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throat/tongue pain

arndog64
arndog64 CSN Member Posts: 537
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
How long did your throat/tongue hurt after radiation? My husband said his throat and tongue still hurts like heck. He is taking 4 hydros a day for pain. He is 9 months out. The doc told him to watch his tongue and make sure it does not get infected. I am just wondering, the body is an amazing healing machine. What is it, about radiation that causes sooo much pain so far out?
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Comments

  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 CSN Member Posts: 3,228 Member
    #2
    Crystal, because radiation
    Crystal, because radiation destroys (burns) not only the cancer, but good tissue, as well. My tongue still hurts and I've been out almost three years. I was still on my pain patch at a year out. I think I was on it for about 15 months or so. I was just given a mouth and tongue exam by my radiation oncologist on Thursday. He stated that my tongue has never regained it's normal functions or look. It probably won't. It's smooth, and doesn't look like a tongue with normal taste buds, it's not the same color it used to be, my mouth is drier than dust, which also aggravates my tongue, my tongue has scar tissue from the radiation, etc....... In short, my tongue has got issues. I'm sure your hubby could have some of the same issues.
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  • George_Baltimore
    George_Baltimore CSN Member Posts: 303
    #3
    Hydrocodone
    I am going on 8 years of remission. A few years ago, I started taking Hydrocodone again, not because of the tongue but because of the throat. I have a general hoarseness all the time. I go through between 40 and 60 mgs in the space of 24 hours. A couple years ago, I tried a total of 120 Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments. It ended up helping a little but I still have discomfort. I hope his heals completely but don't count on any time period.
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  • jim and i
    jim and i CSN Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #4
    So sorry he is still in
    So sorry he is still in pain. I hate this disease! Praying the pain gets much better.

    Debbie
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  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey CSN Member Posts: 729 Member
    #5
    jim and i said:

    So sorry he is still in
    So sorry he is still in pain. I hate this disease! Praying the pain gets much better.

    Debbie

    What a Pain
    So sorry to hear he is still suffering this far out. Have you thought about maybe getting some stronger pain meds? My nurse told me not to be a hero, but to use whatever meds will work to relieve the pain. So far I've been able to get by on the Norco 10/325 but reserve the right to ask for oxycodone if it gets too bad. (they offered that and I refused)

    I hope you are able to find him some relief soon.

    Tommy
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