Texas Teacher
Member
Member # 1274
posted April 28, 2004 06:49 PM

I had a near total glossectomy and radiation really didn't affect my speech just my swallowing.

Radiation Therapy has affected my speech negatively, I sound like a bull frog. But it has been explained that this is temporary.

I seem to be affected by the weather or pollens or something about every other week. Much like the bull frog Darrell mentions. It has been 7 months since the end of treatment but it is more the difference in swallowing that is noticed than the deep voice.

Ed

Texas Teacher:I'm in for surgery tomorrow, 5/4/4, so I don't know yet about that, but I had radiation and chemo for 7 weeks. Swallowing becomes more and more difficult as time goes on so a "Peg" (feeding tube) should be considered. Talking is affected, but only a deepening of voice and some sounds (in my case, when I way 8) are a little wacky. Otherwise, radiation is not too bad. Do get some skin burns outside, but they aren't a big deal if you use some of the special cream the nurses can get for you. regards, Kirk Georgia

Kirk,

Good luck on your surgery tomorrow. We are all hoping for the best possible surgery followed by a great recovery! We may not be standing there but we will all be thinking of you and praying for you.

Ed

Hi to all.I will be starting radiation therapy in about 2 weeks,and I have no idea what to expect.I have sinsus cancer,and have had a big piece of the roof of my mouth and all the teeth and some jaw,upper right,removed.My cancer was found just a short time ago,and I have been so busy going to doctors,recovering from surgery,getting use to the large appliance that I am wearing,that I am only now getting depressed and worried.I would be interested in chatting or emailing with anybody that has knowledge of this type of cancer.I have been told that it is not rare,but usually misread.The signs for sinus cancer are so similar to other diseases.It seems that I have to have between 30 to 35 radiation treatments.I was told that this cancer is very sturdy,and that is why so many treatments are required.Can anybody help me with this...thanks ....Mike

Mike, Frank had sinus cancer, but I`m assuming your`s is in the ethmoid sinus, Frank`s was in the sphenoid sinus at the base of the skull and surgery wasn`t an option. And for goodness sake, if you aren`t on antidepressant, you should consider them, you have every right to be depressed.....I see you are in Boston, Frank had his radiation at Beth Israel......hang in there and stay positive, I know easier said than done.................Love, Hugs, and Prayers,,,,,,,,Dee

I didn't have sinus cancer, but most everyone has 30 treatments. I think that is the standard of care for head and neck, sometimes more. I feel like the treatment is cummulative and they want to make sure that the cells are irradiated enough to kill them. You might want to ask your radiation oncologist this question. Someone else might have a better explanation.

I think almost everyone has gone through the depression thing. I did for about two weeks and then snapped out of it without antidepressants, but everyone's different. I do have to take something to sleep every once and a while.

Welcome!!! So sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Hang in there. We're here to help.
Lynn

Mike,

I sent you an email about Mass Gen'l to your yahoo account.

Sabrina

I have been on anti-depressants and sleeping pills for almost a year. The anti-depressants are prescribed by psychiatrist and the patient has to follow his instructions closely especially if the depression is serious. No side effects or addiction from both medicine.

Karen

Frank and I both saw a psychiatrist for two years,we both developed PTSD, as a result of his doc who was literally watching him die, that`s a whole other chapter. But, I agree with Karen, your run of the mill family doc is just not qualified to treat serious psych issues. Frank`s PTSD stayed pretty much in control, but we both were on tranquilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics for nightmares and flashbacks. I spent close to a year, refusing to take antidepressants cause I`ve had serious reactions to drugs, when I finally agreed, he started me on a very low dosage and increased it very slowly. Talk about a fun summer, 2 people with PTSD, Frank was having 3 to 4 flashbacks a day, then they started at night, so I`d have to jump out of bed after him and bring him back to reality................his very last flashback was when he was fitted for his radiation mask last Sept, fortunately, I was in there with him, I knew as soon as they sat him up he was flashbacking..........I`m yelling, clear the way, he`s having a flashback......but, I`m rambling again...........bottom line, if you need to be on meds do it..........this disease is crap and if meds help us get throught the day, that`s a good thing..........Hugs, Dee

I'll jump right in. I,ve been Diagnosed w/ oropharyngeal cancer w/ neck mass. I was diagnosed 3/15/04 was told I would have operation. on 4/7, then 4/21, then 4/4 now back to 4/21. I'm with V.A. I was told they needed to put more survere cases before me. I don't know if that is good or bad. They say it's not spreading that fast but what do I know?
Listening to your concern about speach problems after surgery and radiation is my concern too. I am a therapist by trade and need to talk to make living.
Since I have two more weeks before my surgery I am looking at every thing under the sun to reduce my tumor or heal it. I have been in trying verious alturnative approaches and would like to explore this more with you all.
My heart is with you. I hear your struggles are my'in, too. This is very grounding to be able to hear all your experiences. Wish you my best.