Radiation???

Hi I am 8 month post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer which is still classed as a head and neck cancer,I has 35 radiotherapy sessions and 2 chemotherapy.i amfemale 61 it’s not the  easiest of treatments .But it does hopefully kill any stray cells ,  I couldn’t have surgery as one of my lymph nodes was classes as toomclose to my spine I was given the cancer all clear in January nin5 years of check ups.

i have a detailed blog giving a blow by blow account from mask to recovery.   

Www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com

pop.by and  give it a look , if Oncologist re.recommends  it I would tend to take their advise .

Best wishes Hazel

Thank you for your reply. You are a very strong lady and thanks for sharing your story. It is so scary to go through such an ordeal. One can’t even wish it upon their worst enemy. I have read through your blog which helps me to understand all that my husband will go through. It is interesting and coincidental that we too have been married for 40 years and will tackle this together just like you and your husband. Thanks again for your reply!

Dixie

Hi Dixie 

Thank you for  your kind comments m I decided positive mental attitude for me was the way to go. Just remember althoughnwe have similar cancers we are all different m I am in touch with another girl exactly same tonsil cancer as me but we’ve both reacted differently in so many ways .

A good year for Ruby weddings if not  a good year for cancer treatment but trust in your team that’s around you. Any questions please feel free to message me .I updated my blog today with a list of things to try buy or borrow from hospital.

Try not to be scared your hubby will need you firing on all cylinders, even though John and I never argued we did ha e a few word s during treatment oops !

keep in touch Hazel x

Hello Tootie Fruitie, i had floor of the mouth cancer where saliva glands were removed, I also had a neck dissection and forearm flap to repair the damage. Like your husband, my consultant advised me to have radio and chemotherapy to kill any stray cells , he said " its like when you pull up a weed you try and get all the roots up but sometimes bits of the root are left behind and can re-grow "  Thankfully I did not suffer any bad side effects, I think the worse one will be dryness of the mouth after treatment, he might feel tired and fatigued during treatment along with soreness in the mouth but there are sprays and painkillers available should he need them until things settle down once the treatment is done. Many on this site have had radiotherapy after an operation and come through it all and made a great recovery, hope this helps. All the best.

                                                                            Chris . x

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the support! My husband has a few questions for you: Did you have trouble swallowing before the radiation? Also are you experiencing tight muscles in the neck? We are going through with radiation and today is his dental consult. Thanks again for your reply!

Tootie Fruitie 

Hi Dixie, no problem . I did have swallowing issues before the radiotherapy this is why my consultant fitted a PEG feeding tube when I had my first operation as knew from experience that swallowing can be a problem after surgery and during treatment . I remember that I started radio at the beginning of Dec 2008 and I struggled to eat my Christmas dinner so most of meals were blended or I made into soup ,thankfully I loved soup ,still do . The tightening of the neck is a common side affect ,its mainly to do with the stitches and the new skin forming plus the muscles re-growing , my muscles/nerves  used to affect my neck and shoulder at the same time as they are connected so I was given excercises to do for a short time . So the neck issue will gradually disappear and his swallowing should in time. 

          Well done in going ahead with the radiotherapy and best of luck with the dental Consultation , please re-post if you are unsure about anything . Best wishes to you both ,take care .

                                                                     Chris x

Hi,

My surgeon says he got all the cancer and was not in the lymph glands. Radiothetapy was offerred as an option. If you have radiothetapy it cannot be done twice in the same place. I have therefore decided to wait and see if it comes back as if it does I still have the option of radiothetapy.

We are all different and the cancers vary a lot.

Good luck

Saturnal

You are right in what you say Saturnal about it no being done in the same area twice, you are right in using as a back up ,just in case . Fingers crossed you will never require it . All the best for your full recovery ,take care .

                                                                                       Chris . x

Hi Hazel,

My husband finished his radiation treatments on August 7th. His biggest side effect is muscle stiffness in his neck. He has been to physio and works on the exercises given him but often he experiences such stiffness especially at night. Right now he is only taking Tylenol 3 for pain. What meds were your husband on and did he experience this pain? Thanks!