Need some help

mwellsg
mwellsg Member Posts: 66
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I am about 8 weeks out after completing radiation (35 treatments) and chemo for tumor at base of tongue metastasized to both side lymph nodes. Feeling better, putting weight back on, working, getting back to my life - BUT - tonight I look in the mirror and I am swollen under my chin big time. It doesn't hurt, but looks like h*** and worries me. Anybody know what's going on? I know my salivary glands are still fried and have the dry mouth blues. Also, just went to the beach for a few days. Was careful with the sun, but did get in the water. Appreciate the help.

Comments

  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #2
    Could it be that 'turkey
    Could it be that 'turkey neck' or Lymphadema that everyone talks about? It didn't happen to me after rads, but quite a few here have had that, maybe they will chime in. I just wanted to say 'hi!', send you a hug and wish you well. Glad you are done with treatment now. Going to the beach sounds like a nice getaway.
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    #3
    sweetblood22 said:

    Could it be that 'turkey
    Could it be that 'turkey neck' or Lymphadema that everyone talks about? It didn't happen to me after rads, but quite a few here have had that, maybe they will chime in. I just wanted to say 'hi!', send you a hug and wish you well. Glad you are done with treatment now. Going to the beach sounds like a nice getaway.

    Lymphadema
    I reckon Sweets is spot on with. You can get Lymphatic drainage massage to help but it will eventually go away.

    Scam
  • mwellsg
    mwellsg Member Posts: 66
    #4
    thanks guys
    i get wired up now with every little bump. any ideas other than massage are welcome too. anything topical?, ... thanks
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
    Scambuster said:

    Lymphadema
    I reckon Sweets is spot on with. You can get Lymphatic drainage massage to help but it will eventually go away.

    Scam

    Turkey

    Ha ha ha I think we all get a little turkey now and then, I still got some of mine

    Hondo
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #6
    mwellsg said:

    thanks guys
    i get wired up now with every little bump. any ideas other than massage are welcome too. anything topical?, ... thanks

    Hi mwellsg

    We all get a little up tight if and wend we see something that might be a reminder of what once was. Just kick back and relax and enjoy the rest of your life.

    Take care
    Hondo
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #7
    mwellsg said:

    thanks guys
    i get wired up now with every little bump. any ideas other than massage are welcome too. anything topical?, ... thanks

    Time
    It'll deminish mostly over time....8 - 12 months it'll all be but gone....of course you'll probably have a little L'Hermett'es thrown in for good measure...

    You are officially welcome in to the "Turkey Neck Club"....

    The lymphatic system will eventually find new avenues to drain and lessen the swelling....

    Best,
    John
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #8
    Skiffin16 said:

    Time
    It'll deminish mostly over time....8 - 12 months it'll all be but gone....of course you'll probably have a little L'Hermett'es thrown in for good measure...

    You are officially welcome in to the "Turkey Neck Club"....

    The lymphatic system will eventually find new avenues to drain and lessen the swelling....

    Best,
    John

    Turkey Neck
    I am 15 month's post treatment & my neck is finally calming down. My neck look's much better now. Hardly any swelling now!
  • Goalie
    Goalie Member Posts: 184
    #9
    rozaroo said:

    Turkey Neck
    I am 15 month's post treatment & my neck is finally calming down. My neck look's much better now. Hardly any swelling now!

    Wattle it be?
    Me too. I am now six months out (today!) from rads and chemo but only 3 1/2 out from the neck dissection. He took all of the lymph nodes on that side (all clean!) and so I don't drain very well there. As a result it builds up under the chin and along the jaw and neck. In fact, it builds up enough to get hard as it is so full. It's funny but I can no longer fold my pants by putting them under the chin and doubling them over. There is no "under" any more.

    One easy thing you can do is to lay down with a warm towel or cloth or hot water bottle or heating pad on the area just to sort of soften this up and make it flow. You could then try to move it with massage.

    My wife, DrMary, loves gadgets and bought an ultrasound massager that she uses on me sometimes. Other times she just uses her hands and pressure.

    I believe that there was on the list a set of prescribed exercises, perhaps from Marine? and perhaps on the Superthread?

    On the list of side effects this turkey neck, like L'Hermitte's, definitely falls into the annoying category, nothing like dry mouth and such. Good luck. Doug
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #10
    Goalie said:

    Wattle it be?
    Me too. I am now six months out (today!) from rads and chemo but only 3 1/2 out from the neck dissection. He took all of the lymph nodes on that side (all clean!) and so I don't drain very well there. As a result it builds up under the chin and along the jaw and neck. In fact, it builds up enough to get hard as it is so full. It's funny but I can no longer fold my pants by putting them under the chin and doubling them over. There is no "under" any more.

    One easy thing you can do is to lay down with a warm towel or cloth or hot water bottle or heating pad on the area just to sort of soften this up and make it flow. You could then try to move it with massage.

    My wife, DrMary, loves gadgets and bought an ultrasound massager that she uses on me sometimes. Other times she just uses her hands and pressure.

    I believe that there was on the list a set of prescribed exercises, perhaps from Marine? and perhaps on the Superthread?

    On the list of side effects this turkey neck, like L'Hermitte's, definitely falls into the annoying category, nothing like dry mouth and such. Good luck. Doug

    Yes, I put Marine's
    Yes, I put Marine's instructions and massage info on the superthread.

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