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Radiation therapy and CPAP mask

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Mar 14 11:52am | Replies (14)
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@mpearce1959

I finished my treatment on my head and neck 3 months ago. I’m doing a sleep study this weekend. I have little doubt that I will be diagnosed with sleep apnea. My question is whether anyone’s inflammation repairs itself to the point where the apnea goes away or is this just another one of those lifelong side effects to radiation on my neck?

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Replies to "I finished my treatment on my head and neck 3 months ago. I’m doing a sleep..."
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Mar 13 8:05am

Hi @mpearce1959 Sorry it took so long to respond. I have no personal experience with sleep apnea but I understand what is involved.
Three months after radiation (I am assuming radiation) means you are about one-eighth healed from the effects. It generally takes a good two years to fully recover after radiation therapy. After that point you likely will have internal scar tissue forever. These things alone can contribute greatly to sleep breathing difficulties as many of us can attest.
My experience, I slept upright initially, then with head elevated and always on my side for well over a year in order to breathe better at night. Never had a sleep study aside from my wife telling me I am sleeping better now and not choking.

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