HELP! Post Cancer Throat Pain

Posted by gregdwhipple @gregdwhipple, Sep 28 3:58pm

My dad (now 83 years old) had tonsil cancer 10 years ago. 35 radiation treatments plus chemo killed the tumor. This past year, radiation fibrosis/necrosis has caused him close to intolerable throat pain that is spreading to his inner ear. There are no infections, just fibrosis and necrosis. No amount of Tylenol or Magic Mouthwash is working. He started hydrocodone (7.5/325). He takes 5ml in liquid form every 4-6 hours with little help. I know narcotics are a slippery slope, and we want to be careful. Are we missing any other possible solutions? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Sep 28 10:10pm

Hello @gregdwhipple and welcome to the Head and Neck group. Necrosis can lead to all sorts pains. Hopefully someone here has some ideas as to what might be able to keep the pain at bay. It’s odd that this is happening so far out from treatment rather than as part of the treatment recovery years ago. Maybe keep pestering doctors until a pinpoint of the pain can be determined and dealt with. Our bodies can deal with a lot of issues but pain is often the most difficult to live with.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 3 8:12pm

In reply to @hrhwilliam "Hello @gregdwhipple and welcome to the Head and Neck group. Necrosis can lead to all sorts..." + (show)

@gregdwhipple, this must be hard on your dad. You might wish to see the suggestions in this related discussion:
- Looking for help with radiation fibrosis; Tips?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-fibrosis/
In addition @hrhwilliam's helpful post, I'm tagging members like @stephanie101 @vsamples @midiwiz, who have experience with osteoradionecrosis.

Has your dad's team discussed treatment options to help alleviate the pain?