Lancaster-based Gary visited his doctor in March 2023 about an ear infection. Around the same time, he had noticed a small lump under his chin. His GP didn’t think there was anything to worry about, attributing the lump to a blocked lymph node.
“I then noticed a swelling on the side of my neck, which went down if I put heat or cold on it. I went back to the doctor’s at the start of summer,” Gary explained. “I saw a different doctor and was referred to hospital for a needle biopsy at the beginning of September. I didn’t hear anything, so I assumed that no news was good news and there was nothing to worry about.”
At the beginning of October, Gary heard a report on the local news that said there was a big increase in head and neck cancer in the North West, and he started to worry. He phoned the hospital to ask about his test results and was told he couldn’t get an appointment for at least two weeks.
He continued: “I explained that I was anxious after seeing the TV report, and I received a cancellation appointment for 1st November at the head and neck clinic, two months after the first biopsy.
“I went to the clinic and was told I had cancer. It was a huge shock – I wasn’t expecting it at all. The doctors took a biopsy from my tonsils, and I developed an infection, which caused a lot of pain. Overall, it was a very difficult diagnostic experience. I was told that I would need chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but I would have to wait another four weeks to see a consultant. It would then be a further three weeks before I could start treatment.”
By the time Gary saw the consultant, the cancer had reached stage four, so it was decided he would start three sessions of chemotherapy immediately. The treatment was not as successful as they had hoped. In January 2024, after two sessions, he began a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, attending treatment five days per week for six weeks.
“This was an incredibly tough time and a real low point,” Gary said. “I can’t remember much of it, as I spent most days exhausted on the sofa and barely able to move.”
Before treatment could even start, Gary had to have a fitting for a thermoplastic radiation mask to hold his neck completely still during treatment and a two-night stay in hospital between Christmas and New Year to have a RIG (Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy) tube inserted into his stomach in case he was unable to eat during and after the radiotherapy treatment.
After treatment finished, Gary was first referred to CancerCare via Kendal’s lymphedema clinic. However, it took him some time to seek support. As he explained: “I’m quite a strong person and usually just get on with things on my own. But after finishing chemo and radiotherapy, and while I was on immunotherapy, I had severe swelling in my jaw and couldn’t lift my left arm. I realised some physical support could really help.”
Gary attended 10 massage sessions with therapist Mark, who helped to release tension in his shoulder and support relaxation. He was later referred for further support at CancerCare and began seeing therapist Susannah.
“Susannah helped with my scarring and mobility as well,” Gary said. “She also helped rebuild my confidence, which had really suffered after surgery. The environment at CancerCare was so supportive, and the sessions were always positive and uplifting.”
Unfortunately, Gary’s challenges continued when he developed an abscess caused by exposed bone in his jaw. He was in considerable pain, and despite multiple courses of antibiotics and many visits to the doctor, dentist, and maxillofacial clinic, it took several weeks before he was admitted to hospital, where the abscess was drained.
Gary said: “It left me with more scarring on my face, which was another knock to my confidence. I was referred to CancerCare for a third time and began seeing therapist Teresa, who supported me with scar tissue massage.”
Despite initially being sceptical about the benefit of holistic therapies, Gary found the support he received at CancerCare invaluable. The combination of physical therapies, emotional support, and a welcoming environment helped him regain confidence, manage the lasting effects of treatment, and feel supported throughout an incredibly challenging time.
Gary noticed immediate benefits from the first session: “The section under my jaw was rock hard; however, Teresa relieved it within one session. I had limited movement in my neck too, and she was able to loosen me up. She then did some reflexology, and the difference was amazing. Within two sessions I felt like I was back to normal. My speech, impacted by the swelling in my face and jaw, has also improved.”
Gary’s eating was also limited during his treatment. He had to eat slowly and didn’t like to eat in public. This impacted him psychologically and altered his life immensely.
“I was able to eat my Christmas dinner last year,” said Gary, who added: “I’ve worked for myself for over 25 years, and having cancer has impacted every area of my life, including work. I used to be confident talking to people, but I’ve avoided picking up the phone due to my speech. Admittedly, I was hesitant about coming to CancerCare – I didn’t think I could be helped – but after experiencing the change in my appearance and movement, I can’t tell enough people about the miracles they do. Mark, Susannah, and Teresa have done an amazing job, and the support has brought me out of a dark place. Experiencing holistic therapies has also made me more in touch with my emotions; I’m able to talk about what’s going on now, and make sense of everything, rather than focusing on the doom and gloom of my situation.
“Coming to CancerCare has been my way of doing something good for myself for once, as someone who has always worked for other people.”