After Effects of Radiation: Saggy skin under the chin

Ditto

Thank you for your reply
Paul's doctor reached out to me, and said its part of the Radiation Effects and it will get better in time
I appreciate everyone's replies; They all have been so helpful.

Dear Ostrenger Wife
Lymphedema in my neck appeared almost 3 months to the day after finishing treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in my tonsil; it had also metastasized to a lymph node in my neck. I, too, was never told about lymphedema! I had been working with my speech therapist on swallowing (I had a feeding tube for several months) and she was lunching with a colleague (a PT) and mentioned my case and my recent neck swelling and the PT was like " oh- that's lymphedema- I work with post radiation patients all the time! She was super helpful, as was an online video by a PT named Kelly on how to do self message which I did for the month waiting for an appointment. The PT suggested a compression suit (Flex-Touch by Tactile Medical) . I qualified for full coverage by the company- here's a link: https://tactilemedical.com/our-lymphedema-solutions/for-head-and-neck/. I love my machine and use it every morning! The company's really easy to work with, and come to your home to walk you thru the process...Super user friendly! Good luck on your journey...I salute your love and commitment to caring for your husband during this difficult time. It's hard and painful to watch the one you love suffer...Make sure to take care of you, too!

You are the best !!!! thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I will look to purchase the compression suit... he is just miserable.

Hugs to you.

I have,the same machine! What a Godsend. I still do some manual massage before and after. Kelly Sturm is a PT in the Minneapolis area who specializes in Cancer rehab. Her website is https://cancerrehabpt.com
She has videos on YouTube and Pinterest as well as info on her website. She is very helpful. I also wear a face compression band at night. That is amazing and keeps the lymph from swelling in my face and neck. Mine is from my OT at Mayo and is,made by Design Veronique. http://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/facial
My OT gave me a small bag with foam chips in it that goes under the band. It also keeps my mouth closed as I sleep so dry mouth is not a problem.

The thing that's nice about the suit vs. self massage is it's a 32 minute "spa session"; I consider it a mini relaxation retreat; I don't have to worry about whether I'm massaging correctly and it actually feels good! It removes the stress factor...I do my NYT crossword puzzle while I'm massaging and catch up on emails. When I first got the lymphedema diagnosis I was pretty upset- really?!!! a chronic ailment I'll have to treat daily for the rest of my life? I couldn't believe it and was quite overwhelmed. I was just reveling in a clear PTscan and then this news. In the moment I wasn't ready to get back into warrior woman mode. I was exhausted. But the universe has a way of giving ya what ya need. As I got the ball rolling with self massage and my PT team I was able to take it in stride and be open to the compression suit idea. Now, a year later, it's just part of the deal. My life is wonderful and I remain grateful daily! The mental game is always the most challenging.

Agreed. I find, too that its my lymphedema that contributes to my dry mouth. While I'm using my machine I've actually felt my mouth water.

Hang in there @ostrengerwife! I received 35 Radiation treatments + 7 Chemo (Cisplatin) treatments for a large tumor at the left base of tongue and two cancerous lymph nodes on the right side of my neck and 2 deep in my groin area. They removed the smaller lymph node in my neck (mostly for biopsy). I also had a lot of swelling under my jaw post treatment. Neither of my Oncologists seemed worried about it, but my ENT diagnosed it as Lymphedema and sent me to a Physical Therapist - What a blessing! She taught me massage techniques for draining the Lymphatic system that I could continue at home 2-3 times a day and the neck, shoulders and upper back exercises and massages were incredibly helpful. I’m Cancer free now for 2 years + 3 months. I still do back and neck stretching daily and probably will continue to for the rest of my life. Continue trying to contact his Doctors and request a referral for a P.T. It was a huge game changer for me! Good luck!
Mark D.