Side effects after treatment ends - sinus cancer

Hi Swhite, recovery is not something that can be rushed.. and oral thrush is an absolute nightmare to get rid of.. I had several courses of fluconazole & nystatin until it decided to disappear.. don't lose hope, it does get better.. 

Hi and welcome 

Swhite said:

Hi, new here! I’ve been sign posted here after posting on the wrong forum

Swhite said:

I’ll apologise in advance for the super long post!

No need, you didn't know we were here and Mike was able to point you in the right direction. 

Swhite said:

Nasal discharge and crusting - does this ever get better or is this for keeps?

I haver no experience of this but there are folk here who have managed sinus cancer and I'm sure somebody will pick up. For me all the healing after RT burned the sensitive tissue in my mouth and throat did take a while. I was happy with progress at six months so I have a feeling it might well be the same with you. Hope so.

Swhite said:

Sore burnt tongue from radiotherapy? Will it always be super sensitive?

My cancer was at the base of my tongue. I had a long ulcer all the way down that side for months and even at six plus years it is sensitive with some foods causing a burning sensation, but it is manageable and doesn't really bother me. 

Swhite said:

I’m assuming smell training is not a thing for us due to the damaged tissues inside the sinus? 

I've looked this up and it is seriously an option after RT. I hope you can find something about it

Sometimes this forum logs you out in the morning so I won't take a chance and post half a reply and continue in another post

Oral thrush. Are you taking meal replaced drinks orally? The high sugar content is just what thrush loves? 
A lot of us have thyroid issues after RT and are on thyroxine. I can’t see why your GP can’t deal with this? It’s not uncommon after all. 

Thank you, that’s good to know, crossing everything it goes away soon.

Thank you for replying, my mouth and throat is super sensitive too, I’ve only been back on solid food for 6 weeks and have come on so much since I first started eating but it’s still quite painful at times and hard to swallow. Hoping it’ll continue to improve, It’s good to know that your tongue doesn’t cause too much upset anymore ️

Hi, thanks for replying, no more ensure shakes, I stopped about 7 weeks ago as my practice couldn’t get stock so was forced to eat real food again. I can’t eat anything sweet anymore so definitely not to do with sugar, trying to eat lots of probiotic and fermented foods to help with the good bacteria but it’s not helped yet 

how long after treatment did you start on thyroxine if you don’t mind me asking? 
it was on the checklist before I started treatment I was likely to have issues but I just keep getting fobbed off despite bloods saying there’s issues and now the ultrasound. ‍♀️

Swhite said:

how long after treatment did you start on thyroxine if you don’t mind me asking? 

I’m not thankfully but if your levels are low it doesn’t matter where along the road you are 

Hypothyroidism lowers your immune system making you more susceptible to oral thrush. 

Ah I’m glad you’ve dodged that one!

Yep, that’s what I meant by knock on effect, so many of these symptoms I know would go away if the bigger underlying issues where sorted, it’s frustrating, thank you again for the advice, much appreciated

Hi. Are being seen at ent by a ent consultant not a surgeon  at all ? I was treated for tonsil cancer and that was my oncologist but for the following 5 years ent at my tertiary hospital saw me regularly they were the ones who did my thyroid bloods. If not your gp should have a blood test done and your tsh and t4 levels checked. Then he can prescribe thyroxine for you. Sorry you’re having to chase urs not good enough. Have you a dedicated cancer nurse ? Contact her. 
oral thrush the ensure drinks caused mine from

memory if too 3 course of flucozonole to get rid of it. Burning tongue I kept a food  diary looking for triggers for me cheese was a big one. 
Hope you get help stick with us we’re all happy to help. 

Hazel c

Hi Swhite. Welcome to the forum. I had jaw cancer so not the same as yours but had some of the same issues. In relation to the oral thrush. I had it for 3 months and could not seem to shake it either. My specialist dentist suggested I try using a mouthwash made of salt and bicarb. It changes the flora in your mouth so helps knock the thrush on the head. I used this regularly and it really helped me. I cleaned my mouth and teeth after every meal and then used the mouthwash. It might be worth a try as it did help clear up my oral thrush. You do have to use it regularly after every meal though.I still use it as a preventative.  I'm sorry to hear that your GP is not being very helpful in relation to your hypothryroidism. When your thyroid is at a low level it really affects your energy level. Keep being a squeaky wheel as I have found you sometimes have to advocate hard for yourself to get a result. Can you try another G.P.? I have been on thyroxine for a few years now and once the right dose was settled on I have been fine.

In relation to the nasal discharge, I still get a nasal discharge from my maxillectomies but it has definitely improved over time. Hopefully yours will too.

Lyn