Rhinectomy

macmanrick

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,

CivilMatt

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

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

water & swallowing

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

Matt

macmanrick

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

One Year NED

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

DanceSkater

GREAT !!

That's great news Rick !!  Congrats !!

macmanrick

DanceSkater said:

GREAT !!

That's great news Rick !!  Congrats !!

Thank you, hope you are well

Thank you, hope you are well also!