The Untold Truth About Mental Health and Cancer

Welcome to our latest video where we delve into the complex and often overlooked relationship between mental health and cancer. Many individuals facing a cancer diagnosis also experience emotional and psychological challenges, which can affect their overall well-being and treatment outcomes. In this video, we explore the various ways in which mental health can impact cancer patients and survivors, as well as strategies for addressing these issues to improve quality of life. Join us as we uncover the important link between mental health and cancer, and shed light on the importance of holistic care for those fighting this disease.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful content on health and wellness. Let's start the conversation and raise awareness about the intersection of mental health and cancer. Together, we can support those in need and promote a more compassionate and understanding healthcare system.
Thank you for watching!

[@rosmawatiboyle6718]

5 years ago my husband diagnosed throat cancer (soft pallet cancer), 7 weeks double doses chemoradiation, really suffer, then wait at home for 3 months for those chemoradiation to work, then pet scan, result was cancer gone. Then side effect of the treatment came 1 by 1 time to time for 5 years and still coming more surprises. Permanent side effect. But not every body are the same, it might not happen to you, hopefully. So guys please keep stay positive and stop smoking and or drinking alcohol. My husband Last month diagnosed cancer has came back but this time is esophageal cancer, blocking the food pipe, can't even drink water as always come out the nose. So sad to see him suffer. Now in hospital to get feeding tube and treatment... For anyone who are going through cancer, i wish you win the battle without bad side effect. Please pray for my husband..

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Rosmawati, I am really sorry you and your husband are going through this, for a second time. Unfortunately cancer is one of those diseases that can just as easily stay away as return. Please keep us updated! Lee

[@rosmawatiboyle6718]

@@theregularguy141 thank you very much. I will keep you update as it might useful info for anyone...

[@theregularguy141]

Yes please do. There are others who read this and may not comment but will find the information comforting! Lee

[@richardharris3423]

@@rosmawatiboyle6718 Rosmawati, This is a hard question to ask......but by chance did your husband still do some smoking or drinking alcohol after his first cancer? I only ask because when I went through Chemoradiation for my throat cancer......the doctors actually told me it was not uncommon for past cancer patients to continue habits they shouldn't be doing.

[@davidmorsse5437]

I was just diagnosed with head and neck cancer, your videos are so inspiring for me. I have a few more trips into MSK for a pet scan and then I start my first two chemo treatments

[@theregularguy141]

Hi David, I'm really sorry that you are having to go through this. Mentally the timeline your on was difficult for me as well as I had no idea what to expect. I'm glad my videos are helpful, I just wish you didn't have to use them! Keep us up to date and let us know if there is anything we can do to help! Lee

[@the3xcessivegamer]

Keto and fasting can heal it. You don't have to believe me but a healthier diet couldn't hurt right?

[@MrJr669]

Tongue cancer with surgery and radiation 8 yrs ago . Surgery scheduled again it has came back under my tongue this time hoping for a good outcome.

[@theregularguy141]

Man, that is tough. Hopefully there will be no complications. 8 years is a long time in the medical world, and I hope that leads to an easier experience. Lee

[@katinabotten]

I’m leaving shortly for my appointment to ENT at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and I’m so nervous but the day has finally come since February 16, 2023. I hope I’m close to an answer today.

[@theregularguy141]

I read your post about getting a non-cancer diagnosis. Great news! It's really too bad you had to wait so long to see an ENT though. That had to be frustrating.

[@katinabotten]

@@theregularguy141 yes, it definitely was frustrating!

[@pamelamoore1954]

I am now waiting for mri to confirm tonsil cancer.. i am glad i have found this site thank you.

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Pamela, First of all I'm really sorry you had to look for this information. But I am glad if you can find my content useful for you. Please keep me informed about your progress. Lee

[@sninstall]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's hard journey but you can make it through. It definitely has an impact on your mental health so take care of that if needed.

[@theregularguy141]

You are correct. It is a little discussed issue in the mainstream, especially as a long term effect. Thanks for commenting! Lee

[@julianaawah2271]

Your videos inspire me, all those questions are in my mind

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Juliana, I'm glad the videos are helping, that is the whole purpose. Trust me, these questions came up a lot in my mind as well. Lee

[@tinalander2794]

Keeping you in my thoughts for good results tomorrow! My husband is now 3 weeks post treatment and starting to eat again.

[@theregularguy141]

Wow Tina, that is great news!!

[@m68lanc]

That’s amazing, I’m about week nine post treatment and although I started to eat for a few days I’ve now had to revert to the feeding tube. ♥️

[@tinalander2794]

@@m68lanc well that’s a bummer, he’s still limited and it’s weird foods he’s able to eat tomato soup and and fish chowder hoping to move to vegetarian tomorrow but it’s a slow process, every day upright is a win!

[@m68lanc]

@@tinalander2794 I was managing tomato soup and yogurt but then I got the slimy mouth back and it just makes me sick every time I try and eat. I’m managing to drink a couple of cups of coffee but the taste is just a little altered from the treatment, hopefully it will improve over time. You will have to let me know the sort of foods your husband manages to move onto and maybe I can give them a try.

[@AlabamaRatties]

Good video subject. I cannot imagine the mental gymnastics you with cancer go through. Wishing you the best.

[@theregularguy141]

Like a roller coaster. I like that term mental gymnastics...

[@kellystevens1342]

Prayers for good results.

[@theregularguy141]

Thabks Kelly! Should have results and consult at the end of this week! Lee

[@m68lanc]

All my very best wishes that your scan results are all good, I find this time between end of treatment and first scan such a traumatic period.

[@theregularguy141]

Thanks Mark, My 3 month scan in December of 2021 was all clear, but this is my first "annual scan" post treatment. I don't have any symptoms etc. but I would be lying if I said there was not at least a slight concern. Lee

[@georgeprosser3038]

Good morning Lee , been abought 8 months in finished Radiation and Chemo, Listening to Doctors and got the peg tube still . Also getting the dentures in 10 days remaining active doing housework and laundry,Etc . Allways progressing foward .

[@theregularguy141]

Good Deal George! Staying active is the key to a healthy recovery. Hopefully your new chompers will help you get rid of the PEG and back to eating normally soon! Lee

[@CynDir-ri5tr]

Diagnosed with Squamous cell laryngeal cancer last month. Just finished my 3rd week of chemo/radiation and already having severe difficulty swallowing foods. Like you, I DON’T want the peg tube but with 4 treatments to go, I’m seeing I may not have a choice in another week. Thank you for all your advice. Watching your videos is helping me to understand what comes next.

[@theregularguy141]

Hmm, I would definitely get in in sooner rather than later. During treatment, your throat will continue to constrict and make it more difficult to get it installed. Talk to your oncologist and gastroenterologist to find out the best option going forward.

[@mindimartian9821]

@@theregularguy141 I agree with getting the PEG sooner rather than later. The weight loss takes a huge toll on the body and is difficult to recover from.

[@theregularguy141]

@@mindimartian9821 Yes it does, I'm still a little weak from all of that muscle mass loss. Lee

[@shenandoahjohn]

hey lee, how goes it? writing to let ya know your journey sounds like how mine just begun but with the tonsils and lymph nodes on my right sides affected. starting my chemo and radiation tomorrow. was diagnosed on jan19th hoping to get this behind me without to much drama. hoping your latest scan comes back with good news. been waiting to see how you made out

[@theregularguy141]

Hi John, Another year clear, thanks for asking. So that's a good 15 months. I hope everything goes smoothly and that you don't have a truly awful time of it. Let us know how you are doing, how you are getting along. Lee

[@richardharris3423]

Hi John, How's it going?

[@jimelderfield]

I have my first pet scan after my chemo and radiation (cancer was in my right tonsil) that finished on the 9th December 22, as you say so many questions, am I clear of cancer? if not what then?. Hopefully its all good news as I feal really well, fingers crossed for a good result. I have got to say the medical facilities and staff here in Australia have been absolutely amazing I couldn't have wished for more.

[@theregularguy141]

Yeah, those questions will definitely come up, a lot. I had just about quit listening to them until I got back to annual scan time. Then, they came back. LOL Lee

[@janetgalloway5319]

Thank you

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Janet, You are certainly welcome! Lee

[@eddiestewart4264]

I was diagnosed with throat cancer I have no insurance and very little money I am scared no one will help me and just let me die what can I do iWork outside mowing grass on side of highways subcontractor for state but no insurance

[@theregularguy141]

Wow Eddie, I'm really sorry to hear that. My advice would be to find out what state medicare options are available for you. You should be able to qualify for some medical assistance. That is a tough question and one I am not really qualified to answer with any certainty.

[@riggersrides]

great set of videos, thank you and very useful. I've been diagnosed with the same tonsil cancer and just waiting to start treatment here in the UK. You've not mentioned but did they take your tonsils out prior to Chemoradiation? I had mine out 2 weeks ago. Last week pain was pretty full on but getting back to normal now. Hope you scan is clear

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Riggers, No, they did not remove them, which is still surprising to me. Great question for the ENT doc though! Do you have a start date and treatment plan? I’m truly sorry you have to deal with this and I’m glad my videos are helpful. Feel free to pass the link on to others who may find some useful info in them. I’m looking for ward to your updates. Lee

[@riggersrides]

@@theregularguy141 just seen you scan was clear, great news. My treatment starts in 2 weeks 6CT/30RT

[@theregularguy141]

Hey Riggers, Looks like you are starting treatment this week or last week. Hope all is going well! Lee

[@nightowl5045]

What type of radiation treatments did you have I been diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of neck with unknown primary radiation Dr wants to do radiation therapy IMRT ?

[@theregularguy141]

It was in fact IMRT, 35 treatments over 7 weeks combined with Cisplatin, 7 treatments

[@kellystevens1342]

Hi Lee. Im in yhe 4th week of radiation and chemo. Up until now few side effects. But now very sore throat thick mucous. Any suggestions for pain relief and being able to get food and water down?

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Kelly, I was fitted with a PEG tube prior to starting treatment, so I started "eating" through the tube. (Drinking actually). Maybe start with some meal replacement shakes? Also speak to your oncologist about getting a PEG put in. That was a lifesaver for me. Try the link below for my PEG Tube tips video. Lee kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZuaZWZ7oZmgnZI

[@denniscortes9048]

Hey sir! How is everything after the last appointment?

[@theregularguy141]

All good my man! Still clear!

[@denniscortes9048]

@@theregularguy141 That is some awesome news!!

[@shenandoahjohn]

@@theregularguy141 ive been waiting to see a video about your all clear. awesome news dude! glad to hear it

[@shift_light_4668]

How long do you believe it took the cancer to develop taking everything into account? I'm 26 and two years ago I ended up contracting hpv I found out a month or so after an interaction when I noticed I developed a little bump near my shaft I've never seen before, I've come to the conclusion it's a wart which would mean based off data my body is already having trouble fighting the virus. It was confirmed through the doctor the person had high risk as well. I obviously performed oral which leads me to the concern of devoloping this throat. I've had random bumps come on my tongue and underneath but go away I've got a swollen right tonsil and what they say is a benigh swollen lymphnode on side of my neck which has been present for a little over a year now. It's been 2 years and 5 month the bump down low persists so my body hasn't beat the virus and I'm nervous and scared of devoloping oral/throat cancer.

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Shift, If you haven't already, I definitely recommend seeing a doctor about these symptoms. I would recommend a referral to an ENT specialist or find a specialist in regards to oral cancer about the lumps around your tongue. While it is rare for someone under 50 to contract throat cancer, it is not unheard of. As far as I know, this could have been going on for years with me. Other than swollen lymph node accompanied by the sore throat and ear ache, I would not have known any thing was wrong. The sore throat and earache went away relatively quickly, just like with a common cold/flu. It took 4 months from initial doctor visit to first treatment. But as I said, this could have been there for years and I would not have known a thing. Lee

[@mindimartian9821]

My understanding.... and I could be wrong..... is that you can get the HPV vaccine up to age 27. Please check into that. I think HPV is the only vaccine for potential cancer. It is available for men and women from ages 13-27 to the best of my knowledge. I wish this was better known!!!

[@julianaawah2271]

How was it at the hospital today ❤

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Juliana, Well, it was an MRI, noisy and stuffed in a tube for an hour ish. I expect results and a consult by the end of the week, fingers crossed! Lee

[@kevincharles7675]

How did the most recent scan go?

[@theregularguy141]

Hi Kevin, My most recent scan still showed all clear! Thanks for asking. Lee

[@kevincharles7675]

@@theregularguy141 that is good news, great news. I am in my 10th week of recovery now and readying for a follow-up scan next month. Your video's and personal insight have been invaluable for me, thank you for that. Kevin

[@kevincharles7675]

@@theregularguy141 a follow-up question for you, did you make major changes to your diet and types of food/etc. To avoid/add to reinforce the cancer treatment?

[@theregularguy141]

@@kevincharles7675 - Great Question and you hit my at the perfect time as I am researching cancer and nutrition as we speak. Seriously, I have the computer open on that very subject right now. During treatment I was on the PEG tube so my diet was definitely changed to a liquid meal in a can for several weeks. Afterwards I was so anxious to eat "normally" that once I started eating, I devoured everything in sight. In hindsight, not a great move. Give me a few more days to firm up my research and I will have some great ideas for everybody on nutrition during treatment and for recovery as well. You are a mind reader. Lee

[@kevincharles7675]

@@theregularguy141 thanks a bunch. Fyi, I had previously liked to eat as well (and was into fitness for long time/watch the waste/etc.) and after wrapping treatment, been in a funk. Never knew there was so much bad stuff in our food that's great for cancer. upon asking my cancer center for some discussion, they really don't get into the weeds to help with this kind of thing. Dr. Li (on ytube 'eat to beat disease') is good for some broad overviews but not specifics and Dr. Amy (also Yt) very helpful (for me so far anyway). Thanks again and will keep an eye out for the vid's.

[@ufchickenz6616]

Should people pass on chemo and radiation treatments???

[@theregularguy141]

Hi UF, That is a personal decision that each person has to decide for themselves. I would discuss ALL available options with your doctor, then discuss it with your close family members. In my case, while the treatment sucked, a lot, I would definitely make the same decision. I am still cancer free, 18 months post treatment. It is difficult, but the end result was definitely worth it. Lee

[@ufchickenz6616]

@@theregularguy141 thank you for your reply. I wonder if patients take the treatment because they are to the point in which they have to much pain and have no other choice. How was it for you if you don’t mind me asking.

[@theregularguy141]

Absolutely no problem! I started off with an earache, sore throat, and swollen lymph node. My primary Care Phys. determined that I had an infection from a head cold, which I also had, and started me on antibiotics. The earache and sore throat went away, the swollen lymph node did not. After multiple tests, a biopsy etc it was determined I had throat cancer in the left tonsil and into the left lymph nodes (2). At no time was I in severe pain from the cancer itself. As a matter of fact since I knew where the tumor was and could see it on my tonsil, I could still eat and drink normally. Lee

[@ufchickenz6616]

@@theregularguy141 thank you for sharing May it help all that read your comments and watch your video. A couple a years ago my son also had a swollen lymph node on his neck almost the size of a baseball and the drs couldn’t figure out what it was. My wife overheard one of the Drs tell the the students in the hospital training to be drs that my son had cancer that we just didn’t know it yet. It turn out that it was an infection and the lymph nodes were holding onto it trying to fight it. It was one dr who refused to ok that it was cancer that kept my son from being treated. Just sharing too.

[@polyrhythmia]

@@theregularguy141 In my case, it was the right tonsil. The tumor was annoying and there was pain. Thought it was a big canker sore. The real pain came after it was removed. I have not yet gotten treatment for what was determined to be lymphoma. In a few days, I will find out what type it is.

[@katinabotten]

It seems like you were overwhelmed with negative thoughts, and I feel like that added unnecessary stress on you. I’m sure your wife supports you and loves you and your cancer should NOT affect your marriage whatsoever. Having the right attitude is everything when dealing with a possible life threatening illness.

[@theregularguy141]

I wouldn't say overwhelmed with negative thoughts, but there certainly were some lurking about. My nature is a plan for the worst but hope for the best mentality, so I was constantly looking at different scenarios, "If this happens, I should do option A, B..." etc.

[@090819660]

I have just diagnosed with tonsil cancer lucky it has not spread I have liked watching your videos

[@theregularguy141]

Thank you for the kind words! I know you have just been diagnosed, but have you gotten a timeline of when you will start treatment? Good luck! Lee

[@090819660]

@theregularguy141 treatment will start on Wednesday for six weeks and 2 load of chemotherapy as well I have found your videos very useful as I am starting my journey

[@theregularguy141]

@@090819660 Good luck going forward in your treatments. Keep a positive attitude and a sense of humor. It's a long road, but you will reach the end and be successful! Lee

[@090819660]

@@theregularguy141 Thank you for your kind words 🙏

[@lolav310]

I hope that you feel better every day little by little. Is very important that you said: Don’t make this bigger that is. It’s hard, yes!!, you need to follow the recommendations for the doctors. Doctors always will do the best for us: always. I pass 25 radiotherapy’s and only 5 cisplatatine chemotherapy my number 6 I would achieve… I m very down because I did not eat enough and my cells are not ready to recovery ❤️‍🩹 faster. Keep your heart up 🆙 . We can do this. After all this: Good times will come again…. 🥇

[@theregularguy141]

You are correct. While it is a very big deal, we can't let it consume us. Good luck on your upcoming treatments and what sounds like the end of the them? I get it on the not eating thing, I did the same and that was a huge mistake! Lee