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Life after head and neck cancer: Ken’s story of survival and side effects

4 min read 30 July 2026

“I pine for the day I feel hungry again.”

Being diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the throat was a “shock to the system” for Ken.

A sore throat was the first sign. Then over Christmas, a “horrible pounding” in his right ear. Encouraged by his wife, he saw a doctor, and biopsies confirmed that Ken had cancer in his throat.

Ken, pictured with his family and 'wonder dog', was shocked when he learned he had cancer

“I remember breaking down and crying in the car park with my wife hugging me.”

What followed was an extremely daunting and confronting treatment journey for Ken. He started treatment at Peter Mac, which encompassed a total of 36 radiation treatments over a six-week period.

Thankfully, his treatment was successful. But the side effects he experienced were “brutal”, and he still experiences many of these side effects after treatment.

“I was frequently using a nebuliser to start the day. I had severe blistering of the skin, like third degree burns, eased with a soothing cream.

“I’m now seeing a physio, as pain where the treatment was has caused scar tissue pain.

“I lost 10 kilos in weight. I looked very sad in the mirror.”

Ken undertook 36 sessions of radiotherapy to treat his cancer

"A cactus in the mouth”

A dry throat has been a particularly difficult side effect for Ken, both during and after treatment.

“I was bringing up large quantities of phlegm and still do to this day, with a constant dryness of the throat.”

“It’s embarrassing to be coughing my guts up all the time.”

A professional marriage celebrant, Ken has found ways to manage his sore throat by using melts to help with saliva. Soda water has been “therapeutic”, and he now uses these to help him perform weddings.

But perhaps the hardest side effect for Ken was the impact to his appetite, losing his sense of taste and the ability to enjoy food.

“A simple pleasure that has been taken away”

Before cancer, Ken “ate like a bulldog puppy”. Now, he struggles with food and finishing meals.

“I pine for the day I feel hungry again, and to feel the satisfaction of food and eating.”

“If I’d had my leg taken away, I could still at least eat.”

The early days of Ken’s treatment, he was “eating sloppy food” and taking a long time to finish his meals. At one point, he recalls only being able to eat half a chocolate bar and a spring roll. He still eats very slowly, a lingering side effect of cancer.

“I still struggle with some foods, in particular, fried foods, like my favourite fish and chips on Friday night.”

“I eat like a baby now.”

Ken describes the side effects of cancer treatment as "brutal"

“I’m lucky to live in a world that keeps you alive”

Despite the challenges, Ken describes his treatment as “a raging success”, and has a new lease on life thanks to the support of his wife and his Peter Mac care team.

“I rejoice the fact that I wake up each day.”

These days, he enjoys playing cricket, diving at his local bay, and daily walks with his wife and their ‘champion wonder dog’ Toby. He has also been able to enjoy travelling, such as Thailand and a Baltic cruise.

“Life is good and just keeps getting better and better.”

Ken says he will “never forget the beautiful staff at Peter Mac” who treated him.

“Their professional care and empathy, from the receptionist, dietitians, speech therapists, doctors and nurses… it would be fair to say that the team, along with my loving and devoted wife, have saved my life.”

Ken also reflects on the importance of relationships, and his deep gratitude for the people around him who lent support. In particular, he credits his wife Barbie with helping to “keep him alive” during cancer.

“She has been magnificent. Someone going through that journey needs someone to wipe away their tears.”

Ken pictured with his wife Barbie, whom he credits with helping him through his cancer journey

A devout Collingwood supporter, Ken recalls attending a Peter Mac Cup match with a friend. During the pre-match moment of pause honouring people affected by cancer, Ken vividly remembers his friend putting his arm around him.

“He did this as people lit up their phones, and I felt raw emotion.”

Hope for improved treatments

While Ken is thankful for his successful treatment, both the physical side effects as well as the mental anguish of a cancer diagnosis stays with him.

“As I look back on my experience, I still feel frightened of that dark, deep hole of terror.

“But I never forget the encouraging words from my oncologist, ‘Never forget where you have been’ in terms of improving health."

Ken playing cricket, a hobby he is enjoying post-treatment

Thanks to cancer treatments, Ken has survived his diagnosis and given more time. His story spotlights the urgent need for new, gentler treatments that leave fewer scars.

By supporting Peter Mac, you support improved outcomes for all people diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for your generosity.