Lymphoedema

Yes perfectly treatable with massage. Your team should be able to refer you to a lymphodema clinic. 
Have a look at this thread 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/head-neck-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/297467/lymphoedema

Thanks Dani

I know in past conversations you have said 2 steps forward 10 steps back but it’s so disheartening. My hubby was doing so well he was even eating soft foods considering 5 weeks post radiotherapy but now he’s gone backwards and finds swallowing difficult again, he has a 6 week check next week but not sure if it’s thrush or Lymphoedema as he is very swollen and has a turkey neck.. 

does any of this sound familiar? 

Good evening, as a fellow wife I can feel for you. My husband suffered with the same thing at some point after treatment. But with some gentle massage it disappeared just as quick. Yes, it did feel like a "one step forward,two steps back " kind of journey for us too. Your hubby is still at the beginning of his recovery,be patient and persevere, my hubby is now 19mths post treatment and doing well considering. Stay positive, you will get there. Fellow wife Mel x

Thanks Mel 

Its so difficult at the moment because I’m not sure what he was expecting but he says he didn’t think the recovery would be like this and for so long , so I am trying everyday to pick him up and be positive but then if something else occurs it knocks him back down.. 

Think he just needs some sort of milestone to work towards. 
we will get there 

Clare 

x

That's what we did, one milestone at the time.Only by week 12 he started to feel more "human" again,swallowing started to become easier,speech sounded a lot better and he didn't feel as fatigued.I had to be strong enough for the both of us,as he was feeling very low at some point. Having said that, we changed his painkillers at some point and his mood started to change. Week by week he got stronger. We did get told at the beginning that the recovery would be long and harsh, so in that respect I guess we didn't had high expectations. But I have to admit, I wouldn't want to do it again any time soon. It will get easier, just be patient. Best wishes to you guys. Mel + Keith .

Chaps said:

does any of this sound familiar? 

Hi, yes. Both thrush and lymphodema are common. The road to recovery is not linear and it's a long one. If you think six months then the odd week backwards really doesn't matter. Get his mind fixed on the New year or even Christmas time .

I had a neck and throat Lymphoedema .... during the second review after treatment finished my consultant noticed it and instructed me in Lymphoedema massage techniques...the issue was soon sorted...I still do it every day after shaving...

3+ years after finishing CRT now..

Steps back and forward? I had a heart attack last year and my taste and appetite disappeared again...very worrying...however a fortnight later it recovered completely...little niggles happen ...some are just part of the new normal...which is not bad at all.