My name is Liz , I am 76 years old. I suffered all the usual during and after effects of the radiotherapy. ie. Skin blisters on my neck burn , mouth ulcers , oral thrush , liquid diet, dry mouth , altered taste which all improved by 8 weeks after the last treatment . Soon after my 3 month Pet/Ct scan dry mouth became extremely problematic along with changed and deteriorated taste, especially savoury but even custard has less sweetness than pre-scan.
At the post-scan appointment I was relieved to be told the scan result was clear. After examination with the nasal scope the doctor said I still have some swelling in my throat which is why I'm a bit hoarse in the mornings. He said the dry mouth would probably improve over time. He also advised me to do some massage of my lymphoedema (turkey neck).
I'm using one Xylimelt overnight which works until the early hours then I use Oralieve and bioXtra sprays which help, though they vary in their effectiveness. From afternoons to evenings my mouth and the inside of my lips become progressively more uncomfortable.
Finally, is this the dreaded late onset side effects I've read about? Any advise gratefully recieved .
