Happy Easter with treatment finished

Crazymom
Crazymom Member Posts: 339 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi

I have not written in a while. I finished by radiation 2 weeks ago. The first week after radiation was bad. This week has been better. I seem to be getting more mouth sores. When do the mouth sores go away? I am off pain pills and my throat is hurting. How long does the throat hurt after radiation?

I am grateful to have this sight and so grateful to be alive and finished with radiation.

Ann

Comments

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #2
    I can't help with the questions, since
    I don't start treatment until next week...but do want to say congratulations on finishing your rads...

    Merry Easter to you, too :).

    p
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #3
    don't you hate hearing how "it varies"?
    But it does. The first time I was radiated, I didn't get mouth sores. This time, they've been pretty prominent. Max pain was 2 weeks out from end of treatment. I still have them at 6 weeks, but they are gradually getting better. I've still got a few weeks to go, still uncomfortable enough I dont want to try solid food.
  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #4
    Agree with the others, my
    Agree with the others, my throat was sore for a month or two post rads. Just think you are now at the point where things get better, albeit slowly, instead of worse.
    John
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #5
    Congrats Ann.....
    WTG, you made it through the battle....

    Usually your mouth and throat continue to cook for a few weeks. By about a month, you're pretty much on the good side of the pain.

    Unfortunately, it's just a very slow process measured in weeks and months more so than days and weeks. But that's kind of more totaly recovery....for your immediate situation, I'd say you have probably two more weeks, hopefully a little less.

    But of course I have to throw the disclaimer, that we are all different....

    Best,
    John
  • Klynten
    Klynten Member Posts: 29
    #6
    jtl said:

    Agree with the others, my
    Agree with the others, my throat was sore for a month or two post rads. Just think you are now at the point where things get better, albeit slowly, instead of worse.
    John

    pain
    Well in a earlier post I lied, I am only 5 weeks out from treatment, not 6. And I must say that my pain is better, I was taking 20mg Roxanol every 4 hours, I not take 10mg twice a day. I am walking more now and notice my throat hurts more the dryer it gets, especially when my oxygen demands are higher and I am breathing through my mouth. The mucositis is the main issue, it is sooooooo much better, and the pain is worse with the coughing fits that insue trying to get the mucus out. Mucinex helps, and staying hydrated of course helps. Good luck with the pain, as everyone says it gets better, you will feel better a month from now. I know I never thought I was gonna feel better, I didn't really turn the corner till week 3 or 4 since treatment ended. It is getting way better.
    Congrats on finishing treatment
    Clinton
  • RogerRN43
    RogerRN43 Member Posts: 185
    #7
    I am 4 months out
    Unfortunately it varies for everyone, the timelines will be all over the place.
    Moreover, it may go away, then get sore again in the same spot or in a different spot, so no need to worry if it does.
    My rad onc said give it a year to feel "normal". I take that as everything will stabilize by then and/or I will get used to what I have at that point.
    For the most part, even if it seems like it's going back and forth, it gradually goes one way... better.
    All the best to healing!

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