Neck radiotherapy

I am 58 and in April this year noticed a small lump just below my jaw behind my ear did not  think much of it ,no pain . Eventually  went to the Dr's and was rushed through all the scans . Was diagnosed with cancer in the lymphnode so had neck dissection  and tonsil removed. That 8s up to date just waiting for radiotherapy on monday

I'me just completing RT and Chemo  for throat cancer. I have now completed 23 sessions, 7 to go. No the actual RT does not hurt. The effects are severe. Lose of taste, I am unable to eat or swallow so have everything through a RIG tube, thats been for the 3 weeks. My throat, mouth is very swollen and sore  I gave thrush and ulcers and today I have I very little voice and at times zero energy.  I'm told symptons will get worse durung week 7/8!!!!! The mucous that is like glue is difficult and so is the dry mouth and throat.  If it all means I'm cancer free and can eat and taste again it will be worth it. Having Chemo at the same time hasn't helped.  The mask took me a bit of time and a few meltdowns but, today I'm Ok  with it.  You do get use to it and RT staff as Sussex Cancer get me through it everyday.  I'm on Fentynl patches now because I can't swallow topped up with Panadol actfast which is under review tomorrow.

The time really has flown by but it doesn't seem like that early on.  So, best foot forward, deep breathes, keep talking to people and on we go. I had now idea the haul was so very, very long and I am praying for just a small sign that things are getting better but I don't think that's going to be for some time.

Good luck.   I'm just looking forward to recovery now!

Hi Alfie. I was in the same place as you. Unable to eat and largely out of it on morphine for a couple of weeks after treatment ended. I’m over three years clear and the memory has faded like childbirth. A new life has come of it in the same way, a life that is as good as it ever was but in a different way. Hang on in there you are doing stonkingly well in your head which is what matters. The curing of the cancer is down to your team. The rest is up to you. Hugs. 

Aah......thank you. I offer up daily prayers to all the God's for all us to recover and stay well.  It's certainly a much bigger battle than I ever envisaged.    X

3 years ago, my lymphoid in my neck was swollen and it turned out to be sign that not everything in my throat was okay. It was lifesaving as i had a massive tumour under the base of my tongue. they sent me for radiotherapy for 6 weeks and gave me the strongest that my throat could take. There was no pain just a bit scary at first as like you not sure what was going to happen and the effects. so, radiotherapy fine just inconvenient. if you would like to know more, please ask

Hey lallydo, sorry to hear your diagnosis.

It has to be your decision but i would take it to reduce the risk of recurrence. I had radio to my neck and tonsil for 6 weeks.

Week 3 or 4 it got harder- you mouth gets very sore. Make sure you have enough pain relief.

But the pain does go and the treatment is done.

Good luck.

Hi Trev. How’s things? 
Edit

I see you’ve answered my question in another thread

Hi Lallydo,

I had 32 radiotherapy sessions and chemo on my neck and face two years ago. I was so scared about having the treatment but having discussed it with my care team and family decided to go ahead. I was okay for the first two weeks and was so sick during the treatment I was in hospital for most of it.  BUT I made it through and rang the bell at the end of my treatment. It can be hard, but worth it in the end. I am now just over two years cancer free and loving my life. Have trust in your team they want the best for you.  Please get in touch if you want to talk whilst going through your treatment.

Stay Strong

Hi lady66h just to say thank you . I am now into my second week of radiotherapy all going well thanks. I know the tougher times are a head but with messages like this it makes me stronger all the best roll on week 6

Just completed 6 weeks of chemo and RT.  They were tough weeks from week 2 for me.  The pain in which had been significant for weeks escalated plus all the bits that accompany it.  First 2  treatment has been difficult.  We are still trying to get on top of pain management.  Im now on Fentnyl patches, 50 mgs an hour, can go up to 70, Oxynorm 5mgs every 4 hours can go to 10 mgs hourly plus Naproxen.every 4 hours.    Today I would say we're almost there, this afternoon, I actually fell  asleep. The thick green slime I could do to sort, thats what blocks my throat seeing me into panic mode @ 3.30am.  I have well been  propped does help and the nebuliser does sometimes.   I do take the pain relief because it's not worth suffering.  I'm told the 2/3 weeks will see an increase in symptoms before I turn a corner.  

It's a tough old journey that's for sure but a battle we have to fight.  Time has passed very quickly its just doesn't seem to day by day, night by night.   I am sure it will be worth it, at the very least I will never be thinking if only I had had it done.

Cry a lot, curse a lot, why me????, its not fair?  What I done to deserve it, keep a jotty/picture diary but keep going.

See you on the other side!!!!!      X