1. < Head & Neck Cancer
Profile picture for thefarmer

Ten years after throat radiation and ongoing damage

Posted by thefarmer @thefarmer, Apr 10 11:30am

After 10 years of coping with expected radiation damage, I have developed a mysterious pain that began as a spot near my right shoulder blade. It then moved to include my left and now covers my upper back and neck to under arms. Doctors have not been able to tell me what's going on. Has anyone here had similar pain? My radiation was to right toncil and back of tongue.

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

Profile picture for jw9
jw9 | @jw9 | Apr 27 11:53am
In reply to @smittyfromcuse "Thank you for posting this. I am two years post treatment next week. Also an avid..." + (show)
Profile picture for smittyfromcuse @smittyfromcuse

Thank you for posting this. I am two years post treatment next week. Also an avid weightlifter and concerned about long term radiation effects. I had a neck dissection as well as radiation so concerned about carotid issues down the road. It sure beats the alternative but from this and many other posts it seems vigilance is needed to detect issues down the road.

Jump to this post

@smittyfromcuse (I'm also from 'cuse!) Take good care. I listened to my oncologist when I had R-side neck/throat radiation 30 years ago. I met so many people in waiting rooms who told me I was going to lose all my teeth, because they did. Instead I have used a prescription strength fluoride rinse first thing in the morning and last thing at night. So far, so good. I'm glad you found these message boards with Mayo Clinic. People have been through so much and share what works best. I have found that other effects of radiation have started only after 20 years. I've had some hearing loss and got hearing aids. I have muscle spasms on my cervical spine and take a muscle relaxer. I found that over time I'm able to cope with these things as a part of being grateful to be alive. Wishing you much healing.

REPLY
Profile picture for jw9
jw9 | @jw9 | Apr 27 12:03pm
In reply to @mojo244 "Have seen a neurologist yet? I have extensive radiation damage to my neck which causes pain..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jody aka mojo244 @mojo244

Have seen a neurologist yet? I have extensive radiation damage to my neck which causes pain throughout my shoulders.
I am on Botox injections for my chronic migraine but my last visit she put my entire amount of Botox in my neck in hopes of calming the muscles. I still have the migraine but my neck is WAY better!
MOJO

Jump to this post

I didn't have help for upper back/cervical spine muscle spasms until I saw a neurologist. I love that you brought this up!
I had extensive radiation treatments to my right head and neck, actually burned my throat and lost hair that never grew back. This was 30 years ago. My current ENT told me that treatments now would not be as extensive. But, I have never had a recurrence. I had a parotid gland carcinoma.
Because I saw a neurologist who understood radiation side effects, he prescribed Baclofen, a muscle relaxer that especially helps spasms along the spine. He told me it is usually helpful for people with MS.
He also prescribed a migraine med but with the muscle spasms relieved I hardly have migraines.
The key here is finding a practitioner who understands these kind of side effects from radiation.
I'm glad your neck is better! You might find in time the migraines are fewer.

REPLY
Profile picture for jw9
jw9 | @jw9 | Apr 27 12:10pm
In reply to @thefarmer "Thank you. I have managed without professional massage, but do have hardened neck muscle that causes..." + (show)
Profile picture for thefarmer @thefarmer

Thank you. I have managed without professional massage, but do have hardened neck muscle that causes me to be unable to hold my head upright like normal or to turn my head to the left or right full range. Pain is a constant but it is controllable so far. Thanks for sharing

Jump to this post

@thefarmer Thank you for describing your difficulty with holding your head upright, or with movement side to side. It affirms for me what I've been through! I was 34 when I had surgery and radiation for R parotid gland carcinoma. Over time I have experienced the same side effects. 30 years later I still have pain and stiffness. I've done physical therapy at times, massage too. I found it was very helpful to learn self massage for lymphedema. I now take a muscle relaxer, Baclofen. A neck and shoulders heating pad has been good too.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.