Mom just diagnosed, need help please!

sandrafromsa
sandrafromsa Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I've been reading all the posts and I just want to thank you all for posting your experiences and advice - you all sound so amazingly strong.
My mum was diagnosed with cancer of the pharynx last week, and unfortunately she's had the symptoms time, the tumour in her throat is 12 cm. She is stage 3, with no signs of it in her lymph nodes. She is going to be starting radiation at the end of the month (7 weeks) and is pretty scared. I have been reading up on the treatment and giving her a lot to read (she doesn't do internet... or ATM machines!) so that has been helpful. Do any of you know where I can find information on what to expect from radiation on a weekly basis? Has anyone had a similar experience? I adore my mum and she is petrified and I really want to give her as much information as possible, so that she's prepared and knows what she's going to fight.

Apologies for the long post!

Sandra

Comments

  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #2
    Hello,

    I encourage you to contact the American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center. Cancer Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day and can assist you with your questions. They can be reached at 1-800-224-2345 or by clicking on the "Contact ACS" link at the top of this page.

    Take care and be well,

    Dana

    CSN Dana
  • sister39
    sister39 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    Sandra, my brother completed 35 radiation treatments for throat cancer the first week of last December. He got through the first 2 weeks relatively easily. After that he began experiencing throat pain which became severe enough to eventually make him unable to swallow any food, drink or even his own saliva.
    The radiation caused fatigue and weakness. After several weeks he had a tube inserted into his stomach so he could have liquid nutrition while his throat healed. I understand this is common although some people are lucky and continue to be able to swallow through their radiation treatment period. It took a few weeks before he was able to start swallowing water. Then he started with soft foods. He is almost back to a normal diet now and it's going on 2 months since his treatments ended.
    Hopefully your mother will be one of the lucky ones and have less severe pain than my brother experienced. Help her to understand it's a 'temporary' situation and she CAN get throught it. Good luck to her.
    Sister 39
  • sandrafromsa
    sandrafromsa Member Posts: 4
    #4
    sister39 said:

    Sandra, my brother completed 35 radiation treatments for throat cancer the first week of last December. He got through the first 2 weeks relatively easily. After that he began experiencing throat pain which became severe enough to eventually make him unable to swallow any food, drink or even his own saliva.
    The radiation caused fatigue and weakness. After several weeks he had a tube inserted into his stomach so he could have liquid nutrition while his throat healed. I understand this is common although some people are lucky and continue to be able to swallow through their radiation treatment period. It took a few weeks before he was able to start swallowing water. Then he started with soft foods. He is almost back to a normal diet now and it's going on 2 months since his treatments ended.
    Hopefully your mother will be one of the lucky ones and have less severe pain than my brother experienced. Help her to understand it's a 'temporary' situation and she CAN get throught it. Good luck to her.
    Sister 39

    Hi sister 39,

    Just wanted to say thanks so much for the info, I am extremely grateful and wish you and your brother all the best of luck.

    Thanks again.
    Sandra
  • 122456
    122456 Member Posts: 40 Member
    #5
    My husband has diagnosed with throat cancer back in November. He started radiation and chemo about the middle of December. He had the feeding tube placed also. He is scheduled for 39 radiation treatments and has completed 29. He is still eating food but chews real slow cause his throat is sore. He has maybe used the feeding tube 4 times. The doctor is very pleased with his results. Somedays he is tired but he keeps on going. Right now he is dealing with a toothache. The doctor prescribed him some antibotics. Hopefully after he completes the radiation, he can get the tooth removed. He said sometimes when he sitting up, he feels a drainage coming from his sinus cavity to the back of his throat and said it make him get choked sometimes. I can image how she feels but don't be afraid. I am a firm believer in God and He directs our path. If your mother is afraid, please, please go with her and you ask the doctors questions. This board has helped me also cause I was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 years ago so I know what your mom is feeling. Have faith and hang on in there.
  • Mizsherrybee
    Mizsherrybee Member Posts: 1
    #6
    How is your mom doing? I was just diagnosed with stage three hypo pharyangeal cancer. I am scared to death about radiation. Did she have surgery too?

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