Neck radiotherapy

Hi Lallydo

Sorry to hear that you need radiotherapy. Could you give a bit more info about your cancer diagnosis to help give a more informed reply.

I had radiotherapy to the mouth because I had cancer in the jaw. Where is your cancer located?

Lyn

Hi Lynn 

I was diagnosed the cancer in my lymphnode in the neck  they took a slice of my tongue to test with my right tonsil both came back negative  so they removed the lymphnode . When results came back they actually said my body had got rid  of by it self .But now they have said I need radiotherapy just in case any was left.will they give me another scan to locate any cancer. Any help will be appreciated 

Hi Lallydo

Thanks for the extra info. Glad to hear that the cancer was not in your tongue or tonsil.

I had radiotherapy twice to my jaw at different times on either side so your side effects may be different to the ones I had.

My doctor recommended that I have radiotherapy after my ops to make sure that any cancer cells that were left were eliminated. He said it would give me my best chance for recovery.

I hope there is someone on this forum that has had radiotherapy to the neck so they can give their experience.

You are under a doctor’s supervision the whole time you have radiotherapy and they prescribe painkillers and look after your health during this time. Radiotherapy for me was for 6 weeks 5 days a week and the side effects started in week 4. I was unable to work during this time but I have heard of others who have managed to work through their radiotherapy. It was a tough treatment but worth it for me.

Best wishes for your treatment.

Lyn

Thanks Lynn every bit helps

Hi Lallydo. I had 4 weeks if radiotherapy on my voice box for pre cancer cells on it 5 years ago. It did not hurt at the time and it took time to get used to the mask. On the 5th week my throat became very tender and sore, and I could only drink my food for nearly two weeks. I then could start to eat soft food. It's not pleasant at the time, but it did clear all the pre cancer cells, so it was worthwhile. Try to be positive and take each day at a time. The Macmillan nurses were brilliant. Regards Tommolt

Thanks

Hi there and welcome from me. I have had a torturous and long journey not dissimilar to your one.  Diagnosed from a lymph node.  Indication of tonsil or in tongue from initial diagnostics.  Tonsils removed, all lymph nodes near the infected one removed, tongue biopsied - nothing more found.  Suggestion was that the body had dealt with it.  Went onto watchful waiting as we all decided that radiotherapy trauma was not worth the benefit.

Fast forward 15 months.  Visual scoping found something "unusual".  Panendoscopy found a confirmed but tiny tumour in the tongue.  Subsequent scans did not show it.  Went for partial glossectomy and the tumour had gone (once again).  Opted again not to have radiotherapy and I am still here and living a great life 18 months after the last of 5 surgeries.

Ultimately the choice is yours and will depend on your risk appetite.  You need to have a very thorough discussion with your clinical team.  I am pleased I made the choices I did.

I still get reviewed every few months and have been told those reviews will never stop.  That is OK by me as it was a review by an expert that detected the tumour so it is a small price to pay for the quality of life I have.

Hi Lallydo,

I'm not going to lie radiotherapy can be tough. I had 6 weeks of radiotherapy. I was ok until week 5 when my throat got sore and I could no longer eat. I had A RIG fitted as pre-treatment and was mad aware of what would happen by me cancer specialist team.

4 months after I feel fatigued, have trismus and have infections. I am on the mend, and I understand will take time. They'll be ups and downs. 

Lee

Hi

i had radiotherapy to my mouth and neck. 6 weeks usually treatment most have. 
its a difficult decision only you can make goven the information from your specialist. 
im 5 months post radiotherapy and still have constant neck pain, limited mobility of my neck and swallowing problems. However, i did have a neck dissection and radial arm flap reconstruction to my palate (artery/vein from arm gets attached down the neck area). So i think most of my problems are because if that too. In a way, i wish id not had radiotherapy BUT I remember my specialist saying take it if you ate offered. Most if not all cases ate discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting which often consists of various consultants from different specialties including oncology. They offer you the bedt chance of survival and you have to base your decision at the time on the info your given. Its easy for me to say afterwards i wish i hadnt had it, that’s because its been tough but i hope in time, things improve and I continue to live and enjoy life again. Rach case is different as is each cancer, type, stage, position and the way we react. 
good luck x

Hu Lallyei. Sorry you’ve found yourself in here ,onky advise I can give is listen to your dr ask them honesty theiradvise .there’s pros and cons to each decision and it’s a tough decision. I had  radiotherapy and 2 chemo my cancer was in my tonsil, I’m 4 years post radiotherapy now and happliy living my life. Radiotherapy to our mouth and throat area tends to be a one off offer as the damage that’s done can it be repeated,, I had no alternative as without my treatment I wouldn’t’ be here today that’s for sure. 
You can always ask for a 2 nd or even a 3 rd option before you make your decision.

Ask if you are having a pet Ct scan or a mri ? It is possible like in Peters case your body has already burned the primary tumour but there may be residual cells remaining.One if us in here can give medical advise onky our experiences. I was 61 when diagnosed tell us a but more about yourself if you are able to, symptoms age maybe. 
It’s not easy but if I can do it anyone can.my blog below details my experience with other links. 
Hazel