Tongue cancer
In Nov 2025 I had tongue surgery for adencarcinoma of the Tongue. Three weeks ago completed 30 Radiation sessions. Tongue still hurts, but glad the feeding tube and trach have been out for months. Next week I will start Lymphedemia Therapy for neck (it hurts) and lower jaw. But I have slight pain, disconfort in upper chest and left shoulder that I attribute to Radiation Therapy. Who else experienced this.???
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@sandy8043 Forgot to include the website! Sheesh!
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/facial-wear/universal-facial-band/
Hi @jaybb1
Your upper chest having discomfort and tightness could be from aspirating on your own salvia, eating food or liquids. Sometimes you may not even know that it's happening. If you get CT scan with part of your surveillance after treatment, it should be able to detect it. Happened to me which turned into a low-grade aspiration pneumonia that I was walking around with for many months. I figured it out with my own research and got a referral from my ENT to see a pulmonologist who gave me an Aerobika Device as mucus was plugged up and this released it. Since then, it has reduced substantially and I even can take very deep breaths again without coughing or feeling that tightness.
God Bless
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1 Reaction@roblem My chest tightness is as a result of lymphedema and radiation fibrosis. Self massage helps but its not as good as professional massage. I also use a lymphedema pump made by Tactile Medical. It includes a helmet/mask as well as a vest. Its wonderful for managing lymphedema. Very relaxing, too.
https://tactilemedical.com/our-lymphedema-solutions/for-head-and-neck/
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1 Reaction@jaybb1
I used to get mld treatment weekly.
Now, it's once or twice a month.
Home maintenance is key.
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1 Reaction@jaybb1
I was stuck with a virus for a month so swimming was on hold.
Let's get back in the game, summer is around the corner.
@jaybb1 Today I had my first visit with my MLD/CDT Therapist. Based on this evaluation, I am now scheduled for 2x a week for the next several weeks. I was suprised, this is what I wanted but seeing that the norm appears to be 1x a week, I thought I would have to fight for multiple visits per week. .She confirmed the 3 focus areas to be treated: Neck, Left Shoulder, Upper Chest. The Neck is the result of surgery. The other 2 I contribute to radiation therapy and wonder if I had Proton Radiation instead Photon I would not have this additonal areas. I am fortunate that the therapist is: CLT, Lana qualified, Norton Certified, and experienced in and treats mainly H&N and CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy)
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4 Reactions@jaybb1 Oh wow! Good for you. Twice a week! I went once a week and really had ups and downs. Hopefully by going twice you'll habe a smooth recovery. I'm so jealous 😂😂
@sandy8043 thank you Sandy. I believe that their norm IS 1x week. Suspect that I was assigned 2x a week because there are 3 areas of treatment: neck& face, shoulder, upper chest. Pump and compression material has been ordered. Told I would be self managing this for rest of life. Thanks for providing Link.
@jaybb1 Six months ago I knew nothing about MLD, CDT, Radiation Therapy, lymphedema, etc. Likewise, I did not know about Tongue cancer (endocarcinoma). I so now. Many hour of reseach and reading good postings from people on this site. Thank you everyone.
Did not know if it would be helpful to anyone to review the criteria I used in searching for a CLT that I just identifed a few days ago. Here is my criteria-
1. Must be a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) that mainly does H&N.
2. Many years of experience doing H&N Therapy.
3. Must take a CDT (Certified Decongestive Therapy) approach
4. Must be certified by one of the better programs (ie Norton). I understand that there are programs out there that are, unfortunately, 100% on-line with no classroom experience
5. Must do MLD, not mainly motion exercises.
6. Must be LANA certified (Lymphedema Association of North America), OR incorporate their Guidelines.
7. If possible, multiple visits per week is perferred.
8. Provide handout material.
IF the Therapist is missing one of these points, I am ready to find another Therapist. My Search revealed there are not many who are out there.