Head And Neck Radiation

Four months after extreme radiation (plus chemo and erbitux), my father still cannot swallow. There is a large lump in his throat that is still very raw and very painful. It is still difficult, if not, impossible to eat (not to mention the lack of saliva). The doctors say this will go away, but when?? They also say he is now Head and Neck Cancer-free (though, he still has the non-hodgekins Lymphoma which will never go away).
Does anyone know about the post-radiation healing process? Has anyone heard of having this pain four months later??

Hi: I have had similar radiation plus rad seeds in my tongue and neck surgury.  It is now eight months later and while I have no pain I can not swollow.  Dr tells me average recovery time is one year.  I recently started physical therapy and wish I had started earlier.  The process is non invasive and very simple.  Suggest your Dad request the therapy it might help.  Tell him to hang on it just takes time.  By the way he can probably say good by to the salivary glands they normally don't return.Good luck. Ed

 

On 11/15/2007 ar999 wrote:

Four months after extreme radiation (plus chemo and erbitux), my father still cannot swallow. There is a large lump in his throat that is still very raw and very painful. It is still difficult, if not, impossible to eat (not to mention the lack of saliva). The doctors say this will go away, but when?? They also say he is now Head and Neck Cancer-free (though, he still has the non-hodgekins Lymphoma which will never go away).
Does anyone know about the post-radiation healing process? Has anyone heard of having this pain four months later??

hi... i am almost 2 years out of radiation for the same as your father, and my throat still hurts. the scar tissue is very tight but deep in my throat is always sore especilly in the morning. i find that gargeling with oasis mouthwash makes it feel better. sort of numbs it. radiation to the neck is radical and those who go through it must be very patient. it is important to eat more than just soft foods to stretch the esophogus and keep it open. i didn't and had to go back in and get it stretched. tell your dad that it does get better, but the residual affects do last a long time.  blessings....angela 

yes, my hubby del is 3 months out from radiation, and is still unable to swallow at all due to pain, but can sip water. still needs alot of pain med, and still feels nauseous at times. so hang in there; it takes alot of time, sometimes.

best wishes

My husband was recently diagnosed with stage four squamous cell, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma.  Large tumor growth in back of nose and both neck glands.  He will undergo the six weeks daily IMRT and every three weeks a heavy dose of cisplatin.  This begins 1-14-08.  He already has his feeding tube and has recovered well.

Comment, suggestion from another survivor and doctors we have met - get the tube while you are well, before beginning treatment.  This will help to keep the process moving, give nourishment and enable better recovery.  Also suggested to meet with a Naturopath/Chiropractor type doctor prior to treatment.  They can provide valuable adjunctive therapies that will help the process move more smoothly.  In addition, they will be there immediately following to help manipulate the neck muscles to encourage proper swallowing again.  Plus, a nutritionist to work with before (my husband needed weight gain) during and after the treatments is a good idea to have set up. 

Suggestions within this message track are all good.  For those reading, the more proactive you are the better your outcome.  I've heard this from so many survivors that I've taken it to heart. 

I'll post again once treatment has begun.  I'll provide any input I can to all.  Please do the same for me!

 Thanks!