Laryngeal cancer 6 weeks post Radiotherapy sore throat

  • 2 replies
  • 35 subscribers
  • 179 views

Worried wife here.   My husband is six weeks post 30 radiotherapy sessions and was making great progress until five days ago when his throat suddenly got much sorer.   Coincided with covid/flu jab incidentally.   Dentist yesterday confirmed no tooth problems.   Is this normal - could it be a reaction to something he has eaten?   He was starting to eat good amounts in one go although still very reliant on feeding tube.   We have to wait a week to go to ENT clinic and I am really worried it is the cancer rearing its head as Radiotherapy damage subsides.   I called his specialist nurse who said he just has to wait until next Thursday.  I am not good at waiting - always fearing the worst and my husband is very low although he won't say he's worried.  Just wondering if it is possible to regress without sinister implications.

  • Hello bluebellbelle

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Joanne and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling anxious about your husband’s symptoms at the minute. It is very difficult to deal with the ongoing uncertainty and worry that cancer treatment can cause and it’s important that you are able to access emotional support when you are navigating this uncertain time.

    Please do consider giving us a call on the Support Line – sometimes it can be reassuring and helpful to chat things through with our nurses. We’re available on the phone and webchat from 8am until 8pm every day. You can also encourage your husband to give us a call if you think that would be helpful for him.

    It’s reassuring that your husband’s dentist checked his teeth yesterday as dental infections can be one of the Side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

    It is not uncommon for people to experience varying levels of pain after their radiotherapy treatment and indeed some people can experience pain for several months afterwards. As radiotherapy takes effect, both the area that has been treated and the surrounding structures can become inflamed and painful. This is not an indication that the cancer has recurred.

    You’ve mentioned that he’s started to eat good amounts which is positive news. It is possible that because his mouth and throat are more tender, his throat has been irritated by something that he has eaten but it’s important that he continues to take food and fluids orally. It may be worth keeping a note of the things that he is eating and seeing if there is any pattern. Sometimes spicy or more acidic things will cause irritation after treatment.

    You’ve also mentioned that he’s had his Flu Vaccine and his Covid Vaccine. Some people may experience mild flu like symptoms after these vaccinations.

    If you or your husband feel that his symptoms are getting worse at any time over the weekend, please do contact your hospital helpline number if you have one, or phone NHS111 who will be able to assess his symptoms.

    I hope this information gives you some reassurance bluebellbelle and please do consider giving us a call on 0808 808 0000.

    Regards

    JoanneH

    JH/KG

    Joanne H - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

      

  • Dear Joanne,  Thank you very much for replying so quickly.   I am hoping very much that the problem is caused by something he has eaten but it doesn't seem to be getting any better and it is now over a week since the sort throat started.   That said it is not getting worse either.  my husband said he feels like he as gone back by 8 weeks  rather than making any progress.   It was all going so well, it is disheartening and worrying that he seems to have regressed so much.    Hoping that an appointment on Thursday back at the hospital will provide some explanation of what is happening and thank you, I will bear in mind your support line.

    Kind regards,

    Annabel