Responding to nearly all of you.
I’m 8 1/2 years in remission from stage IV H&N cancer ( base of tongue, lymph nodes). My first symptom was extreme ear pain for nearly a year which was misdiagnosed by primary provider twice and ENT once.
The ear pain was severe and both doctors diagnosed it as TMJ. Thank God my dentist diagnosed it as cancer…yes, my dentist (during a 6 month check up).
Anyway, my oncologist told me that my ear pain will most likely never go away because of nerve damage caused by a tumor. He was correct, my ear pain has never gone away!
Tinnitus began during second round of Cisplatin and has never ceased and is very loud.
Migraine began close to the same time and has never ceased. All medication has failed including Botox. I live with a 24/7 pain level of 8-10 and doubtful of this ever changing.
Neck pain is also 24/7 along with neuropathy to my shoulders, hands and fingers.
Jaw trouble is also a problem but I’m on a muscle relaxer which helps me open my mouth much better to eat and talk.
Many other post treatment issues as well.
I guess what I’m saying is don’t stress that your cancer has returned when it very well may be the aftermath of treatments.
I’m sure for those of you that are less than 5 years out are still getting 6 month check ups and throat scopes from your oncologist as well as PETCT Scans. If your cancer has returned it will show so don’t stress over pain and discomfort. As you know, cancer feeds off stress and sugar so be careful of both.
Make sure you are being completely open with your oncologist . They can prescribe you something for stress. Trust your oncologist and the results of your tests.
I’m not saying that I don’t worry because I do but I don’t let it overwhelm me.
As for living with my issues, I’ve just learned to live with them and am just glad to be alive!
I hope this information helps at least one of you.

Fight the good fight,
MOJO