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Anyone have (non-cancerous) ulcer of a radiated throat years later?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
@thomason, Wishing you a non-eventfull scoping with very promising results. Proton radiation is very focused so only half my facial and neck area was zapped. I will never know if I had undergone standard radiation if I would have had a better outcome. When I got the results of my tongue biopsy I was diagnosed with "bizarre cells", caused by radiation. At that time my ENT just removed the growth at the surface. Not long after the growth reappeared and getting larger rubbing against one of the few teeth I had left on that side of my mouth causing pain. This time it was off to the operating room and an area of my tongue was excised. The tissue was benign, but would have turned cancerous in time. Following that surgery I lost 3 more teeth. My speech is definitely effected. The list of my side effects is long, but I have come to the conclusion that my life sucks, so get used to it. When I read of the problems others are going through, mine seem miniscule in comparison. So I need to be grateful, for not being worse off. When you are feeling lousy, go eat a pint of of your favorite icecream. You may find you are one of the fortunate patients who improve and never have to look back.
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@pampou I recently watched an interview with William Shatner (Captain Kirk), where he was asked if he feared death. The interviewer seemed genuinely surprised when Mr. Shatner answered "yes." He went on to explain that the uncertainty is what makes it frightening—everyone’s end is different. Some pass quietly in their sleep, while others go through a very difficult struggle.
It seems so much like radiation therapy in that way. The outcomes vary so drastically: some people suffer terrible complications, like having their epiglottis fuse to their throat wall and losing the ability to eat, while others are fortunate enough to regain their quality of life.
One thing is certain—I don't even pretend to comprehend the randomness of it all. It shows how truly empathetic you are when you mention being grateful that your symptoms aren't as bad as what others endure.
Thank you so much for your kind, positive words to me. At 67 years old, I have to admit that I'm getting a bit too tired to keep climbing those stairs just to go down the slide again.
Thank you again. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep me in yours. This forum has been a real lifesaver in so many ways. Meeting great people such as yourself make it all worthwhile.