back...with more paranoia

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

So, I finished my treatment one week ago and things are calming down,.. still my taste has eveaporated again.  No pain or anything residual from the treatment to speak of but one week out I am noticing the same issue that had me seek treatment in the first place.  Scratchy, itchy throat, coughing caused by that constant tickling, and the node area on the side of my neck still seems to be slightly enlarged.  I did develop a terrible chemo rash, but I can deal with it.  It isnt painful, and I don't care what I look like, so...

 

Is this common?  to feel like nothing has changed?  I do have an appointment with ENT on the 13th.  I dont know what he is going to look at if they arent planning another PET scan for 3 months.  One bright spot is that I have been able to maintain a steady weight throughout treatment and am beginning to feel strength coming back.  Am actually planning to move to another town at the end of October, 200 miles away.

 

Are my doubts and questions normal? or is it delusional paranoia?

Comments

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #2
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    Time just give it time

    It runs on a very slow clock. You will still be cooking inside for a few weeks. Some of the lymph glande can get enlarged as they are doing there job and fighting also. I believe the iching and scratchy feeling will quit once your body settles down. Radiation does play games with the body and it is on a slow schedule to recover, but you are done and on the right road now.

    Bill

  • mokus
    mokus Member Posts: 63 Member
    #3
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    wmc said:

    Time just give it time

    It runs on a very slow clock. You will still be cooking inside for a few weeks. Some of the lymph glande can get enlarged as they are doing there job and fighting also. I believe the iching and scratchy feeling will quit once your body settles down. Radiation does play games with the body and it is on a slow schedule to recover, but you are done and on the right road now.

    Bill

    time

    thank you again bill.  you have helped me a lot

  • NJMOM
    NJMOM Member Posts: 64
    #4
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    mokus said:

    time

    thank you again bill.  you have helped me a lot

    Time

    My husband finished treatment on 9/2 and has just recently begun feeling slightly normal again. He went through a very ahort period of where he had the cough you're talking about and would actually bring up a little tinge of blood when he coughed too hard. Through various posts on here, I see it's a common occurence in the healing process. The excess mucous is down but he says the back of his throat feels very dry now. I think it's your body's way of repairing itself after the abuse it's just endured. The radiation nurse told me that you do still cook for a few weeks after treatment has ended and your body's chemistry is still adjusting and readjusting to the cocktail they've introduced into your system. We are having our first follow up appt with the head and neck ENT people later this month and I will be sure to ask lots of questions as to what is normal at this time versus what is not. I can keep you posted if I learn anything of value. Pat yourself on the back for making it through this god awful journey...now the mending begins!

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #5
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    Sore Throat, Etc.

    Congratulations on finishing your treatment! It's really hard to do, but try to be patient with yourself. Healing from this type of cancer treatment takes a long time and has many ups and downs. All of the tissues can remain tender for months. Certain food or drink might be more irritating. You'll figure out what works and can add different items over time. I still get a sore throat occasionally even though it's been a year since my last treatment. You're not paranoid,  just a normal H&N cancer survivor.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
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    Because you're only a week out of

    treatment, you can expect your body to do and go through "stuff"....taste buds ebb and flow...on one day, gone the next.  Little aches and pains come and go.....Your lymph node could be all scar tissue.....your Dr. will know more by feeling than you will....

    The ENT wants to keep track of your healing, so you'll be seeing him a few times before the PET scan....just remember healing is measured in weeks and months.....

    p

  • mokus
    mokus Member Posts: 63 Member
    #7
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    ty

    TY all so very much.  Again and again

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #8
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    Abi-Normal..

    First.., you got to get out of that "normal" mind-set.., LOL.. You are now one of us..., a member of the Abi-Normal Clan... You'll never be just normal again...

    But from what you describe..., you sound pretty normal as for abi-normal standardss go that is..

    Best,

    John

  • avisemi
    avisemi Member Posts: 172
    #9
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    Yay! you are done!!! you did

    Yay! you are done!!! you did it! and you did it so well! I know you don't feel okay yet but you will! How you are feeling and what you are thinking is normal. It took a month before Dima started feeling well.

     

  • caffinated1
    caffinated1 Member Posts: 32
    #10
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    Skiffin16 said:

    Abi-Normal..

    First.., you got to get out of that "normal" mind-set.., LOL.. You are now one of us..., a member of the Abi-Normal Clan... You'll never be just normal again...

    But from what you describe..., you sound pretty normal as for abi-normal standardss go that is..

    Best,

    John

    Abi

    Cool

    abi, dig it. One hell of an ugly row to hoe and didn't even get a tshirt.

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