Me & the Big C

I had always been pretty healthy. A semi-regular gym goer with a decent diet. Never any significant health issues or known hereditary diseases within my family.

This is my blog to Pearson colleagues yesterday.

On Friday 12th February 2021, late afternoon, I was doing something we've all been doing regularly for the past year. I was on a teams call. It was the end of a busy week and for just a moment, I found myself sitting with my head resting in my hands when suddenly, and somewhat startled, I felt a large lump on the right sight of my neck (where had this appeared from, how long had it been there?). It wasn't painful nor did it offer any discomfort however I was pretty concerned and found it somewhat challenging to focus for the remainder of the call.

With the lump on my mind all weekend, on Monday 15th, I booked an emergency doctor's appointment and was advised that I needed to be referred to ENT. My GP referred me to a Consultant ENT Surgeon who agreed to see me on Thursday 18th. Thursday arrives and I head to Edinburgh for my ENT appointment (I decide to go on my own - it'll only be a cyst right?). I'm seen quickly, have an endoscopy and then the consultant sits down and says... "in my opinion, it can only be one of two things, the first thing is a cyst, however, I think it's the second...Oropharyngeal cancer". I'm sitting with my mask on nodding, trying to remain positive. "You realise what I've just told you, Robert, do you have anyone at home...". 

You assume the "it's cancer" news only comes out for unfortunate strangers or soap characters. Never to you personally. 

Over the course of the next 2 weeks, I was sent for a CT Scan, an MRI Scan (I was completely unprepared for the claustrophobia and intimidating noises) and an Ultrasound-guided biopsy. Thankfully, I got through them all with only a small set back - I spent 4 nights in the hospital with a nasty infection in the biopsy site 

Today (Tuesday 23rd March), I attended the Edinburgh Cancer Centre along with my Husband. Today was the appointment I've labelled "the big reveal", the day where I was to find out everything about my cancer and more importantly the options for treatment.

So what did I learn?

• That it is indeed oropharyngeal cancer - Primary cancer is in the right tonsil with secondary cancer in a single lymph node right neck.

When it's confirmed that you have cancer, at 37 years old and it's completely out of the blue, it makes you contemplate a lot of things. Needless to say, I shed a few tears over the first few weeks, however, since more and more information has come to light things have become easier. I've adopted a growth mindset, rather than feeling why me? I've chosen to think, yes, the next few months will be the most challenging I've ever faced but it's a challenge that I will overcome...and it's a challenge that I will win!

• Thankfully there are no further signs of spread. 
• That it is treatable and curable  
• That I'm eligible (and have been invited) to take part in an encouraging trial looking at less intensive treatment. The trial is supported by Cancer Research UK. 

 What's next?

I'll shortly have an operation to remove the cancer (The same surgery I'd get whether I took part in the trial or not - goodbye tonsils and lymph gland/s). I expect to be in hospital for a week with a subsequent week of recovery. After my operation, a pathologist will look at the cancer under a microscope. The next part of the trial is then randomised. The aim is to cure and minimise short and long term side effects through reduced intensity adjuvant treatment. 

Thank you

Thank you to Sharon Hague, Arthur Valentine, and Randy Trask for your encouragement and reminder that it's ok to focus on treatment and getting better (I'll try and do as I'm told ). What's also encouraging for me is that I'm blessed to have an amazing leadership team working with me at Clinical Assessment UK - Tom Price leading marketing, Leigh Dunkley leading sales and Alison Quainton leading customer operations. I'll know this amazing business will be in safe hands on the days that I need to take some time out. 

Support information

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer:

• Macmillan Cancer Support can support you and provide information about different cancer. Cancer Research UK is another great source of information and support.
• Mouth Cancer Foundation - exists to save and improve the lives of patients, carers and survivors, increase awareness and education about all head and neck cancers.
• Don't consult Dr Google! (Believe me, I've made that mistake).
• We’re all in this together! Learn how to get involved and make a monumental impact at https://standuptocancer.org/take-action/