Hi all,
Thanks a lot.
We are reassured a bit. I actually saw the consultant here with my list of questions.
My first question was highly influenced by David (thanks David). Was Martin tested for HPV?
Answer: NO. Apparently it is not standard in the UK. Some hospitals do, others don't. He said it didn't change anything with treatment. To which I answered it changes chance of re-occurence (which i hadn't told Martin-he's worried enough). he said true but not significantly enough to warrant the test yet. Hmmm So????
Otherwise I asked what stage Martin's tumor was at. But he said something different to you all (british term?) Martin was at Stage N2A which means it was between 3 and 6 cm and his neck dissection was a type 3 neck dissection.
Otherwise I asked about the throat dryness, the saliva is a bit back and the taste buds too but the throat is still very dry. Answer to that: It's still early days. (which I expected)
We did both mention this website as he is the cool consultant who actually did the cutting and slashing. He alsways takes time to answer questions and is thorough and listens. I said he knew about it.
Anyway, Thanks.
oh and really sweet thing, martin when we went in the room to see the surgeon said: "You probably remember Cecilia, my fiancee, carer, provider, secretary PA, researcher and question asker?" It's nice to feel appreciated.
Cecilia