.

I wish your family well and am so pleased you have found this site, wonderful members here will support you through your journey.

Helen