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

So sorry to hear that the doctor can no longer help. Please don’t stop reading. If you open the King James Bible the 1611 version and open it at Mark 6:13 you will find a possible solution to your problem. Anointing for healing consists of getting virgin olive oil (oil of our people)take a small amount and asking God to bless it, and use that blessed oil
( small amount on his forehead) and ask the LORD to anoint and heal and return his appetite to your husband with his agreement to do this.
I’m praying for you both
GOD bless

I am so glad to find this website with real problems, by real people. My story concerns my husband. He had surgery for a carcinoma on top of his head with 17 radiation treatments. Following the treatments he completely lost his appetite for food. He had every kind of test, in hospital and out. Was prescribed all kinds of medicine, even Marinol (marijuana without the THC). Nothing has helped. The doctors have basically said we have done everything, and don't have a solution for him. He is slowly wasting away. He weighs 89 pounds now. I didn't know that a person could live at that weight.
Is there anyone out there that has experienced not having an appetite after radiation treatment?
Thanks

Radiation going OK so far? A bit freaky being strapped to a table whilst everyone leaves the room isn't it? And they always say "Just relax".

Hi Vsamples, I did have osteonecrosis which I finally had resolved two years ago with a day-long surgery and several follow-ups. Neuropathy in various sectors finally either worked themselves out or I just plain got so used to it it goes unnoticed. But I am almost 22 years out now. At six years it was still a battle. I hear you. The creepy-crawlies on the face, neck, and arms, I think the CIA should adapt as information extraction tools.
We walk this world a bit broken and as we meet people or associates we think that everyone else is doing just fine. So when they ask how we are doing we say we are fine or coping or on-the-mend and we give a pirate smile as best we can do. And later we go home and cry a bit over self pity until we realize that many people have issues and hopefully ours will get better. And speaking for myself, they do get better.
I wish for you improvement day by day, year by year. Enjoy life best you can. Maybe not ride a bull named Fu Man Chu but at least watch someone else do that crazy thing. In time (years) it should all get better. Stay on this forum and help others I hope. Keep in touch.

I’m 6 years out from radiation and have been hit hard. Necrosis of the tongue, osteonecrosis, and radiation induced brachial plexus neuropathy. Have you had any of those?

Did you have an option for surgery?

hello everyone, i was under the impression that all would be well after my surgery too, which was the radical neck dissection to the right side of the thyroid. i am in severe pain each and evry morning on the right side, lets up some after movement but when i start to do small things the pain just radiates to my back. thing is i know the radiation that you have had will not be the same radiation that i have to get which is 1131 radioactive iodine pill. since it goes down the throat i feel i will be having the same trouble as everyone else on here, has anyone had this radioactive pill? i am already having trouble swallowing, i have no voice, have alot of coughing spells. my mouth is so dry and i just can't imagine how it will be after the pill from what i read everyone else saying on here. i am already set up with the sour lemon candies, thing is my TSH was low so now i have to stay on the low iodine diet for another week before i can do the radioactive iodine pill. thank you for listening and wish everyone wellness and happiness as we not have to accept our new normal.

You are correct that getting back to life is not that simple. It’s like coming back from a war zone only cleaner perhaps.
Your taste should return to near normal in a few months. The other issues usually work themselves out eventually also. The fatigue is the body healing so ten hour night sleeps might take a little life reschedule. That should get better within six months. Docs like to state shorter time for healing but I think that is positive talk run amuck.
Anyway it sounds like you are on the right path. Remember you can always ask about anything about this process. I am here.

William thanks for asking how I’m doing. I’m keeping my weight stable and able to eat most everything by taking small bites and eating slowly. Nothing tastes very good but I eat anyway and keep trying different foods hoping some taste buds will wake up soon. Fatigue is my biggest symptom right now. I’m back to work and exercising but I don’t have the same energy I used to. I’m also thinking about talking to a therapist. I’m just now starting to mentally process what happened the last 6 months. I tend to keep things to myself and minimize my issues. My reaction to this is it’s over now get back to life but it’s not that simple. But I know I’m very fortunate and grateful to be alive so I’ll deal with the lingering and long term issues and try to enjoy life.

Head and neck cancer seems to be rather unique in the after effects of treatment, most likely because we are treated in a very touchy area. We need to breath, eat, talk, and all that entails whilst the treatment attacks these necessary functions. It’s no wonder that cancer experts often have little idea why we have issues when others don’t.
I was the first H&N cancer for my oncologist and I understand by the time he retired he only had one more. It’s not a common cancer, except of course for this group.
Don’t get too discouraged. At least you have people here to bounce questions off.