I too am recovering from cancer treatment that ended in December 2020. The cancer is completely gone now and I'm learning to live with the side effects. The most annoying are the muscle cramps in the neck and jaw. Over all, I feel like I have my strength back and am looking forward to putting cancer in the past. Cheers

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Five weeks ago I finished my therapy of 7 chemo treatments and 35 radiation treatments for throat cancer. There was no chance of surgery for me because of the size and location of my tumor. I had to get a feeding tube because I lost my ability to eat as well as my taste, and desire for food. I am still on the feeding tube, learning to swallow again. I lost all my hair (which was previously down to my waist), so I am regrowing hair, learning to eat, learning to talk, and discovering stamina again finally. Like you, I am so grateful to my partner who literally walked me to every single appointment while I had zero energy to support myself. The oncology doctor has looked into my throat and declared that there is absolutely NO TUMOR remaining. So, Yippeeee!!!! I am so looking forward to curry again someday.

47 years old 1 month post rads tonsil and lymph. Hard as hell. This video helps, thank you. God Bless.

I am in the middle of week three. The mouth sores are rude and disrespectful. I can see why people lose weight now. But I am blessed. Thank you sir, for this thoughtful video. I need all of the first person advice I can get.

Your name is on my prayer list, Steve...I'm amazed at your productivity as you recover...best wishes to your family ❤️ Happy Spring 🐰🌷☘️

Thank you Steve, I hope your recovery has gone well. I’ve recently had the same surgery but I was spared from radiation and chemotherapy. You have given an honest outlook and assessment to the emotional and physical hurdles that you can face with this illness. You have me thinking of starting a garden now. I wish you and your family all the best in your future. Thank you for posting this, stay positive.

One word that is the one guaranteed to strike terror in anyone's heart. God bless and prayers for your continued recovery.

Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me appreciate your efforts on this channel even more. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers for your continuing recovery. Cheers, and keep on getting your hands dirty in the garden. God Bless!

Thank you for sharing your story! You are a strong man! My husband had the exact type of treatment for cancer on the base of his tongue. He's 4 1/2 years out from his last treatment!! I'm sending you best wishes as you continue to heal!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey, my gosh you have been through the run of it, you are one tough guy, it sounds absolutely awful and I can't imagine the everyday life of it. My prayers to you for your continued health journey! I am still in the stages of Oncology sending me for CT scan to see exact origin and if it's spread anywhere other than my lymph node in the neck...my insurance said I had to that first, they would't approve a PET scan right away. After being ignored by various negligent Doctors and incompetent office staff, such a long painful story.....5 months here I am with a diagnoses after a Biopsy done in December 2023 Metastatic Basiloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma, more Squamous is what I was told. 1 oncologist thinks origin is in throat plus I've had issues with one tonsil since August 2023. But of course I won't know until they get my tests done. Could also be origin of skin, this way too much and confusing without proper Testing and Diagnosis. I am not looking forward to any of the treatments/potential surgeries and being fitted, wearing that mask is going to be real difficult for me, I have extreme claustrophobia! I'm just praying it's not spread further! All of the sudden in past 1 month and half I have all these symptoms that aren't good. I started out with a swollen lymph node August 9th, found some tonsil stones and was diagnosed with strep with no other symptoms and didn't have any until my lymph node kept growing to the size of 4cm last checked in December. December is when I started feeling sick and appetite slowly decreasing to almost non existent, which is not the normal me, I've always eaten my through every ailment! So I've have been freaking out about this! Then the feeling of a lump in my throat when swallowing began a few weeks ago. Sorry for the long winded comment, its a long painful journey and the absolute worst hasn't come yet. would love to hear about your journey in more detail, I just purchased your Book, I am looking forward to that, thank you so much for sharing with us, it means the world to those of who are camera shy! Cheers from USA state of Indiana/Illinois

Your strength and courage is an inspiration Steve. Love to you and your family x

Thank you for sharing your Journey, Steve. It will be uplifting to anyone who has to start this dreaded path. You are looking great. Best wishes to you and your family.

So glad you're on the road to recovery, Steve! Blessings to you and your family!

being in your garden is the best therapy,so great to hear youre doing good.

Man you r the most polite person with whom I have met great man just be like this as you are you are a great person may god bless you and you have my blessings

Thank you for sharing! I too had surgery and I start 30 rounds of radiation today. I appreciate you being honest of the journey and what it is like once radiation is finished. So happy for you and happy gardening!

This is probably the best video I’ve seen from the patient’s perspective. I’m about Halfway done here in Atlanta

Thanks for sharing you story Steve. Amazing. Glad you are still here and what a journey!!! 🙏

Thankyou for Sharing Your Journey.. It’s Huge...We are all pulling for you! Love your spirit.. fellow gardener!

Thank you for sharing your journey, keep us updated. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay Optimistic

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Your words bring courage and hope to those who need it.

Thank you for being so honest and forthright about your experience. My friend was also treated at the QEII for a brutal breast cancer regime. She came through for her three young boys. I'm so glad you are on the mend! And I hope your wife and some are managing too. I love watching and seeing your property because I'm home sick but I don't miss trying to garden in those rocks and lack of soil! ☺️ Best to you and to your family and your continued recovery.

Glad to hear things are getting better in general, gardening is definitely some of the best medicine.

You have been added to my prayer list for healing and complete recovery. I appreciate this video. God bless.

Thank you for this video I am just starting this journey and hearing from a person who has experienced this and given me a honest idea of what is in store has helped massively. I wish you all the best in your recovery and thank you

I wish you all the best in your continued recovery. You have done amazing to have kept going and doing your youtube videos and starting your new business through all of that. Although it must have been a horrendous experience you should be so proud of yourself.

I’m so sorry to hear you have been on that “not nice journey”. So glad your garden and your family has brought you through the tough times. Stay strong and we look forward to seeing you in your garden this spring time.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I also believe my time in my garden both physically and mentally is a healing time. Sending prayers for your continued recovery.

Hi. Very nice video of your personal journey. Big hugs n warm thoughts to all the medical professionals involved n especially your wife n son who have supported you. I feel your garden saved you mentally n emotionally, giving you an outlet for your feelings that can't always be expressed verbally to someone; but you can express it in tasks done, a weed pulled, a nail hammered, seeds planted n see new growth as you have grown thru this tough journey. I wish you continued good health to you n too your garden. Peace to you and yours

So glad you continue to be on the mend. Sharing your journey will certainly help those who are afraid, and show that if u remain positive anything is possible. Wish you all best with your continued recovery. From G&B allotments.

Thanks Charlie. This is probably one of the most powerful things that I’ve ever watched. So important to get more information like this out there.

Thank you for sharing your story and helping other patients to feel less anxious and hopeful!

This is super helpful thank you. Bless you for your courage and heart. May you heal with ease.

Thank you for sharing. It must have been a very difficult time for you. Very best wishes for a productive and happy Spring.

So glad you've managed to stay positive through it all. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. Gardening is great for your mental healing. Keep up your inspirational videos .🌴

Speedy recovery!

I just discovered your channel You’re sharing you journey with this shows everyone you’re strength may you continue to enjoy your green house not only are you a great carpenter but a great person too!!!

Thank you for sharing! The journey through cancer treatment is not an easy one. Much love and admiration to you and your Mrs! You sound like an amazing team!🥰 Shalom 💕

Brilliant, I am getting over the same, ear to ear operation, both side lymph nodes removed and laser of inside if throat, had radiotherapy 30 sessions as well and chemotherapy, chemotherapy is really bad, finished a week ago , lost 25 lbs, getting stronger by the day. Fantastic video

Thank you for sharing your experience. Best wishes to you and your family.

Thank you for sharing. Blessings for continued health.

Thank you for you story. And I hope you keep going forward, your attitude won't be the problem!

Thank you. My friend is going through the same struggle. Thanks for sharing yours.

I know your pain . I had left tonsil SCC HPV+ and 2 lymph nodes at 30mm. Had the radical tonsillectomy (ridiculously painful). Had 35 sessions IMRT radiation over 7 weeks. I also had the cisplatin chemo therapy ( 3 high doses at 3 week intervals). I didn't have any neck surgery. By start week 4 of treatment after 2nd chemo my throat was really rough inside. My skin on the outside lasted till around week 6 and then was going downhill quick. By week 5 I was on liquid only diet of protein drinks which lasted for another 3 months till I felt up to eating solid food enough to get off the fluid only. So was a mix of both for a couple weeks then food again only. At 2 years post treatment my function's of taste and dry mouth are probably 85%. I have moderate hearing loss and tinitus but really when you look at the alternative I cant complain.

Hi Steve, I'm so glad I ran across your video today. Its wonderful how God puts things in front of you to see... I've been contemplating how to tell my story, and watching yours has absolutely inspired me and encouraged me to do so right away because even though My story is still unfolding, Im sure it can help others to not suffer as I did knowing what you and I have learned the hard way...I am 2 years battling this thing doing everything else possible to avoid Radiation and Chemotherapy...and after 2 years 4 surgeries... I am now unreluctantly headed to 6 weeks of Radiation treatment. So much happens from the moment you hear the c word... an incredible Revelation and redefining of one's way of thinking and living.... Thank You for Sharing Your Story!!🙏🏼

Brilliant video, thanks for making it. Like plenty of other viewers I'm just at the start of dealing with this very annoying type of cancer. Your story has helped bring to life what's coming up. And curry is definitely going to be on the menu before radiation starts. Hope you're well now.

thank you! I was just diagnosed and I'm now waiting for surgery. Your story was just what I needed to hear.

Thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes!

I'm starting chemo and radiation next week. I'm very concerned. Thanks for the video.

You described the moment perfectly! Lol I had a lump on the left side of my neck, that grew to the size of a plum within a month. I had procrastinated about going to the doctor for a couple of months, cancelled my appointment several times because I was called in to work. Besides I had self diagnosed myself as it just being a cyst. When I finally got there, Doc felt my neck, looked down my throat and then sat down and said “it’s highly probable that you have Throat Cancer “ I thought he had flipped his lid, I remember the commentary going through my head…. “What’s he on about? It’s just a cyst! This dude is bat💩 crazy! “ Month later seen specialist and he confirmed he agreed with my doctors diagnosis, and done the biopsy…. Think I spent the next few months in a bubble of denial

Thanks, you have made me feel a lot better :)

Base of tongue cancer, 35 radiation treatments. A lot of the same symptoms that you occurred. Wishing you the best! I fully understand what you're talking about.

Thank you so much Steve for sharing this, I'll be treasuring your words in my journey . I've been diagnosed with the same thing and I'm just about to have my operation. (I'm sh...... my self) I hope all is good with you. Many Thanks! Sandro

Inspiring listening to you talk Steve! Sometimes things feel like it's never going to end, and you've just proved that we have to keep our eye on the prize in order to come out on the other side. Yah! Eating curry so soon might not have been the thing. :D. I'm smiling as I think of the stern look my Doc gave me after I told him I'd purchased 35.00 worth of cheese to consume after only 10 weeks from gall bladder removal. I told him the Specialist told me I could try foods after 10 weeks! I think I cause this Doc fits! Good on ya, and may you enjoy many more healthy years!

Amen I I'm going through mouth cancer now and I ended up getting an infection and bad nausea and I couldn't eat. They don't tell you that. Prayers for you and your family

Job's a good 'un Steve, well done x

Your such a sweet man for your personal testimony and its good to hear it all in your own simplistic way. Doctors dont explain is very good.

Thank you for sharing.

Hi Steve! Same diagnosis around same time frame here -though my therapy SANS neck dissection & chemo ADDED. Was horrible ordeal & I can relate to crying episodes. Hyper-emotionality (think it's a word!) continues to this day, but like you said, beats alternative! Thanks for sharing & hope you remain cancer free! kev

Thanks for sharing your story. My father is going through same situation now. Just 2 days ago operation was done. Still in hospital. Your story given us soo much strength. God bless you.

Thank you very much for making the video I to have chemo and radiation and your spot on. At the end, I was quite sick and I lost 40 pounds No taste yet no saliva yet but hopefully the day will come. I will find out in two weeks if I am clear. One day at a time and appreciate life.

Thank you for sharing this personal part of your life Steve. You're absolutely right about two things in particular - most people don't discuss cancer beyond the clinical except to maybe close family and a friend or two. The other thing that struck me is you talking about worrying how other people are coping. Isn't it strange - *you* are the one who needs to be selfish (is that the right word?) and by rights just focussed on your own health, yet here you are, compelled to shield your loved ones from the negative thoughts so that they feel ok. Humans are funny animals. Telling your story, warts and all, is just as important to you as it will be for someone out there who comes across this video just when they need it. Stay well and positive, your thoughts define your reality. From my family here in the Antipodes to yours.

Very helpful video... sailing into this "harbor" in the next few weeks. Thank you!

Steve, Thank you for sharing your story. Takes courage to do so. I was diagnosed in September of 2022 with SCC in the same location. 7 weeks of radiation and chemo followed by a neck dissection to remove some lymph nodes. Just finished a 5 1/2 week radiation treatment to ensure everything is gone. Tough roses for sure.

I also didn't watch this...I'm glad I did. Your Navy training shows.

Thank you for this! I just recovered from the removal of my tonsils and 30 lymph nodes. Got a scar justblike yours, lol. My appointment with Radio Oncology is Jan 3rd. I am just feeling better and pretty bummed that it is likely only a short break before the next phase. Just gotta embrace the suck and keep going. 👍

Thank you for posting your story Steve. My story is slightly different to yours but it has definitely helped me to hear it. I had 6 cycles of chemo and 30 fractions of radiotherapy. Taste for most things is coming back but similar to yourself I find some things difficult to swallow. I still have more appointments this month so hopefully will get some answers. My oncologist said it looks good but that was at the 6 week point and there’s still a lot of swelling. Feeling much better now. I had a few other complications that were life threatening so I have to be grateful and positive like you said in the video. Thanks again and keep on gardening as it’s a great way to spend the days.

I'm going through exactly the same Pain I'm going is beyond Juat about to have my lymph nodes out Thank you for this and Mrs F xxx

I found your channel because of you sharing , I love gardening so I subscribed , my husband had a few biopsies on his throat the drs said it is Barrett’s disease and was told it was pre cancer so , he discovered he has prostate cancer , hernias and kidney disease with stones so he needs two more surgeries , he is now worried about eating healthy, I’m going to buy your book ,thank you for sharing your experience and I look forward to looking through your playlist !

Thank you very much for this. I had exactly the same operation with one side of my lypmth nodes removed and a tumour at the base of the tongue. A bit of a shite Xmas, to be fair. I am now awaiting my final chemo and am halfway through my 30 radiotherapy sessions. I can no longer do solids but the Mrs has been helping and I have been inventing some things myself to get me through. Odd that you mention being in the navy, I was in the Royal Marines for 20 months (medical discharge) but the thinking of other things while enduring discomfort was something they trained me to do. Nice that it has come in handy after all these years. What really cheered me up was you telling us that the taste buds come back. I have a summer cottage booked back in the UK (I live in Seville - wonderful health service!), and I am really looking forward to noshing on Norfolk fish and chips. Oh, and finally getting a beer down me with my family. This is about the most helpful video I have seen. Thank you very much. Keep up the good work!

This is a very useful video and so glad that you were able to do it. Where in NS are you. Spent a lot of time in the 1980's working out of CAF Base Greenwood during my 30 year RAF career.

Your journey was a inspiration to me I also had radiation for 7 weeks finished in June 30 have feeding tube for 9 months try to eat but flema after radation get in the way of me trying to eat but with my Lord and your story I will get through it ❤

Hello there. Im also an avid allotmenteer in the UK and found your journey very interesting. Ive gor cancer of the tongue, had it cut out and out back together. Im in-between chairs right now, waiting for my the outcome of my lymph glands analysis begore I start radiotherapy. I agree with the dry mouth and am 3 weeks post op. Now on solids and having to salt mouth wash 5 times a day. What I didn't know, is that radiotherapy could alter my taste as I am also a foodie. Never smoked and occasionally drink a glass of wine, this came out of the blue. Im glad you are back on par and thank you for sharing your story. All the best, Elaine 👍

My father is getting treatment for neck cancer with radiation and chemotherapy as surgery is not possible please pray for him.

I wish fast recovery

Very helpful for what to expect in the near future, thanks for posting! After weeks of a soar throat and left ear pain, yesterday I was diagnosed with a base of tongue tumor which I fully expect to be malignant when the biposy surgery is completed in a few days. Although I have not been notified about the CT scan results, I'm prepared for the news about size and scope of the mass. I've learned that Squamous Cell Carsonima (SCC) is the most common culprit. Oddly enough, just last year (2022) I required open surgery of the esougphas through the neck due to a growth called a Zinkers Diverticlum which blocked the esouhphas with a 5cm growth preventing me from swallowing. No mention of any cancerous tissue at that time. This was rough go as well requiring use of an NG feeding tube for about 6 weeks and the loss of 35 lbs post surgery. Based on what I've learned, the base of the tongue area is the most difficult location to access and treat, so we will see how this works out over the next year or so... Cheers from Alabama!

Thanks for telling your story, Steve! Same diagnosis around same time as you, but here in U.S., my treatment INCLUDED chemotherapy & BYPASSED lymph node excision (can't imagine THAT pain...) As you say, the interest in a pastime/hobby (music's mine) is invaluable! Hope we BOTH beat it!!

Thanks for sharing your story! My journey is remarkably similar to yours. Right down to the size of the tumors. I have 9 radiation sessions left. Hopefully I won't have all the trouble afterwards like you did. I am in massachusetts. God bless and thanks again.

I was so worried about wearing the mask . I managed to get through all 30 treatments without panicking too much !

Thank you for sharing its very scary I have a condition called oral lichen planus in my mouth under tongue and gums !! It helped me look at things differently thank you

That was brave of you to share such a personal story on this channel with us. And being honest with what you went through will help a lot of people who are facing the same treatment... Love your accent by the way. Lived in England (Bournemouth) for 7 years and listening to you reminds me of the good times I had. All the best from Germany

Hi Steve, what a journey. Im happy to see you thriving again. Question: Did you lose any weight prior treatment maybe due to stress or being worried? Thanks for sharing your story.

Thanks so much Stephen for sharing your journey. Really appreciate your honesty. Very helpful. I've sent you a private message on Messenger. Have something optimistic 🙂 to share with you.

It could be side effects from drugs messes with your emotional control plus it is a stress release to cry.

Love the references to "Double Days" . . . those who know, will know ;)

That's quite some journey you've been on Steve. Listening to you is like seeing someone in 2 parallel lives. One pushing through unknown territory just trying to get to the other side and the other your garden which has kept you rooted and given you a sense of reality and control over at least one part of your life. This video will definitely help many people who are about to embark on this unwanted journey and don't know what to expect. I hope you are feeling a lot better now and you can enjoy your wonderful greenhouse and garden.

Hi Steve, I hope you are doing great now🙏🏻I would love some tips on recovery from surgery and to see how you are now these days with it. I will be going through the same surgery soon, a date hasn’t been set yet. I’m freaking out about it and was hoping to prepare as best as I can 🙏🏻

Well done. I'm past the surgery almost one month and about to start radiation.

Hi Steve, thank you for sharing your story. My name is Jon I too had tonsil cancer and just finished treatment 9 weeks post treatment 5 chemo and 35 radiation. I have.a question... I still have a sore in my mouth by the tonsil area that seems like it won't heal it scares me. Did you have any mouth sores post treatment, if so how long did they last. Please also let me know how you were at 9 weeks? Thank you kindly Jon

BZ Charlie!

Hi , I'm going through exactly the same diagnosis with tonsil being primary and spread to lymph node Just had my op and OMG it really was the worst pain I've experienced and still am in pain 13 days on I need 7 weeks of radiation daily and 1 day a week of chemo Thanks for being honest about your experience Any tips on pain relief ? I'm finding that I'm suffering terrible ear ache ! Due to have my wisdom teeth out this week then start therapy March 6 th Hope you and yours are well Melissa x

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad you are recovering, but slower is definitely better. That mask looks scary, my sister and mum had permanent tattoo spots so they could line the machine up. I have told them many times that the scars are badges of honor, as are yours. Best wishes to you are your wonderful wife x

I wish I’d of kept a daily diary

Many thanks for this. Can you please tell...why do you think you got this SCC? Was it P16 HPV? A) Drinking? B) Smoking? C) Cunnilingus?! D) Other...what?

Sorry to bother you but I'd like your feedback please? I'm about 5 weeks post radiation completion. I started feeling better and was down to one pain pill a day but within 24 hours the swelling and pain returned and I now do 4 pain pills within 24 hours. The only thing I changed was drinking Perrier as the bubbles seemed to help cleanse while I hydrated. Is a return to pain and swelling normal? I'll contact the radiologist today. Thanks.

Can you tell me what stage cancer it was and was it HPV? I was just diagnosed with HPV Throat cancer.

It might seem silly, but mycotoxin in peanuts has been implicated in throat cancers in Africa and China. Just a thought.

Did you have leukoplakia

What were your symptoms?

What caused the throat cancer.?