3 weeks Laryngitis or Hoarse voice: Late side effect of radiation?

Rather common to have voice issues from my experience. I even went to an otolarag??? voice technician because I use my voice in factory training sessions. It took a couple of years (yes, years) before my new normal became normal.
I understand how difficult these adjustments to life can be. In addition, and I am sure everyone in this group will agree, that every little thing from here on out is not cancer, although you will think that it is. Your body must heal and this will take literally years. But you my friend will be on the green side of the grass and will have a new normal along with an entirely new outlook on life.
I am not saying "don't complain." Heck, that is what we are here for. I for one am glad you are with us in life to complain. I hope we can help you through all of the little unique struggles you will have as a neck radiation survivor. We have all been through it. Good luck and good healing.

@hrhwilliam - I’m no stranger to cancer “cure” side effects, this is my second cancer in 3 years since being diagnosed with NHL in 2019 and enduring chemo and the various effects on my body and from it. Ironically, it was on my two year anniversary of ringing the bell that I was diagnosed with my latest go round after complaining of slight lump in my throat and increased difficulty in swallowing. So, sometimes, “every little thing” IS cancer and after two strikes, your outlook becomes a bit more jaded.

I understand and I agree. These forums do not allow for enough background information for informed conversation and advice. One can only generalize and hope it helps someone.

I had the same problem. Still do almost every morning, but it clears up and only bothers me if I talk a lot. Give it time.

I was also diagnosed with squamous cell cancer at the base of my tongue and did the 30 rounds of radiation between 23 Jan thru 25 March, 2017.
The affects of my radiation treatment were tough but I made it thru it. I had the saliva issues and the changing in voice. The saliva issue continues to
this day but I began to hear my voice returning to what I thought was my pre-radiation voice around the 3 rd year. I figured I was still alive so I
wasn't too concerned. I just had my 5 year exam and so far so good. My experience had several ups and downs but taking it one day at a time made
it doable. Hang in there, things will get better just give it time like 'nleejewell' has suggested. Take Care!

@fwpoole, I noticed that you posted the same message in the ENT group as well. I merged the two topics together and the discussion appears in both groups so that you need only follow all comments in one place.

It must be frustrating and concerning to discover a new (late) side effect so long after radiation is completed. Has your voice returned since you originally posted about this issue? Have you seen a speech language pathologist in the past? I can't remember.

Hi. My Doctor did tell me it might take a few weeks after radiation to get the effects of it. Maybe that’s one of them. I know you posted in February. Did your voice return? How was you treatment? Much weight loss or difficulty swallowing? I also have squamous cell carcinoma at the base of my tongue with some attachment to the epliglottis. Starting my treatment in May and and very encouraged by the out prognosis.