After Effects of Radiation

Not sure what what saggy skin “like a frog “ looks like. Possibly edema? Lymph fluid? If so, there are ways through manual massage to lessen the swelling. Only your doctor can answer that. The doctor may want to send you to a lymphodema therapist specially trained in head and neck cancer. Radiation and chemo treatment is brutal and can cause skin changes, other temporary and long term side effects. Discussion with your team of doctors are critical. Always follow their advice. It will take alot of work but recovery will be smoother.Where was your husband’s cancer located? Praying for your family as this is not easy. Ive been there.

Sounds like lymphedema, a reasonably common side effect from radiation. Since cancer cells often accumulate in the lymph nodes, radiation is used to kill them, blocking the regular function of the lymph nodes.

As others said, there are ways to massage the neck to stimulate them that some find successful. I was prescribed a pneumatic device called Flexitouch Plus. For me it was extremely successful. Good luck!

Thank you ...your replies were very helpful ...
his cancer was on the back of his tongue and his had a large tumor on his neck.
I am going to check out the Flexitouch Plus

Paul's wife

The lose skin is under his chin ... has fluid in it

I don’t think any of us look quite the same after radiation, even years out.

So grateful to be alive with the after effects than the alternative without the treatment. ❤️

My ENT doctor referred me to a specialist in lymph massage. I didn't realize how stiff and painful my neck and shoulders were until I started doing self massage. Now I only have to do it from time to time.