Anyone have a severe earache and sore throat weeks after chemo and ra?

Posted by jersey3422 @jersey3422, Jun 11, 2023

My chemo and radiation treatments for tonsil cancer ended on April 7, 2023. I expected to feel really bad afterwards which I did. Everything I was warned about was happening, but I still kept my spirits up. After about eight weeks and a lot of weight loss I started to be able to eat little plates of food. I was actually very happy and other than being lethargic I wasn’t feeling too bad. I thought my life was coming back then bam, I got an earache and sore throat again. My tongue feels swollen also. Has anybody else experienced getting all of the same symptoms that you had before the treatments? My PCP gave me antibiotics for an ear infection, but my Oncologist said that this is normal pushback from the treatments. I haven’t had a PET since my initial diagnosis. I’m praying that it’s not back, but hearing from someone who has been here would surely help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Jun 11, 2023

Hi Jersey3422. You have been bombarded with chemo and radiation so your immune system has been taxed to the upmost. It is rather easy to catch infections such as an added sore throat or ear infections. This is part of that two steps forward and one step back most of us experienced.
Your PCP gave you antibiotics which is a good idea. Prolonged ear aches can also be attributed to blocked eustation tube(s) from radiation damage or just the healing process but this is rare.
I’m happy to hear that you are otherwise healing and getting taste/appetite back. This is all going to take months if not years rather than days or weeks with most common illnesses or injuries. Cancer and the treatment takes much longer.
You have come to the right place to read about other’s experiences and maybe pick up some ideas for your healing. I hope I or someone can offer additional advice.
Oh and I know it’s pointless to suggest but try not to worry about a return of the big C. It took me ten years to stop worrying, and that seems a little quicker than most. Good luck and good healing.