Head and neck cancer

Hi Hedwig

So glad to hear that your husband is now cancer free. It is now a matter of time as recovery from the treatment can take a while.

Definitely get your husband's thyroid checked out as the fatigue should have started to improve by now although maybe not completely. I have read on this forum of other people who have had their thyroid affected by radiotherapy. Once this is established he can have treatment and then things should improve.

The dry mouth, change of taste slowly improve over time even years but does not always completely disappear depending on the individual and their treatment. There are things that can help with the dry mouth such as Xylimelts that you can buy online or Biotene or Oral 7 dry mouth gel.

Some people get over the side effects completely, it is a bit of an unknown but they definitely improve and the fatigue should go away completely eventually especially if it is thyroid related and he has treatment for this.

I had my last op in 2022 and last radiotherapy in 2019 and I definitely no longer have fatigue and my side effects did improve although for me did not go away completely.However I have found ways and means of management and it definitely does not hold me back from doing what I want to do.

Lyn

Hi Hedwig Good news that your husband is clear but so sorry his road was so long and twisted. 

The general advice after radiation to the head and neck is to have thyroid function checked every year so Lyn's advice is spot on.

The lymphoedema is a problem. Mine was slight and I managed it on my own but if it is significant it needs professional help to stop it getting permanently hard. Ask your hospital for an appointment to their lymphoedema clinic. It should have one as it's a problem common to quite a few cancers and their treatment. You should get some exercises and massage to do at home.

Might I suggest that your husband gets a fluoride varnish on his teeth at his hygienist every three months. It will save his teeth.

Hi Sophie 66, Thank you for replying, thank you for suggestions. Sometimes I never know what to say for the best, the cancer nurse says his body might not be the way it was before and to adjust to the way it is now. His consultant has taken bloods to test for thyroid so hopefully that may make him less tired. Thank you,

Hedwig

Hi Beesuit, Thank you for your reply. His consultant has taken bloods so hopefully if he gets treatment for thyroid it will improve fatigue. His consultant has said he can refer him to clinic for lymphedema but doesn't want to yet because he only had his op beginning of March so that area of his neck is quite sensitive I suppose it's just waiting now. Thank you for advice. 

Hi, i am a newbie here, so please forgive me if i am in the wrong place or saying the wrong thing. Steve.

my wife was diagnosed with mouth cancer (tongue) over 12 months ago after a dentist saw something.

She has had part of her tongue removed and 35 radio therapy sessions, which ended late november last year.

I feel so helpless, before the therapy, she seemed well, but now can't eat, talk properly, lost most of her muscle and fat, unsteady on her feet and miserable as anything and in constant pain.. to cap it all, now she has cancer on her ear and a potential two more cancers in her mouth. i try to hold it together, help with dressing her, massaging her, have had to get some adapations to the bathroom and around the house to help her mobility....that's all ok, but the heartbreak is, seeing her in so much pain and being so miserable.

Soryy, just felt i had to put this down, don't expect any replies, you are all going through so much as it is,.

suppose i just needed to get it off my chest a bit.

Hi Jennie. That’s a lot for both of you to cope with. I hope you have some local support. Is there hospice at home where you live to help you with day to day care? 
Sometimes a short residential spell in a hospice can get pain relief sorted and of course give you a rest. 
Do you have a Maggie’s near you? 
Also in this community Macmillan has a couple of sections for carers 

 Carers only forum 

 Supporting someone with incurable cancer forum  

So sorry to hear your wife is suffering so much, I really hope something can be done, to help ease the situation. Don't apologize for posting your thoughts on here, you are welcome anytime.

Hi Jennie, So sorry to hear about your wife. Have you any family that could support you? You need to find time for yourself so you can be strong for her. Perhaps if you have family or friends that could sit with her just so you have a bit of time for yourself. 

HinJennie Don’t apologise you are both going through enough. Feel free to rant in here. Do you have a Maggies local to you if so,pop in. As Dani mentioned a local hospice can offer some respite care which may help both if you. Pop in here anytime to vent we never judge. 
hugs Hazel x

Hi Hedwig Re thyroid we should all be tested annually who have gone through head and neck cancers for thyroid issues. I have my test every December it’s marked in my phone diary. I’ve been told for life I will need testing. If yiur hubby has thyroid issues usually a tablet a day can fix him. I know plenty who have gone down that avenue.

Hazel x