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Radiation side effects with H&N cancer. When will they ever end?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (155)Comment receiving replies
It has been 14 1/2 years since my Proton radiation for salivary gland cancer. I underwent hyperbaric chamber therapy about 5 years later since my mouth was still full of sores. It helped, but not 100%. A year or 2 later my teeth began their vacations from my mouth. So far 5 are gone with 2 that are getting ready to depart. There is no indication of necrosis of my jaw....yet. My tongue has never healed and is now getting worse. Removal of a part of my tongue has been suggested, but I said NO. The head of the Head and Neck department said it was all downhill after 5 years since the radiation so I have no belief anything will improve. I am 75. Hopefully for others it will be a totally positive outcome.
Replies to "It has been 14 1/2 years since my Proton radiation for salivary gland cancer. I underwent..."
This sounds so familiar, I had a tumor attached to my tonsil and they removed the tonsil,tumor and part of my tongue in the far left of my mouth, that was 2017, I just had to have all my remaining teeth pulled, went 3mo with no teeth,had the most beautiful and perfectly fitting dentures and can't wear the bottoms because of the wound back there,so disappointed
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After surgery - Head and neck, base of tongue, lymph nodes followed by radiation and chemo, you know the drill. I was told during radiation that - it is the gift that keeps on giving and that has certainly been the case for me. Problems swallowing (food and liquids) predominate along with
a tender neck, excess mucus, dental issues, etc. Similar to you....... have seen various specialists with limited results. At 6 years out improvement seems unlikely. Hopefully you will find some relief however it does seem elusive.