Survivor 3 yr 3 mo

Glad to hear of your 3+ years to the Positive, and your Positive comments. I be 11 years and 3 months out to the good, and can relate to your "forever side effects." Like Russ said, you might want to inquire about dilations. Also might want to get a summary report from your Rad Dr. on the amount applied and where for future reference. A quite serious side-effect hit me around 9 years out, and it was that report that told my ENT and I what caused it.

Keep that beautiful smile, and Positive attitude. Bless you.

Nancy

Glad to hear that your chugging along. I am ten years and four months out. I use to visit this site at least four to five times a week but faded away to two to four times a month. It's funny (not in reality just a figure of speech) how we grow use to our new normal, easily for some  and not so for others but thats what makes us indivduals. I can remember them telling me that whatever you haven't gained back a year out you most likely will not. Three years out I was still going through changes. Glad to see you have a great attitude as you push forward.

Jeff

nancytc said:

Hi Dave! I have been to a

Hi Dave! I have been to a speech pathologist several times and my issue is not in the area of my throat that dialation would help. I was hopeful that a dialation could be helpful, but after a swallowing study the docs shot that possibiity down, At least at this time. My struggle is higher up in my throat. I had the base of my tongue ressected and four tonsils removed before cancer treatment began to discover the location of my primary cancer. This surgery exasberated the damage from treatment with additional scar tissue. But I am not a complainer, and just use alot of mayonaisse and ranch dressing whenever eating challenging things. I also do daily throat exercises per my speech pathologist. I so appreciate your warning about the radiation's long term side effects. This is a disease/treatment for sure that one can never become complacent about as the years go by. I am so happy to have friends here that care. God Bless....Nancy

Congratulations on doing so well & so positive.  I am 4 yrs and first yr did well till I started to slew of horrible side effects.  I wish I could of had a better 3 yrs since but been extremely sick from being over treated for basically Stage 1 HPV 16+ with No tumor or lymph.  Been studied by many Drs with no help with side effects.  Permanent now.  Where were you treated.  I didn't know a thing I did it locally.  Should of gone to bigger Center.  I did complete opposite how most respond. Mayo in Fl basically told Me they would never have treated Me so aggressively.  2 Chemo drugs that did many internal problems & so much radiation nothing left in throat.  No salivary glands tho patch of skin was tiny on left side but was radiated high Gys on both sides from nose to collar bone.  It was located on left tonsil( had been removed as child) and the red patch had been there 3 yrs with no change or sickness from it.  Went in for allergies came out with over treated Cancer.  Yes, this Cancer offers the gifts that keep on giving.  Been having a rough time stay well thru this COVID-19 .  Can't cough , sneeze, don't run temps, constant stomach issues due to food intolerances made worst by 2 Chemo drugs but went thru treatments like a trooper doing far better than most.  Now an invalid.  Where you go & Drs so important.  Plus asking Me how I wanted to treat it or let Me get 2nd opinion was not in their game plan.  How ironic to not not die from a Cancer Virus to probably being taken down by another.  But so happy to hear a positive 3 yrs for you and you are living! M  Feel blessed and I'm happy for you.  And you look great!  Keep up the good work Warrior Woman.  Hugs, Lisa.  alive but not living just exist in misery.

It sounds like you faced many challenges, met them head on and are now living a full life.  Good for you!  Keep up the positive attitude and encouragement for others just entering this new and unwelcome phase of their lives.