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Me again - one year out

mokus
mokus CSN Member Posts: 63 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I just passed my one year mark from chemo/radiation/surgery for supraglottal carcinoma.  Every oncology and ENT thus far have been NED, thankfully.  They had to slice my nodes out on the left side last January and now my neck is beginning to feel all stiff and tight again like it did right after my surgery.  Can't really say there is any trouble swallowing since different foods affect swallowing differently.  chocolate seems to really irritate my throat, as does anything else with sugar.  Right now my throat is a wee bit sore.  It was never "sore" prior to diagnosis, I just constantly had the feeling something was stuck, and I coughed a lot.  I am noticing now a small cough but hoping it is related to my addiction for those red, coconut covered Hostess Zingers.  Seems that coconut irritates my throat a little bit so maybe it is from that, but I have appointments with ENT and oncology this month and and feeling apprehensive.  Would this cold weather affect my neck with the tightening and hardening?  Scar tissue issues?  My head is spinning with worry.  I know they cannot do radiation again in that area, so what next, if something is wrong...if IT has returned?  Can chemo without radiation be effective?  I notice they have changed my appointment schedule from every two months to every three months.  Is there a recognized window of time for potential reoccurrence that they are working from?  Input, advice and recommendations greatly appreciated  Thank you

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  • CherieLW
    CherieLW CSN Member Posts: 472
    edited February 2017 #2
    My dad had radiation and

    My dad had radiation and struggles with eating. He recently went to the ent and they are doing swallow test and speech therapy. He has been done with treatment since 2014 and doc says his throat is still inflamed from radiation and will be for years to come. I hope you get done answers. My dad is on a liquid diet and using thick it to he sees ent next week again for testing. 

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