Finished my DXT in late 2016. ( R tonsil with positive neck nodes). At an early ENT review, I was advised that due to dosage and target area, such treatment would leave me at high risk of carotid artery fibrosis/ scarring/ thickening. Consequently, they would arrange an annual carotid doppler. First one eventually done in 2018, revealed some atheroma but no stenosis. Incidentally, later that year, had a coronary “episode “ requiring a stent.
since 2018, no follow up, despite 4 letters from Consultants and GP, requesting review. Yesterday, I saw a vascular surgeon. Without really listening to anything I had to say, his message was that basically until I have a TIA or a stroke, they now “do nothing!!!”
When I disputed this as not exactly acceptable ( and having admitted that they do insert carotid stents as a preventative measure), he grudgingly agreed to arrange another carotid doppler
Now, a doppler scan is not exactly a high tech intervention I used to use a portable version in my own surgery as a screening tool It takes minutes
I found the whole experience deeply depressing and sadly completely symptomatic of most of my recent NHS experience
Anyone else had experience and comments on carotid screening please
Hi again. When I mentioned carotid fibrosis to my oncologist he beamed at me and said, "my, you have been doing your homework".
Isn't the usual procedure that stenting isn't considered in anybody unless there is 70% stenosis?
My oncologist explained that RT induced stenosis is much more difficult to stent as the lining of the artery is much more friable so there is a risk of a travelling thrombus.
I have taken the whole thing into my own hands. Have got myself on high dose statins, keep an eye on my cholesterol and pay for my own annual doppler
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thanks for the update, Phil. Good to know your arteries are ok. I’ll have mine checked out when the polytunnel and beekeeping g madness has settled down.
All the best xx
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
