Hi all, I had left neck dissection, ca found in 1 node, primary unknown, 3 chemo's and 33 rad. Finished my last radiation on June 15, 2005. Now 2 months later whenever I wake up in the morning the lower part of my cheeks, along the jawbone and my lower lip is swollen. The swelling goes down during the course of the day but it is always there when I wake up. My husband said that maybe it's coming from all the radiation I had. I just don't understand. How does the radiation work it's way out of your body? And is it possible that this swelling comes from that?

I think you should see your oncologist. I haven't heard of this but it could be a reaction to treatment of some sort.

Steve

Barbara-
Do a search of this web site on topics of lymphatic message. Sounds like fluids are causing the swelling after sleeping for the night. Find a good physical therapist skilled in this type of message and you'll find relief from the swelling plus start getting mobility back in your neck. - Kris

Barbara,

I agree with Kris - it could well be the buildup of lymph fluid.

I had swelling in the neck/jaw area for a long time after treatment. In fact, just the other day I happened to see an old passport photo that was taken a full year after I finished radiation, and it still showed some signs of swelling. (It did eventually go away.)

Cathy

Barbara, I agree with the others, this sounds like lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph fluid). It is very common to have this after a neck dissection and/or radiation. The big clue is that it goes down during the day. Try elevating the head of your bed by placing boards under the mattress. Sometimes a few inches of height will help alot. Over time it will get better.

Radiation does not "come out" of your body. The kind of radiation we received is like light energy. It is there only when the machine is on. It passes into and through the body. The exception to this is if you have radiactive "seeds" placed into the tumor area. (brachytherapy) These seeds do emit radiation while they are present.

Sounds like it maybe lymphedema . I had the same thing after IMRT radiation treatments and Radiologist recommended lymphedema treatments to
eliminate "turkey neck" (swelling each morning).Treatments included message therape to reduce the swelling and a neck brace to wear at night. After two years, my lyphedema is gone and occasionally returns (if my head is not elevated at night). Self massage (taught by the massage therapist) eliminate any reoccurence in a matter of minutes.