Not many of us are told that radiotherapy to the neck can damage the carotid arteries, leading to stenosis or narrowing. This increases the chance of a stroke significantly
I have just discovered bruit in both of mine ( listened with a stethoscope so it’s nothing you can do at home) This means they are narrowed with atheroma. 
My first stop will be a private Doppler ultrasound so I can go armed to my GP for a quick referral 
Please get yours checked, three to five years after treatment end. Don’t wait for a TIA.
Yes please do it’s something Dani and I have spoken about often over these last 6 years. Talking with an oncologist in the uk that I’m helping on a research project in thhevUSA it’s done almost annually but as we know that private health care. Just be aware..
Whilst we’re talking about late onset side effects a reminder to everyone once you are a year out of treatment annual bloods for thyroid issues. You need your TSH and T4 bloods. Inmake a note if mine so there a record they are both slightly changing but nothing detrimentally. 
hugs Hazel
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Hi Dani. Sorry to hear about the issue with your carotid arteries. An unfortunate side effect for you. I haven't had mine checked but now I know next visit with my G.P. I will discuss with her and get it checked out. I am lucky up until now (fingers crossed) that I have not had any long term side effects so hope that continues. The side effects from the radiotherapy and the ops is enough. It is now 6 years since my last radiotherapy and I don't know if having 2 lots makes me more susceptible to side effects. I have had discussions with my surgeon about this and some possible long term side effects so am fore warned to a degree. I am looking on the bright side and hoping that none occur but what will be will be so no point in spending time worrying about it. Hope you get a good result from your G.P. and he can put you on some effective treatment to overcome the issue.
Hugs
Lyn
xx
Sophie66
Hope you get a good result from your G.P. and he can put you on some effective treatment to overcome the issu
Thanks Lyn. Scan is already being organised for the week after we move house. At the end if the month. Hopefully meds will keep me stable.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Too true and a good warning/reminder to all of us to be proactive!
My late effects are continuing to build alongside the immediate side effects. Mainly underactive thyroid, skin issues inside my ear (leading to cellulitis) and pulsatile tinnitus. None of this is readily discussed before or after treatment unless we raise the issue ourselves.
I had my hearing tested and fortunately it is fine although they had expected it to be reduced (only reduced in the frequencies that my wife talks to me in ).  Levothyroxine is still battling a gradually reducing thyroid and a recent CT Head shows no obvious reason for the pulsatile tinnitus - which could have been down to blood vessel damage from the RT (as per your cardioid).  This week the consultant described the lack of diagnosis for the origin of the tinnitus as good news - for obvious reasons.  At least they will now keep on top of these things.
This forum is great for passing this type of information around so we can advocate for ourselves before things get too serious.
I hope they get you sorted, safe and stable.
I hope they get you sorted, safe and stable.
Thanks Peter. The house move is complicating things but it’s all in hand
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I had no idea this was a potential issue but will check in with my GP about this, thanks for posting this.
I'm afraid that will get you nowhere. You have to either pay for your own doppler or persuade your hospital to arrange one.
Really hope that you have effective treatment for this.
I'm sure I can be kept well and alive.....more pills
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi Dani,
I got a private ultrasound for my neck when i was concerned about another issue and they were very good (matched the NHS findings which happened 6 months later)
I have checked their website and they advertise 'carotid doppler ultrasounds' which sounds like the right thing, ill contact them when back home (i am in london on work).
Thanks and good luck, im also sure they will sort something.
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