Tongue and Throat Cancer

Hi Denebfe13 

so sorry to see you here. 
Side effects vary depending on the dose. Do you know how much your oncologist has suggested? 
I had 65Grays spread over six weeks and by week 4 i couldn’t swallow. 

Hi Dani. Yes it's going to be 40 Gy in 10 fractions in 2 Divided phases. 5 days on 2 weeks space then another 5 days, but the secondary dose may not be given as it depends on my reaction to the first dose?

Hi.  That dose is around twice as much per day as we would normally have for curative "treatment".  I believe it is the standard dose for palliative treatment. 

As most of us start to feel effects after week 3 there is a good chance that you will not feel too bad after the first set of treatment.  I guess that is why they will review before the second set; both for your comfort and if it is having the desired effect on the tumour.

Due to the dose I imagine there may be some slight sores in your mouth/throat which will settle down in time and be managed by painkillers.  I managed on paracetamol for quite a while during treatment.

Make sure you let the RT staff know how you are feeling each day as they are your link to the oncologists and will help proactively manage your treatment.

Good luck and I hope it helps.