Radiation Ulcer

nvrgvup
nvrgvup Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My husband is 6 months out from 37 radiation and 5 chemo treatments for SCC diagnosed in January for tumor on aryepiglottic fold and 2 lymph nodes. Around the 3rd month out of radiation they noticed an ulcer that formed in the left supraglottic region of his throat. The 2 lymph nodes and tumor have completely resolved. They went in and did biopsies on the area in August and the results were negative for cancer. He went through 30 Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments and antibiotics. The ulcer is still there and now they are doing more biopsies next week and are saying regardless of the area being malignant or not, he will more than likely endure surgery. A laryngectomy if it is cancerous, or another major surgery to remove ulcer and reconstruct the area. They are saying the ulcer is in result of the radiation.

He was just going back to work Friday after exhausting all his paid medical leave. He is still on peg tube and was going to speech therapy trying to regain his swallowing. This has been a major blow to his spirits as he was looking forward to going back to work to get back to some "normalcy", and he is extremely worried about the financial impact with no funds coming in.

Has anyone else been treated for these ulcers in the throat? And could you offer some advice on financial help that would be available? He is filing for longterm disablilty but we've been told that could take months.

Thank you for any feedback.

Comments

  • pamelalynne
    pamelalynne Member Posts: 1
    #2
    radiation ulcer postings
    My brother in law also has a severe throat ulcer. He has undergone 50 hyberbaric treatments, about 8 different kinds of antibiotic treatments..., mouth washes etc. nothing has helped. He cannot even drink water. New Years Eve he experienced spitting up blood and it could not be stopped. He was admitted into the hospital. Doctors are now thinking of operating and cutting the ulcer out.... which has major risks.

    1. Has anyone else had this type of non effective treatment for thoat ulcers? What helped you?

    2. Now the doctors are thinking of cutting the ulcer out has anyone had this procedure done and with what results?

    Your fast replies would be greatly appreciated since the surgery may happen later the week of Jan 2, 2012.

    Thank you SO much!!
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #3
    pamelalynne said:

    radiation ulcer postings
    My brother in law also has a severe throat ulcer. He has undergone 50 hyberbaric treatments, about 8 different kinds of antibiotic treatments..., mouth washes etc. nothing has helped. He cannot even drink water. New Years Eve he experienced spitting up blood and it could not be stopped. He was admitted into the hospital. Doctors are now thinking of operating and cutting the ulcer out.... which has major risks.

    1. Has anyone else had this type of non effective treatment for thoat ulcers? What helped you?

    2. Now the doctors are thinking of cutting the ulcer out has anyone had this procedure done and with what results?

    Your fast replies would be greatly appreciated since the surgery may happen later the week of Jan 2, 2012.

    Thank you SO much!!

    Hello, Pamela
    Sorry, but I have no info for you. I do know of a member here who had surgery after spitting up blood, but don't recall the cause of the bleeding. Hope all goes well - let us know.
  • joannaw81
    joannaw81 Member Posts: 185 Member
    #4
    Pam M said:

    Hello, Pamela
    Sorry, but I have no info for you. I do know of a member here who had surgery after spitting up blood, but don't recall the cause of the bleeding. Hope all goes well - let us know.

    what type of ucler and how big?
    6 months post radiation aftrtonsil cancer surgury and neck dissection my mom discovered a ucler on the side of her tongue, it was really small and painful and it did not want to go away, it turned out to be cancer. She had it removed in October. I'm not sure if this was similar to your situation but anything that does not heal within a month should be treated seriously.I'm no really sure about treatments in your situation.
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #5
    Your cancer center
    will have social services on staff. These people are pretty expert at financial assistance. This being the first of the year, many of the resources for financial aid have just renewed. You should talk to them right away.

    I understand the overwhelming feeling of watching your resources go away. You will get through this. It just doesn't seem like it some times.

    Wishing you both the best.

    Pat

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