The Swallows Charity Book, Edition 2

We all worry about our health at times. If you
have a symptom that’s been bothering you, it’s
best to visit your GP as early as possible to get it
checked out.
Although it’s not common, cancer can occur in a
number of areas in the head and neck, including mouth,
throat, nose or salivary gland.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of head and
neck cancers. All these symptoms may also be caused by
conditions other than cancer.
My sore throat
• An ulcer that doesn’t heal
within a few weeks
• Difficulty in swallowing,
or pain when chewing or
swallowing
• A hoarse voice or trouble
speaking
• Persistent noisy breathing
• A constant sore throat
• Earache affecting one side
• A swelling or lump in the
mouth or neck
• A numb feeling in the
mouth or on the lips
• A unexplained loose tooth
• A persistent blocked nose
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Ringing in the ear or
difficulty hearing
My sore throat just wasn’t getting better...I’m glad I went to see my Doctor!
Remember, the earlier cancer is found the more
likely it is that treatment will be successful.
Living with Cancer
after treatment
Living with Cancer after your treatment and being told, ‘The
treatment has been a great success,’ should be the best news you
get, but sometimes it can actually be the most frightening part of
the journey. For the last months since being diagnosed you have
been going to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and lots of hospital
appointment. You may have needed surgery and lots of recovery
time. Now, there is nothing apart from the six-monthly appointment!
Questions that may come to mind:
What do I do? Need to get back to work? Am I ready? Need to get
back to normality! Who will help me do this? And the big one -
Will it come back ?
The uncertainty is the hardest part of your journey.
You’re likely to feel relieved that your treatment is finished, and
keen to get back to the life you had before cancer. You may also be
thinking about how you can make the most of your health, or about
positive changes you can make to the way you live. The end of
treatment may present you with changes and new challenges.
You may hear the term ‘Cancer Survivor’, or perhaps see it written
in some information. The term ‘survivor’ includes anyone who
is living with or after cancer. There may still be some physical
problems, such as the side effects of treatment, or emotional and
practical problems.
You now have the chance to look at how you want to live in the
future. You may want to do things you’ve often thought about but
never done, perhaps visit places you’ve always dreamed about,
or enrich personal relationships. This can be exciting, but we
understand that you may not feel quite so confident.
Uncertainty is so frightening, but you need to teach your mind to
remain positive and think about the good things that are in front of
you. At The Swallows we hold regular monthly meetings to help
with these questions, and you can talk to like minded people who
have been there and worn the t-shirt. Please call or come to a
meeting, we are always here.
24/7 Patient and Carer
support and text service:
07504 725 059
Visit us at theswallows.org.uk
You are
not alone !
Don’t bottle it up...
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