Hi,
I had chemo (doxorubicin once a week for 6 weeks) and 33 days of radiation for anaplastic thyroid cancer. This was after Thyroidectomy and neck dissection during which a tracheostomy was done due to the tumor infiltrating the trachea. I could have had the trach removed prior to radiation but the doctors recommended leaving it in in case of swelling. I am very happy I left it in because the swelling from the radiation was very extensive. I think I would have had trouble breathing had it not been in there. I’m six months post treatment now and there is still some swelling. Luckily I have had no problem with swallowing other than discomfort when eating while going through treatment. I can’t predict for you whether the treatment will affect your mom’s ability to swallow but radiation definitely can cause swelling. I hope this information helps and I hope whatever treatment she receives is successful!

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