Rhinectomy

Hi - I'm new to the board.  Three days out from a complete Rhinectomy.  I have follow up surgery Monday for lymph node dissection in the neck.  Radiation scheduled to start around Chrsitmas.

Can anyone hsare any experiences s to what to expect over the next few weeeks and about radiaton treatment?

 

Thanks,

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    edited December 2016 #2
    welcome

    macmanrick,

    Welcome to  the H&N forum, I am very sorry that you are here.

    I did go through 35 rad treatments for stage IVa, scc, bot, 1 lymph node, hpv+, along with surgery and Erbitux.

    With radiation (if you are like many of us) you can expect to lose your taste buds (starting at week 3) for a number of months, you may have difficulty swallowing and have throat, mouth and tongue discomfort.   Eating can be a chore. Being tired can be normal.  Etc., etc., etc.

    If you receive chemo the list gets bigger.

    You can feel not normal for many months.

    When all is done, you do get better and return to a new (no cancer) normal.

    Matt

  • macmanrick
    macmanrick Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2016 #3
    CivilMatt said:

    welcome

    macmanrick,

    Welcome to  the H&N forum, I am very sorry that you are here.

    I did go through 35 rad treatments for stage IVa, scc, bot, 1 lymph node, hpv+, along with surgery and Erbitux.

    With radiation (if you are like many of us) you can expect to lose your taste buds (starting at week 3) for a number of months, you may have difficulty swallowing and have throat, mouth and tongue discomfort.   Eating can be a chore. Being tired can be normal.  Etc., etc., etc.

    If you receive chemo the list gets bigger.

    You can feel not normal for many months.

    When all is done, you do get better and return to a new (no cancer) normal.

    Matt

    Thanks Matt, sounds like you

    Thanks Matt, sounds like you are doing well, I hope so.  While I can't say I'm ready for this, I'll deal with it, just want to try to prepare.

    Rick

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    water & swallowing

    start drinking water and swallowing.  Seems silly, but very important.

    Matt

  • macmanrick
    macmanrick Member Posts: 16
    CivilMatt said:

    water & swallowing

    start drinking water and swallowing.  Seems silly, but very important.

    Matt

    water and swallowing

    Thanks Matt, I'm very congested from the surgery and working at drinking and swallowing water. No chemo is scheduled, I quess that is good.

  • macmanrick
    macmanrick Member Posts: 16
    One Year NED

    Heard from the Doctor today, results of CT scan all clear.  One year NED!

  • DanceSkater
    DanceSkater Member Posts: 62
    GREAT !!

    That's great news Rick !!  Congrats !!

  • macmanrick
    macmanrick Member Posts: 16

    GREAT !!

    That's great news Rick !!  Congrats !!

    Thank you, hope you are well

    Thank you, hope you are well also!