1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx

Posted by pbnew @pbnew, May 19, 2023

My brother-in-law just diagnosed with this cancer. It was caught early, no spread. Radiation recommended. We would like to hear from anyone who has experience with this. How much radiation? What are the side effects of radiation in this area? Could he lose his voice? He is a musician who sings. Thank you for any responses.

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Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | May 23, 2023
In reply to @pbnew "Thank you very much for sharing your story. Congratulations on your total remission." + (show)
@pbnew

Thank you very much for sharing your story. Congratulations on your total remission.

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If you tap on the search (magnifying glass) and type in “Larynx” you will find around 38 separate discussions over the past ten years on this very topic along with hundreds of responses. That is part of the beauty of Connect.
I see many great responses in this discussion as well.
Suggest you folks consider a feeding tube as radiotherapy progresses. Nutrition is vital whilst radiation likely will make eating difficult for a couple of months.
“Courage” as Churchill often said.

REPLY
1 reply
pbnew | @pbnew | May 23, 2023
In reply to @hrhwilliam "If you tap on the search (magnifying glass) and type in “Larynx” you will find around..." + (show)
@hrhwilliam

If you tap on the search (magnifying glass) and type in “Larynx” you will find around 38 separate discussions over the past ten years on this very topic along with hundreds of responses. That is part of the beauty of Connect.
I see many great responses in this discussion as well.
Suggest you folks consider a feeding tube as radiotherapy progresses. Nutrition is vital whilst radiation likely will make eating difficult for a couple of months.
“Courage” as Churchill often said.

Jump to this post

Thank you very much !

REPLY
ntodd | @ntodd | May 24, 2023
In reply to @shannoncorrie "My radiation treatments were a little further up in the throat then the larynx. Treatments Monday-Friday..." + (show)
@shannoncorrie

My radiation treatments were a little further up in the throat then the larynx. Treatments Monday-Friday for seven weeks. First two weeks I didn't notice much difference other then what I had initially had difficulty swallowing. Third week my voice began to change and feeling tired my neck became red like a sun burn. Fourth week I requested pain pills and Xanax, swallowing became more difficult voice didn't improve much. I became less interested in food and losing weight. Sixth and seventh week pretty much as week 5 but wanting to sleep more. My throat was so painful I tried smoothies and everything soft but sugar in anything felt like gas on an open wound. They gave me liquid lidocaine that can be mixed with mylanta to sooth the throat, very helpful. I lost 30 pounds between December till now. My journey is not done I went for a checkup and Thursday I'm having a biopsy same spot again as my throat never really healed not because of what they did or didn't do with radiation it's just sometimes you have one that's resistant and comes back. I'm scared as shit because I'm told if it's cancer they want to remove my voice box. I'm not sure I have that kind of fight left in me any more. That's me tho. I don't mean to frighten you but no lie the emotional toll is heavy as well as the physical and spiritually. Please be a good listener let him know your there for him, let him get mad, upset, confused because he will. I hope for the best and remember everyone's healing is different.

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My thoughts are with you at this moment, it is a hard fight. But it is one you can win, a positive outlook is a great help in any healing.
I have been told in a very late phone call this evening (unusual for specialists to call) that the tissue in my Larynx has become Necrotic and no longer truly viable. The answer from a panel of specialists a little earlier in the week look at all the aspects of my prognosis and agreed that removal or maybe at best a partial removal of the Larynx.
Should you come to this point look at all the positives and your longer term survival. You need to keep a watch on your weight and try and keep your strength up. More power to you in this fight, sending my best.

REPLY
1 reply
pbnew | @pbnew | May 25, 2023
In reply to @ntodd "My thoughts are with you at this moment, it is a hard fight. But it is..." + (show)
@ntodd

My thoughts are with you at this moment, it is a hard fight. But it is one you can win, a positive outlook is a great help in any healing.
I have been told in a very late phone call this evening (unusual for specialists to call) that the tissue in my Larynx has become Necrotic and no longer truly viable. The answer from a panel of specialists a little earlier in the week look at all the aspects of my prognosis and agreed that removal or maybe at best a partial removal of the Larynx.
Should you come to this point look at all the positives and your longer term survival. You need to keep a watch on your weight and try and keep your strength up. More power to you in this fight, sending my best.

Jump to this post

Thank you for sharing your story.

REPLY
Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | May 25, 2023

I must apologize as I see this is not your first rodeo with the big "C". You know the routine and you know there is help here. I am frustrated as I am sure you are that you have to deal with cancer a second time. Sending hugs is the best I can do. We should change your handle to pbnew-part2.

REPLY
1 reply
pbnew | @pbnew | May 25, 2023
In reply to @hrhwilliam "I must apologize as I see this is not your first rodeo with the big "C"...." + (show)
@hrhwilliam

I must apologize as I see this is not your first rodeo with the big "C". You know the routine and you know there is help here. I am frustrated as I am sure you are that you have to deal with cancer a second time. Sending hugs is the best I can do. We should change your handle to pbnew-part2.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I started this discussion for my brother-in-law. His screen name is cberry211

REPLY
shielashepperd | @shielashepperd | May 28, 2023
In reply to @shannoncorrie "My radiation treatments were a little further up in the throat then the larynx. Treatments Monday-Friday..." + (show)
@shannoncorrie

My radiation treatments were a little further up in the throat then the larynx. Treatments Monday-Friday for seven weeks. First two weeks I didn't notice much difference other then what I had initially had difficulty swallowing. Third week my voice began to change and feeling tired my neck became red like a sun burn. Fourth week I requested pain pills and Xanax, swallowing became more difficult voice didn't improve much. I became less interested in food and losing weight. Sixth and seventh week pretty much as week 5 but wanting to sleep more. My throat was so painful I tried smoothies and everything soft but sugar in anything felt like gas on an open wound. They gave me liquid lidocaine that can be mixed with mylanta to sooth the throat, very helpful. I lost 30 pounds between December till now. My journey is not done I went for a checkup and Thursday I'm having a biopsy same spot again as my throat never really healed not because of what they did or didn't do with radiation it's just sometimes you have one that's resistant and comes back. I'm scared as shit because I'm told if it's cancer they want to remove my voice box. I'm not sure I have that kind of fight left in me any more. That's me tho. I don't mean to frighten you but no lie the emotional toll is heavy as well as the physical and spiritually. Please be a good listener let him know your there for him, let him get mad, upset, confused because he will. I hope for the best and remember everyone's healing is different.

Jump to this post

Hello I am so sorry about your journey. Its not fair but we can't think this way. Stay strong.
I would eradicate your resisting tumor if they find it. They can repair the voice box. You can do PT down the road to get your voice smooth again. I would also ask about Robotic surgery if they work around it. My guess this has been discussed though.
We will pray for you and hope for a positive outcome.

REPLY
sharkman | @sharkman | May 29, 2023
In reply to @winstonbuffy "I have it in my tonsil and starting 7 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy also. Thank..." + (show)
@winstonbuffy

I have it in my tonsil and starting 7 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy also. Thank you for the positive end result God Bless

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I am 6 weeks post treatment : chemo and radiation. I have since stopped losing weight. I am maintaining weight, not gaining yet. Eating is still an issue due to blisters forming in mouth every time I eat food. They go away about an hour after eating. Taste is starting to come back. Still use magic mouthwash as needed with blister flare-up.
Has any one experienced these blisters that come and go?

REPLY
2 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 29, 2023
In reply to @sharkman "I am 6 weeks post treatment : chemo and radiation. I have since stopped losing weight...." + (show)
@sharkman

I am 6 weeks post treatment : chemo and radiation. I have since stopped losing weight. I am maintaining weight, not gaining yet. Eating is still an issue due to blisters forming in mouth every time I eat food. They go away about an hour after eating. Taste is starting to come back. Still use magic mouthwash as needed with blister flare-up.
Has any one experienced these blisters that come and go?

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Welcome @sharkman, you might find some helpful tips with blister flare-ups in this related discussion:
- Mouth Sores from chemo: When do they go away? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mouth-sores/

And this older discussion:
- Mouth sores, no taste and no saliva and other side effects https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-was-diagnosed-with-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-base-of-tongue-level/

Are certain types of food better than others?

REPLY
jersey3422 | @jersey3422 | Jun 4, 2023
In reply to @sharkman "I am 6 weeks post treatment : chemo and radiation. I have since stopped losing weight...." + (show)
@sharkman

I am 6 weeks post treatment : chemo and radiation. I have since stopped losing weight. I am maintaining weight, not gaining yet. Eating is still an issue due to blisters forming in mouth every time I eat food. They go away about an hour after eating. Taste is starting to come back. Still use magic mouthwash as needed with blister flare-up.
Has any one experienced these blisters that come and go?

Jump to this post

I have not, but I keep having reoccurring mucus, sore throat and earache. I’m 9 weeks out of radiation and chemo. You can try Healios. It’s expensive but helps with soreness.

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