Tony's Story

Tony had been suffering from a sore throat for six weeks before deciding to visit his GP, who initially prescribed a course of antibiotics. When his symptoms failed to improve, he returned to his GP and was referred to the ENT clinic at Carlisle, where concerns were raised that the cause could be cancer and Tony underwent a biopsy and a series of scans.

Two weeks later, he was diagnosed with HPV-16 positive squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil. An operation was arranged to remove the cancer, but when Tony arrived at Carlisle Hospital for surgery, doctors discovered that it had spread to his palate and surgery was no longer possible.

Further tests followed, and in October 2025 Tony began an intensive six week course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, attending treatment five days a week. The treatment was challenging, leaving him unable to keep food down, and he required overnight feeding to help maintain his nutrition. Reflecting on his care, Tony said:

Although it was a difficult time the care I received was great, everyone has been amazing.

As a result of his cancer treatment, Tony developed lymphoedema which is swelling caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid when the lymphatic system is damaged by cancer or treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy.

Once this was identified, the hospital referred him to Hospice at Home West Cumbria, where he met Alana, a Specialist Lymphoedema Nurse. Following a comprehensive assessment, Alana developed a personalised treatment plan that included Photobiomodulation (PBM), Lymphatouch treatment and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Tony was also taught simple lymphatic drainage techniques he could carry out at home to help manage his symptoms.

Speaking about the treatment he received, Tony said:

It has made a massive difference. I had a huge lump under my neck, but it's so much better now since receiving treatment from Hospice at Home West Cumbria. The fluid is moving better and, since I have been doing the massages myself at home, it's gone down a lot. I feel so much better in myself.

The treatment doesn't hurt at all. It's just a little suction cup which is actually quite relaxing. I would urge anyone diagnosed with lymphoedema to try the treatments for themselves.

People talk about dry mouth when they speak about throat cancer, but nobody talks about lymphoedema. Until I was referred to Hospice at Home West Cumbria, I didn't even know what lymphoedema was. It would be great for more people to become aware of the incredible services the hospice provides to people living in West Cumbria.

My cancer was HPV-16 positive, and people often think this type of cancer is caused by smoking or drinking, but for me that wasn't the case – it was caused by a virus and an early diagnosis is so important as you have a better chance of stopping the cancer from spreading. I am very grateful to everyone who helped with my early diagnosis and treatments which means I am now in recovery.

Tony is passionate about raising awareness of the support available for people living with lymphoedema following cancer treatment. He said:

I would 100% recommend Hospice at Home West Cumbria to anyone. The lymphoedema team haven't just treated me and improved my symptoms – they've also taught me how to manage my lymphoedema at home. I'd like to say a huge thank you to every one of them, and if sharing my story helps just one other person then it will be worth it.

To find out more about lymphoedema and the services we provide at Hospice at Home West Cumbria please visit our Lymphoedema Care page by using the button below.