My name is Nigel and just introducing myself. I am Nigel and I am recovering from treatment after being diagnoised with SCC of the left tonsil in May 2005. I am 41 and live in the UK.

What follows was the tonsil removed, wisdon tooth extracted, 32 lymph nodes removed, only one found to be containing SCC and 2 doses of cisplatin with 33 doses of high intensity radiotheraphy.

It is now 3 weeks since radiotheraphy finished and I pleased to say I feel 100% better than I did when I left hospital 3 weeks ago. I feel 5% better everyday.

I got myself in a bit of pickle with eating in the last few weeks of RT ended up with a NGT being fitted at my request to ease eating and take away the pain. I have lost 13kgs but to be honest had that spare to lose as I packed on weight during the spell between RT and the neck disection after advice that I would lose a shed full of weight. Does the weight ever come back?

Three weeks after the RT the rash is disappearing, the tiredness is going, I can eat, my weight has remained constant for 2 weeks and my taste buds have come back and functioning at 80% Food if it is the right texture does go down well and very few side effects to eating the usual soft food. To be honest I feel relaxed, chilled, and well, is this normal? The only downside is lack of salvia, particulary at night, any suggestions here? I have no pain, except when I yawn! which is not so often as I was. i can drive and starting today I will walk a mile a day, to keep my muscles in trim, after all I have run half marathons before.

Three weeks ago I could not talk, had to write things down and now my speech has returned to 95%
I have through the last 6 months said follow your body. My body is saying you are getting well!

I know everyone is different and have seen stories of people lying in bed after RT unable to move for 6 weeks. I have also seen reports of people who have been up and on their feet after 4 weeks and resuming normal life is this true.

I have always done what my body told me, its telling me move on with life now, I have talked about a return to work date in October 2005 which is great as it gives me something to aim at. I am taking each day as it comes and am chilling after all there is one more Cricket test match to go!

I am concerned that I am recovering quickly, I am sensible because I will not rush things but advice on recovering, things to relax and soft foods to eat would be more tha helpful.

Many Thanks

Nigel