Lymphedema

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Hi , 

8 weeks since chemoradiation treatment for HPV cancer base of tongue , have developed lymphedema almost over night, an already sore  throat swollen in morning, hard to swallow then when it eases as day goes on get a turkey neck, any body experienced this ? Does it get easier ? Or am I stuck with it ? TIA 

  • Hi .. contact your CNS, and they will make you an appointment at your local lymphoedema clinic.. I had fairly mild lymphoedema compared to some, but I nipped it in the bud.. was given a collar and exercises to do.. very happy with how things went, but still do the exercises with the collar every other day

    Loz (62)

    Oropharyngeal right tongue base T2N2bM0 squamous cell carcinoma p16 positive.. 

  • Thanks for that, I’ll make some enquiries, when you say a mild case hope you don’t mind me asking but did you have the saggy skin bellow chin ? I’m not vane but it’s aged me, hopefully the exercises will tighten it up ? 

  • yeah, it was the 'turkey neck' thing.. especially on the treatment side.. oh yeah, the collar and exercises worked for me.. its not an overnight remedy, but you should notice the effects pretty quickly..

    Loz (62)

    Oropharyngeal right tongue base T2N2bM0 squamous cell carcinoma p16 positive.. 

  • Hello there, hope you don't mind me joining your conversation. Asking in behalf of my other half, he finished his treatment about 18wks ago, what are these exercises you guys are suggesting please? He was never made aware of them. Thank you  and well done to have come this far.Best wishes and hugs, fellow wife Mel x

  • If the swelling is minor simple stroking towards intact lymph nodes will work

    I have a video in my blog

    The Royal Marsden has a patient info leaflet which is useful HERE

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Or am I stuck with it ?

    No

    Do something about it or it will become hard and permanent.

    See my reply to MRSMM

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge
  • Thanks Dani,this will come in handy x