Stage 3 Salivary Gland Cancer

Hi I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, could you please tell me what made you go get checked and your symptoms. As I am suffering with severe dry mouth .thank you take care .

Hi Welshy.

I didn’t have any symptoms, just a lump in my neck that I started noticing and then got checked out.

If you click on my profile I’ve added my journey to date on there.

Wishing you all the best and hope your symptoms clear up soon.

Hi John Can’t help with your particular cancer but any questions on radiotherapy just ask. Best advice keep off Dr Google you’ll scare yourself stick with us on here. 
Take everything one day at a time. 
Hazel 

Thanks Hazel, much appreciated. I am having my scan and mask fit tomorrow, to hopefully start the treatment on the 14th of August. Not too sure what to expect - from what I’ve been told it takes time before you start feeling the side effects. The plan is to do 30 sessions of 6 weeks.

Hi John I had 35 sessions first week was ok by end if week 3 I had ng feeding tube fitted if you have eating issues don’t struggle mine was directed directly into mouth you may be lucky and swallow won’t be affected. . Re mask get them to cut eye holes in if they will I found it easier .

Dry mouth is a chapter all,of its own but if you need tips we’ve got plenty. 
Hazel 

Thanks. Hoping for the best but if I struggle will have it fitted to make sure the treatment isn’t compromised. My cancer was on the right side of my neck, so oncologist said that they might be able to avoid exposing the salivary glands on the left side which will reduce the risk of dry mouth.

How long did it take for normal swallowing function to return?

Hi I  never actually lost swallow but I couldn’t eat enough calories to sustain me through treatment ( ulcers and burns in mucosal lining if mouth) . I had ng tube out week 3 of recovery  I had to prove I could maintain swallow in front if nurses by drinking orally ensures. I  could  only swallow soft foods like poached eggs custards trifles soups for a good  few weeks by 3 month I could eat more but very little enjoyment for at least a year treatment is pretty hard  but I did it  the majority of my treatment was right hand side now at 5  years my saliva during daytime is almost normal I use xyimelts at nighttime bought online. 
Hazel 

Thank you. So happy for you that you are almost 5 years past the treatment. Sounds like it was tough. Will take it day by day and listen to the advice from the team and make sure I do everything I can to make sure the treatment is effective. I have lots of shakes and liquid meals that will hopefully also make it easier.

Hi John.

I will just add that having the cancer in one parotid likely means that RT will be targeted in that are so your other one on the other side will be OK. I had radiation to both sides of my neck for a base of tongue cancer. The tongue is considered a midline organ so you get treated each side. Even so one parotid is OK. Dry mouth where one parotid is spared is largely due to your submandibular glands, under your  chin getting destroyed. These are the ones that provide background saliva whereas the parotids work when you start eating. Ask your team whether they are sparing one submandibular gland. If they are then your saliva is going to be OK.

Sorry about the anatomy lesson

Thank you, that is very helpful, I will ask.