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Some people get lymphedema and some don't. I had a few affected lymph nodes. The radiation was primarily for my tongue and tonsil, but the radiation angles have both an entry and an exit which can affect the lymph nodes on your neck anyway. It made the skin on my neck very red, dry and irritated. I used CeraVe moisturizing cream for that. It was gone in 10 days.
I had a Petscan before treatment. It is more precise gives a better picture of where cancer cells are. I would insist on the PetScan prior so they can more accurately assess your treatment needs.
Also, the radiation burned my goatee off and also the hair on the back of my neck. Had a odd looking hairline. My goatee started growing back after 5 months. Crazy thing is my formerly all grey whiskers regrew mostly brown. Pretty wild!
Good luck my friend. It will be a miserable few months post treatment, but better than the alternative.
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Thank you. 🙏🏽 I mainly also want the petscan to make sure I’m not covered up in cancer before going through tx in just these two areas (head/neck). I’m shocked they said it was overkill and they weren’t doing it because of the radiation? Whaaa? It doesn’t have THAT much, so that’s one thing that actually made me want it more, the excuse.
And, they don’t have ANYTHING yet even showing that I have cancer in my neck other than experience that it might have cells that spread there.
I’m going to one of the radiation proton centers and it almost feels as if they don’t want to risk and have anything mess up their having another candidate for their treatment program vs providing the patient the absolute best protocol for their particular case.
I hate that this is the way I feel, but the way I was rushed through this appointment, which consisted of MANY specialists, the ones that were key just seemed to be on a sales pitch.
I’m not sure how to go about finding another oncologist for a second opinion, especially since this is chugging along so quickly. And, I’m at the best facility where I live. But I REALLY want another set of eyes on this and don’t know how to go about it.
I apologize for dumping on you. I guess I’m hoping others might see this as well. I’m in so much pain from the post surgery migraines that it’s tough to advocate for myself effectively.
Here’s to you remaining cancer free!!! I hope they got every last cell!