Hi - my husband was just diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. We have been waiting to meet with the surgeon for almost 10 days now. All I can do is think about the worst but I just found this thread and I am grateful for the opportunity to at least see what might be in store for us.

Welcome to our group read as many posts as you can that's what I did and ask any questions you might have we will try to help.

I don't even know what questions to ask at this point. His lesion is in the supraglottic area of his throat and he has 1 node involved, we don't know of distant mets yet. So far the surgeon is stating chemo and radiation and not surgery because of the stage and significant side effects. Since we haven't met with the surgeon yet, I can only surmise that the significant SEs are loss of voice box and all that that entails. Anyone out there with a similar diagnosis that has any food for thought? Questions we should as the surgeon maybe?

I am also very much blaming myself. He has had obvious symptoms for over 6mos now and I didn't take them seriously enough. I should have forced him to go to the MD so much sooner than I did.

Jenni
Husband 56yo
Long time smoker of 35yrs, sober for 4yrs but history of alcoholism

This area while it can be treated surgically, could have long term consequences when vital portions of it are removed. It could impact swallow ability, speech, and much more. Anatomical details of where this is are likely pushing the doctors to this choice of treatment. You need to question them on the factors that are driving their choice and feel comfortable with the idea.

On another note history and the past are just that. They occurred, they are not changeable, and you need to focus on today. Don’t beat yourselves up over decisions in lifestyle or choices that you can’t change. It detracts from your mental well being, and you need to focus on today and what is possible.