Swallowing issues

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dgg
dgg Member Posts: 3
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer of the larynx Jan. of '13.  Did 35 rads plus 3 chemos followed by neck dissection Dec. of '13.  About a week ago I noticed my right eye is droopy and speech is a bit slurred because the right side of my tongue doesn't work quite right.  Have had trouble swallowing all along.  Have been NED since the neck dissection.  I've followed this fantastic board for over a year, but this is my first post.  Has anyone experienced this?  What treatment was recommended and did it work?  Have an apt. with ENT next week and want to be as informed as possible.

Thanks.

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  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #2
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    DGG

    My primary tx was 2012. About a month ago my one eye drooped, speech slurred, hearing impaired on one side, asipating, trismus worsened and that side of face swollen. Dx was cellulitus from yeast infection.

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #3
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    dgg, the only problem i have

    dgg, the only problem i have like you is swallowing.  my last rad tx was 10/22/9.  i still have a hard time swallowing.  i have my throat stretched every few months to help but it doesn't last long before it must be done again.  i just had it stretched, cut and scar tissue removed 2 weeks ago today.  unfortunately, that didn't help much either as my pills still get stuck in my throat.  ent said i will have this problem forever.  i hope you are able to get some answers to your questions/problems.  cancer tx is not kind and unfortunately, just because they're over, doesn't mean the side effects are.  we pay a lot to be cancer free, don't we.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
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    I'm glad you have an appt

    with your ENT in a short time.  Chances are this is a side-effect of treatment.....but I'm the paranoid type, so think all changes should be investigated.  Please let us know how it goes.

    p

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #5
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    welcome the unwelcome swallowing issues

    dgg,

    Welcome to the H&N forum and if you can swallow that you are going to be OK.

    I was stage IVa, scc, bot, 1 lymph node & hpv+ (surgery, Erbitux & rads).  I have been working diligently on swallowing for 2 ½ years and I am pretty good at it. I am still drinking well over a gallon of water a day (it feels like a gallon a meal).

    I would expect you to have more good days than bad days, with positive movement toward the better.

    Matt

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