swallon neck

mechanicman2

Hi, I am new to the forum! My husband had cancer on the base of his tongue. Had that removed and a radical neck disection. Now his neck is very swollen and he is really having a hard time with it. We have been to the emergency room twice and dicussed it with his Dr's. He is really having a tough time with this. They say there is nothing they can do. He had gotten to the point where he could swallow his pill's but now it is hard again. Under his chin is very hard. We are going into the hospital tomorrow to have his feeding tube put in and the port for the chemo. Has anyone else had this problem. Can you give us any idea's. We are desperate. Thanks

KTeacher

Welcome
Welcome to the club that nobody wants to join. You have found a good resource for information and support. First, on page 3 of Topics there is a HNC Superthread. So much information that is helpful in this journey. Thank you for being proactive for your husband, I am sorry for his pain, hopefully medical professionals can help soon. Stay on the board and keep us informed. I am sure you will get more responses soon.

katenorwood

Welcome !
Hello !
A radical neck disection is a rough surgery. I'm glad you found this site. Alot of good information here ! I can only say with time things will improve...I would suggest you ask for a therapist for the swelling asap. They can watch for any problems (if they arise) It is a tough road. Warmest thoughts for your husband and yourself ! Katie

hwt

katenorwood said:

Welcome !
Hello !
A radical neck disection is a rough surgery. I'm glad you found this site. Alot of good information here ! I can only say with time things will improve...I would suggest you ask for a therapist for the swelling asap. They can watch for any problems (if they arise) It is a tough road. Warmest thoughts for your husband and yourself ! Katie

I am sure the feeding tube
I am sure the feeding tube will be a relief. I have hardness in my neck and it sometimes feels like I have a bag of nickels hanging on my jaw but then I had a surgery to replace my jaw with titanium and the fibula from my leg. I haven't had swelling in my neck but have had it in my jaw for several weeks following the surgery. Has your husband seen a physical therapist yet? Mine helped with exercises and stretch bands to help loosen the tightness between my neck and shoulder. Wish I could be more help.

Tim6003

hwt said:

I am sure the feeding tube
I am sure the feeding tube will be a relief. I have hardness in my neck and it sometimes feels like I have a bag of nickels hanging on my jaw but then I had a surgery to replace my jaw with titanium and the fibula from my leg. I haven't had swelling in my neck but have had it in my jaw for several weeks following the surgery. Has your husband seen a physical therapist yet? Mine helped with exercises and stretch bands to help loosen the tightness between my neck and shoulder. Wish I could be more help.

Hi mech ..
I had Base of Tongue, no surgery but radiation and Erbitux ...I had a feeding tube put in before treatments and glad I did.

I'm no doctor ..but I recall when I did try to eat my mouth after treatments it just seemed to agitate my throat and cause swelling..then I would get scared I could not breath or swallor and then it would just compound the whole durn thing into me wanting to go to the ER.

I was prescribed a medication that helped me relax and I swear it helped ....it seemed to help me breathe and just settle down. I was fortunate bc I had the tube I could just not eat via mouth and get my nutrition from my stomach tube.

The greatest comfort I can share is it will pass!! Whispered a prayer for you husband ...tell him many of us have been there and we undertand..it is very hard not to get concerned, worked up or even panicky in all of this ...

Best,

Tim