#46143 08-22-2005 05:59 AM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 15 Member | OP Member Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 15 | 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?
unknown primary, one node,left neck radical dissection, 3 chemo, 33 rads. treatment ended 6-15-05
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#46144 08-23-2005 03:24 AM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 207 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | Platinum Member (200+ posts) Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 207 | 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
SCC, base of tongue, 2 lymph nodes, stage 3/4. 35 X's IMRT radiation, chemo: Cisplatin x 2, 5FU x2, & Taxol x2. Hooray, after 3 years I'm in still in remission.
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#46145 08-23-2005 05:26 AM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 382 Likes: 3 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | Platinum Member (300+ posts) Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 382 Likes: 3 | 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
SCC Stage IV left tonsil neck disection 3/02 radiation finished 6/02 chemo finished 9/02 Stage 2A left breast cancer 3/09, chemo and radiation, finished treatment 2/7/10 -Stage 2 right beast cancer 10/14 chemo and radiation Every day is still a gift :-)
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#46146 08-23-2005 05:57 AM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 | 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
Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989
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#46147 08-23-2005 04:39 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | 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.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#46148 09-25-2005 11:11 AM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 1 Member | Member Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 1 | 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. | | |
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