Anyone on here with ACC? I'm having pain along the right side of my jaw bone up to and including my right ear. I had 6 1/2 weeks of radiation in June, 2005. Was wondering if this pain could be from the radiation this long after treatment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Beth

Hi Beth,
I'm two years out and still on pain meds. The pain is getting less, I think, so I may start to to less meds. but I guess for some of us it just takes longer. good luck to you.
Chip

My mom always had pain from after completion of radiation in March 2004...she had an exposed jaw bone where the graph never took it turns out it was osteonecrosis (bone death from the radiation) She was on and off pain pills for the past 2 1/2 years off only because she would get tired of always being medicated and then in September her jaw actually fractured and she couldn't open her mouth. She was in extensive pain. She would have infections in the bone so every couple months then it was another round of antibiotics. The exposed bone area always lit up in her PET scans. So we were always uncertain as to whether or not the cancer was back.

A little over a week ago she had surgery to replace her jaw bone with a leg bone and a titanium plate and I am happy to say finally off pain medication.

I would speak with your ENT about your pain as far as my moms case goes her pain was from the radiation damage.

Take Care,
Dani