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

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@cbarton

My wife had head and neck cancer at 28 , she’s was 52 and still had side effects.
For 24 years she had zero saliva , she just became accustomed to bringing water anywhere she went.
The “lockjaw” was more severe than most. When she got cold, stressed,or made certain movements it would lock up and be like a migraine for the day.
She unfortunately had a recurrence at 52.
The proton therapy was easier than her previous radiation, only sore in a small area.
She was not able to this second go around.
I blame her outcome over Covid. When she knew there was a problem, she couldn’t get a appointment anywhere, by the time she took her out photos and sent them to md Anderson, it was to far along.
Another side effect was spicy things and cold liquids hurt.
If you feel like your concern isn’t being paid attention to by your doctor, go get a second opinion right away. Early detection is critical for a good outcome.

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Replies to "My wife had head and neck cancer at 28 , she’s was 52 and still had..."

I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know it’s not your fault. I had the same issue, but with insurance. A simple tonsil removal turned into weeks of radiation and chemo. It could’ve been so much easier on my body. Still I’m grateful to be alive. My heart aches for you.

Sounds like everything I have gone through. Thank God for mayo. No one in my area wanted to help me do to my trismus. Since you can't open your mouth we don't know what to do. 5 years of pain and burning. Teeth falling out or breaking or infections in them. Some day I will have new teeth and be able to eat real foods. I'm sorry you guys are going through all this. My cancer was stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the sinus cavity. 30 treatments of radiation. Thank God I'm cancer free but it has been rough. God bless you