← Return to Radiation side effects with H&N cancer. When will they ever end?

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@ntodd

Oh so many of the symptoms. After what seemed like an eternity, actually twelve months, they finally discovered I had a very aggressive squamous Cell Carcinoma radiating down from under my right jawline. The little sucker used my Tri-Geminal nerve as a very nice conductor. The pain apart from being weird, caused no end of pain. It is unsure if the Tumour or the radiation did the damage, but the Myeloid coating on the nerve has gone. I had what the technician called "The heaviest Radiation Dose he had ever dispensed"

I am left with lifelong pain as the coating won't recover, also the scaring on my larynx and constant problems with Infection and Fungal growths. I am presently on a new form of anti-fungal which seems to be improving the problem. The other is opposite to most of you. I have excessive saliva and a constant problem with Mucus.
The Mucus is so bad it forms and at times almost blocks my airway, which creates a huge coughing fit which aggravates my whole larynx and so the problem goes on.

This is now my 3rd year after Radiation and Chemo and each year a biopsy has been done as the ENT Docs believe my Larynx has gone rogue and needs to come out. Both the earlier times I have refused saying life is about quality not quantity and I will go with all the nasty bits still in. In all earlier tests it came back as negative for a tumour anyway. This year to be sure they have ordered a second biopsy as they expect to find the cancer with or without my help.

Between my constant cough and the ongoing extreme pain along with the excessive use of Kleenex now my complete loss of voice from all the above Life doesn't seem to hold any form of quality and it is just one ongoing trip to the doctor for no energy, pain management or referral for more pain killers. It is my firm hope the rest of you do not get into my situation.. Wishing all a speedy successful recovery.

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Replies to "Oh so many of the symptoms. After what seemed like an eternity, actually twelve months, they..."

@ntodd, your symptoms could describe most of us that went through radiation for head and neck cancer. If you desire to go on my profile, you will see a detailed history of the symptoms and outcome I experienced...and still do. Ultimately, approximately two years ago I was given a tracheotomy. This has been a Godsend for getting that nasty mucus out. It is now accessible! I know that the thought of having a Trach-tube is nauseating, but it is a huge relief compared to the trapped mucus. Most days, I hardly notice it is there. Yet, the ongoing lung infections from trapped mucus have been alleviated. Best wishes to you.

ntodd, I am at a loss for words. While most of us have a good outcome, not all of us do. Your life becomes a daily struggle. Then we have to ask if we are better today than last week or last month and hopefully the answer is yes. And if it is not so, then I am at a loss. I am the guy in the bleachers watching you in the race, hoping that you continue, knowing that each step is difficult or almost impossible.
Yet here you are, on this forum looking for answers but also helping others who have questions. So I know you are still in the race. I can't carry you but I can listen to you, watch you, and pray for you. You always have all of us broken folks to vent to. You are not alone.