Patient Stories

We are very grateful to our patients who have kindly shared their stories about their cancer and its effect on their lives. We hope you will find them helpful. Use the links below to read and listen to our patient stories

You can read more (or tell us about your ownstory!) on our discussion forum.

If you are a patient and would like to send us your story for inclusion of this section please contact us.

Patient Audio Stories

These patient stories have been kindly provided by some of our previous patients. They give fantastic insights into their own personal struggle with head and neck cancer and we hope that you will find them inspiring. We are very grateful to Diane, Irwin, John, Les and Margaret for sharing their stories with us. These files can take a few minutes to download if you don't have broadband and require Adone Flash Player. They will soon be available on CD so please just ask if you prefer this option.

Diane's Story

Diane was 55 when she was diagnosed with a small tongue cancer that was treated locally. However the cancer came back. She then need major reconstructive surgery at University Hosptial Aintree followed by six weeks of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

Irwin's Story

Irwin was 52 when he was diagnosed with a large cancer at the back of his tongue. He underwent radical reconstructive surgery at University Hospital Aintree, which involved losing 3/4 of his tongue. He then needed further combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

John's Story

John was 56 when he was diagnosed with a large tumour of his throat. He underwent a laryngectomy (removal of his voice box) at Univerisaty Hospital Aintree and six weeks of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology. He later underwent surgical voice restoration and now talks with the aid of a speech valve.

Les' Story

Les was 53 when he was diagnosed with a larger tumour of his throat. He underwent a laryngectomy (removal of voice box). He didn't require further radiotherapy. He later underwent surgical voice restoration and now talks with the aid of a speech valve.

Margaret's Story

Margaret was 49 when she was diagnosed with a cancer of her tonsil. She underwent major reconstructive surgery at University Hospital Aintree followed by six weeks of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

Liam's Story

Liam was treated for a large upper jaw tumour. Use the above link to hear a Radio Merseyside Interview with Prof S N Rogers and Liam. The interview was recorded during Mouth cancer awareness week in November 2009

Click here to hear Liam's story recently told on national Irish radio.