A man from Plymouth, Max Channon, shares his harrowing story of battling throat cancer at the age of 50. What started as a lump on his throat turned out to be cancer caused by the HPV virus. The diagnosis led to months of intense treatment, including losing his beard and seven teeth, undergoing multiple surgeries, and eventually facing what he thought would be ‘gentler’ radiotherapy.
Max’s journey began with the swift progression of medical procedures once the cancer was diagnosed. CT and MRI scans revealed the extent of the tumour, leading to immediate surgery and preparations for radical treatment. Before starting radiotherapy, Max had to have seven teeth extracted to prevent damage from the therapy. He also needed a feeding tube inserted, given the expected impact on his ability to eat and drink during treatment.
The following weeks were a gruelling ordeal as Max endured intense pain, discomfort, and side effects from the treatment. He faced challenges with swallowing, nutrition, and managing the effects of the powerful therapy. The impact extended to his physical appearance, with the loss of his beard adding to the emotional toll of the treatment.
Despite the immense challenges, Max persevered through the treatment, which included daily radiotherapy sessions and weekly chemotherapy. Witnessing the tumour shrink during the treatment provided him with the hope and determination needed to continue fighting. After completing the six-week course, Max faced a long road to recovery but remained grateful for the successful outcome of eliminating the cancer.
Nine months on, Max continues to heal from the ordeal, focusing on regaining his strength, stamina, and overall well-being. While facing ongoing fatigue and adjustments to his lifestyle, Max remains optimistic about his future post-cancer treatment. He credits the support of his partner, the healthcare team, and the effectiveness of the treatment in his remarkable recovery journey.