Connect
← Return to Relief from Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome
Discussion
Relief from Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (88)Comment receiving replies
@56tburd wow .. 2 decades !!
I had radiation and chemo treatment in 2026, and late effects started in mid 2020. I was not aware of all these late effects that I am having now - and I went through a 'panic' mode in the first couple of years - but now, resigned myself to the fact that it's here to stay - and am trying to cope.
Re swallowing - am ok for the time being - cut my food into little pieces, soft food - and avoid meals or eating out in public - pretty much am on my own. Is this how you handle swallowing issues?
Also, as told my oncologist I refuse to have a feeding tube for nutrition intake.
I, too, am glad that I found this site!!
Take care!!
Replies to "@56tburd wow .. 2 decades !! I had radiation and chemo treatment in 2026, and late..."
Connect
@josk The time might come when there is no other way to receive proper nutrition. I too refused even the thought of a feeding tube and held off for almost too long. Finally in 2024 after being hospitalized for the second time for aspiration pneumonia. I agreed. At that time I had become too frail to fight off any respiratory diseases and even smoothies had difficulty going down. I had lost 30 lbs. in less than 6 months. After getting the tube I thought it would extend my life long enough to get my things in order before passing. Then it dawned on me that I was gaining weight and energy and I might have some good times ahead. I also became aware of the people who have lived most of their life with a tube. I'm in my second full year and feeling good and living almost a normal life. Yes, there have been issues but so far they are minor. I do hope you won't be faced with the decision of tube or die. I wish I hadn't gone so long before getting one. Take care