I Am Scared....

Joanielo
Joanielo Member Posts: 55
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I finished treatments for left side tonsil cancer 11 months ago.  I have been recovering nicely and all scans have been good.  All of a sudden, I feel like my throat is swollen, throat feels tight, and swallowing seems a little difficult.  It feels so much like it did when I was diagnosed.  It feels swollen on the left side again.  Did anyone else have this happen?  I wonder if it could be from radiation damage or scar tissue?  Or recurrence?  I will have to call my doctor tomorrow but I am completely freaked out that the cancer has returned.

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #2
    probably rads

    Joan,

    Yes, there are others on here who have gone through what your experiencing and it turned out normal.  To add some piece of mind contact your ENT for a quick look.  I know every time I feel something I freak out and then the doctor tells me I am fine.

    It could be you irritated your throat, by something you ate, being in changing weather, sleeping with your mouth open, etc.  That is why my ENT said to call about anything, I would.

    Best always,

    Matt

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    Once bitten...

    it's hard not to let our minds go directly to "oh crap"....but like both John and Matt said (and my ENT, too).....expect strange happenings for a least 18 months to 2 years....Get some peace of mind and call your doc.....

    p

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #4
    Hi You...

    Hard not to get scared..., but like Matt mentioned at this point it could be anything..., and many including myself have had similar. 

    You're going to have a lot of these mystery aches, pains, sore spots, etc...for awhile.

    Also like Matt said, have your ENT check you out, if nothing more than a sanity check for yourself.

    Thoughts,

    John

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #5
    joan, we all understand your

    joan, we all understand your fear as we've all been there once or twice ourselves.  luckily, it was nothing!!  rads keep working for a long time after tx so its probably just that.  i'm sure ur ent will say the same thing.  let us know.

    God bless.

    dj

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #6
    take a breath

    Hiya,

    I totally understand how it creates a fright but as others mention, have the doc take a look just to make sure it is just a typical post tx little poke. take care, don

  • Nelson Ong
    Nelson Ong Member Posts: 5
    #7
    Point fingers at Radiation

    Hi Joan, I will definitely will point my fingers to the side effects of RT.  At times, I woke

    up, I have this feeling like I find it difficult to swallow.  But then after a day or two, it just

    disappear.  I am 6 mth out and still coping post radiation effects.  But on the brighter

    note, I am exercising almost every day... running, gym workout and swimming.  Yes, till

    to date, I still felt exhausted, but I channel myself to exercising, all tireness disappears.

    GBU.  Nelson

  • Joanielo
    Joanielo Member Posts: 55
    #8
    Thank you

    Thank you friends for the responses as they really did help me relax until I could get in for the scope this morning. 

    Dr. said that she could not see any masses or anything suspect.  She said that things look really good and that there is almost no swelling. 

    I am still not sure what is causing the tight sensation in my throat but she said that she could not see anything that would cause concern.  I am scheduled for a PET scan in December so will try to enjoy life between now and then.  If it gets worse, I am to contact her. 

    Thanks again for holding my hand.  You all offer comfort that I just can't find anywhere else!

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #9
    Joanielo said:

    Thank you

    Thank you friends for the responses as they really did help me relax until I could get in for the scope this morning. 

    Dr. said that she could not see any masses or anything suspect.  She said that things look really good and that there is almost no swelling. 

    I am still not sure what is causing the tight sensation in my throat but she said that she could not see anything that would cause concern.  I am scheduled for a PET scan in December so will try to enjoy life between now and then.  If it gets worse, I am to contact her. 

    Thanks again for holding my hand.  You all offer comfort that I just can't find anywhere else!

    The Shadow Knows...

    Who knows... could be change in weather, a bit of a bug, allergies... All of the things that you used to get, but might not have the same reaction to them now...

    Glad the scope went well, and stay positivr..

    JG

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    #10
    Joanielo said:

    Thank you

    Thank you friends for the responses as they really did help me relax until I could get in for the scope this morning. 

    Dr. said that she could not see any masses or anything suspect.  She said that things look really good and that there is almost no swelling. 

    I am still not sure what is causing the tight sensation in my throat but she said that she could not see anything that would cause concern.  I am scheduled for a PET scan in December so will try to enjoy life between now and then.  If it gets worse, I am to contact her. 

    Thanks again for holding my hand.  You all offer comfort that I just can't find anywhere else!

    Swelling

    I'm having spells of random swelling in the area where the surgeries were.  I've also developed an allergy to peanut butter (which is what all doctors are thinking right now).  My throat is still coated in thick saliva each morning and my surgeon said that whith H&N Cancer that there can be random swelling, sensations of "thickness" and to not hesitate to call if I'm concerned.  He doesn't use the word "normal" because he said it's amazing how different everyone can be with side effects and long lasting effects.  I'm so glad the scope was fine and that you are doing ok :)

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #11
    TracyLynn72 said:

    Swelling

    I'm having spells of random swelling in the area where the surgeries were.  I've also developed an allergy to peanut butter (which is what all doctors are thinking right now).  My throat is still coated in thick saliva each morning and my surgeon said that whith H&N Cancer that there can be random swelling, sensations of "thickness" and to not hesitate to call if I'm concerned.  He doesn't use the word "normal" because he said it's amazing how different everyone can be with side effects and long lasting effects.  I'm so glad the scope was fine and that you are doing ok :)

    Normal....?

    He doesn't use the word "normal"

    That's because we aren't "normal"..., we are now of the Abi-Normal Clan..... Cool

    JG

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    #12
    Skiffin16 said:

    Normal....?

    He doesn't use the word "normal"

    That's because we aren't "normal"..., we are now of the Abi-Normal Clan..... Cool

    JG

    proud member

    I am a PROUD member of the abi-normal clan Cool

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