Hi. I was diagnosed with jaw cancer in 2016 and operated on in January 2017. Part of my lower jaw on right hand side was removed, I had a neck dissection and bone taken from my lower leg. It has been a long road and I have recovered pretty well but over the last few months my jaw and neck feel much worse. My face and neck just seem to be getting more and more rigid and consultant has said it is probably scarring from the radiotherapy which can occur years later. I wasn't expecting that!
Has anyone who has had the same operstion as me had similar issues and is there any solution. I have been offered stronger painkillers but that doesn't help.
Any contributions would be gratefully received.
Hi Darbster I’m tagging chris2012 who had a similar op so I’m sure he’ll be along soon to lend you a hand
Has anybody suggested physio for radiation fibrosis which is all too common.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
You could email the chartered society of physiotherapists?
enquiries@csp.org.uk
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good evening Darbster, as Dani mentioned, i have had the same operation where about 2/3 of my lower jaw was replaced, once everything had settled down and everything healed the road to recovery was very good and still is. I had this operation in 2009 and the only differences are that my jaw does not open as wide as it used to but has remained the same throughout. I dont get any pain from my jaw or surrounding areas, the only pain i get is in my leg/foot where they removed the bone although this only happens at night time when I'm relaxing. My radiotherapy was done after a previous operation in 2008 when i had floor of the mouth cancer which involved a full neck dissection and skin grafts etc so i could not have any further radiotherapy. Did you have radiotherapy before or after the operation? Radiotherapy can cause problems further down the line so i would ask your consultant if he/she can do a scan or x-ray as this should show any changes just to rule out your concerns as painkillers are not helping or solving the problem. I can understand the pain in my leg/foot due to the bone removal but the pain is stable so im not to concerned. If you click on my name it will take you to my profile where i have written a short story of my cancer journey, im very happy with my life despite what i went through. Please re-post if you need further help or advice, all the best, take care.
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
