Treatment Success

Rara2 said:

Our radiology doctor said anything he could tell us was not diagnostic at this point. 

Which is spot on.

I had base of tongue cancer with no nodes up so couldn't monitor the size of anything. Others here do point out that lymph nodes size can take a long time to resolve so that you shouldn't worry if they don't appear much smaller straight away. Also RT causes much inflammation and swelling 

Rara2 said:

Did your taste go back and forth?

Yes that's perfectly normal and likely to continue for some months. if your husband has ANY taste this early he is doing well.

Hi Rara2, I had my scan after 3 months post treatment, I wasn't told anything about if the treatment was working or not, until the scan result, which said it had done the job. Taste coming and going is normal, I'm 7 1/2 years post treatment and I still have taste changes from time to time. 

Ray.

Hi

In my particular case I had chemo stopped before the full course as my oncologist could see the tumour was reacting well and did not need the final dose.  I still  had all doses of the RT.  Apparently the LINAC (RT machine) I was using undertook a quite detailed positioning CT scan each time which was of sufficient detail to see what was happening to the tumour.  I believe it is quite rare to have a machine with that detailed capability (and it was not diagnostic quality) so not unusual for your doctor to respond the way he has.

As to taste, as others have said, it does come and go.  Persevere and experiment with food.  Be prepared for some setbacks and some surprising gains.

Hi I waited 18 weeks for my scan there’s nothing they can check thus early as it’s still working the radiotherapy continues to fo

its thing. I found getting on with recovery was enough to take the what ifs away 

 Taste changes are par for the course 

Hazel xx

Thanks everyone!  I know that each time hubby would go in for treatment they would take pictures, so I thought they could compare them and see if his 2.8 cm tonsil tumor was shrinking.  He is doing quite well with recovery.  We have booked a trip to see his brother in a few weeks which will be fun and will take our minds off of things for a bit.  I so appreciate this forum for asking questions and getting support!!

Good evening, Rara. I know how anxious we all get when we are recovering; I'm afraid it is just a waiting game to see if everything has been successful. It sounds as if your husband is doing okay now, so hopefully, he will get through the rest of the treatment with no issues. I'm pleased you have booked a few days away to see his brother, as it's always good to have something to look forward to and keep a positive outlook. Tell him to take it easy, all the best to you both, take care.

                                             Chris x

Hi there, I can feel for you. My husband just had his first full post treatment MRI. Probably have to wait for at least two weeks for results. Is there any indication wether the treatment worked?  So far apart from blood tests and the swelling in neck gone, we have been told that it all looks 'promising'. My husbands taste buds are all over the place. Like others, these seem to change from one day to the other. He is also still having to find food he can swallow without it getting stuck in his throat. We are now 14+wks post treatment and still taking one day at the time. My advise  persevere ,except it's a two day forward one step backward kind of journey,but you will get there. Hugs Mel x