Neck dissection, tongue flap and chemo radiation the side effects
FormerMember
4 replies
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Hi,Â
I am a new member. I am desperately trying to hear from someone who has gone through a similar experience to me.Â
Is there anyone who has had chemo radiation followed by major surgery including tongue flap, removal of the swallowing muscles on one side and part of the soft palate removed?
I am finding it difficult to deal with the side effects of the treatments which include;
- stringy secretions/mucus with the constant need to spit into tissue
- coughing fits leading to vomiting
- heavy breathing and nasal congestion
- difficulty swallowing
- stiff jaw and pain along side the jawbone
Can anyone give me some advice on how to manage these symptoms especially practising swallowing and the coughing fits and secretion?
Does it get better over time or is this life long? My medical team don't give me a straightforward answer.
How do I stay mentally strong to get through this? How do people cope?Â
I've not had exactly the same treatment as you as I didn't have chemo, but I did have neck dissection, flap and a bit of my tongue removed. Hopefully there is a link to my blog below which might give you a it of an insight to my journey.Â
June 14 surgery for Carcinoma in sublingual salivary gland. Partial glossectomy, left neck dissection, reconstruction with left radial forearm free. flap. Postoperative radiotherapy 6 weeks.
Have you not been seen by speech and language, as they may be able to eliminate many of your symptoms? If not demand that you are seen. Hope this helps.
