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3 yrs in remission H & N cancer - Experiencing ear discomfort
Had exploratory surgery at Mayo to remove cancerous lymph nodes in Nov '21, followed by radiation and chemo. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HPV Induced). Was told that recurrence would be highly unlikely. Now experiencing ear discomfort on same side that was affected. At lat ENT appointment, I heard my ENT doc (in Nov '24) tell an intern that one of the signs of Head n Neck cancer returning is ear pain. Then my ear discomfort starts arounf Christmas time. I've never even had an ear infection before. I'm worried, especially after PET scans never showed cancer the first go around. The only way we knew it was present was because of an enlarged lymph node in my neck that tested positive. Anyone experience anything like this? Advice? Scheduled to see ENT within the week.
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Hey @coachlowe I just reread my comment. I meant to say “NOT a feeling of fullness” rather than “NOW a feeling of fullness”.
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2 ReactionsWhen I read that, I thought it might be from nerve issues following surgery. I've wondered if my own issues might be related to regaining more feeling on that side of my head/neck.
On an off the wall sidenote, I was reading the other day that there is a connection between ear fullness and sucralose intake. I drink A LOT of zero calorie pop with sucralose. Also drink the Red Diamond Zero Tea which also contains sucralose. I've been off of sucralose for the past week and noticed a difference for sure. Obviously, the only way to be sure is jump through the hoops. With my medical history, I'm not in the mood to just wing it. I will turn every stone.