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Head & neck radiation side effects continue, especially swelling

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Apr 8, 2023 | Replies (19)
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@jessskoldal

Hello!
Thank you for replying and welcoming me!
My physician has mentioned this and also referred me to a local massage therapist that gave me instructions on how to perform different massage techniques on myself. I've been following those instructions for several weeks now without seeing any improvement. The therapist did mention the flexitouch system and has started the process of seeing if my insurance will cover this device, but I haven't heard much about that yet. I just wonder of course if I'm doing these massage techniques right since I'm not seeing any improvement. It also makes me wonder if this is even a lymphatic issue at all. I just have so many questions and so few answers. When I take steroids I see a drastic improvement in the swelling which also makes me wonder about the root cause of this issue...would I see improvement with steroids if this was lymphatic related? Or does that point to it being something else? My physician has been great but of course I can't contact him with every little question I have.

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Replies to "Hello! Thank you for replying and welcoming me! My physician has mentioned this and also referred..."
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 27, 2022

Jess, I moved your question to the Head & Neck Cancer group. I did this to better connect you with others who may be able to share tips from their experiences with radiation side effects, members like @alpaca @srm @hrhwilliam @fwpoole @kco @mindyt @birdsforever @denisebriggs

You may wish to explore the discussions in the Head & Neck Cancer group here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/

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Maureen, Alumna Mentor | @alpaca | Jan 27, 2022

Hello @jessskodal. I'm afraid I have no helpful tips. I have lymphoedema under my chin after a recent head and neck surgery with 6 pages of notes on how to do the massage. Because of Covid, most of my appointments with the physio have been via Zoom and I'm not sure if I'm doing the massage right either. But mine is not a big problem and I agree yours is not like the typical lymphoedema. Flexitouch sounds worth a try though.
I can only offer solidarity and perhaps the thought that you are still close to treatment and it can take about 6 - 7 months to recover from radiotherapy to the head and neck, I was told.

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