Hi David,

Another tonsil cancer survivor from OZ, Sydney. I'm 3 years since the end of radiotherapy in a few days time ("the Ides of March, 2004"). As long as you're at a comprehensive cancer hospital you'll be well looked after. I see that Olivia Newton John is helping to get a comprehensive Cancer Centre built in Melbourne (I have donated), with inputs from Bracks and Howard. Great!

Down Under feeding tubes don't seem to be offered much - I didn't know about such things until I found OCF. Another thing, with radio (I didn't have IMRT) you may lose saliva and thus your mouth has to be looked after, like getting trays for fluoride treatment, special toothpaste and such.

The saliva does return, I only occasionally have a dry mouth now.

Best wishes,

Tizz
www.soundwarp.com.au


(My pseudonym is Meredith, 4 stories on the OCF Patient stories: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/patient_stories/meredith_1.htm)