Hi I have not posted in a awhile but since December I have had a lesion that has not healed and I am now spending my winters in Florida. I was home for Christmas in Mass and my regular oncologist was not able to see me.
I met with ENT last week who said after radiation cancer presents itself in different ways. He was concerned about the lesion but did not want to biopsy it cause of healing complications after radiation, so he is sending me to Moffitt. Hopefully I can get in as soon as possible. I was able to see the tumor on the last two times in 2005 and 2009. Recently my whole body has been aching and my left arm feels like I pulled bones or muscles. I just don't feel right and am very scared that this is happening a third time and that I waited too long. Reading your post the doctor I had in Mass never told me about cancer looking different after radiation and that this can travel to brain, bones and other areas. I should have know better. If it wasn't for this forum I would never have know what this cancer can really do. Please help with advice here alone in Florida

I'm sorry to here of your recent concerns, but glad to hear you'll be going to Moffitt, which is one if the top centers in the country, and on the NCCN and NCI approved listings. Several members here were patients there, and if needed, do see Dr. Louis B Harrison who is the Radiation Oncology Chair, and senior member there, and leader in head and neck cancer.

Best wishes, and hopefully it's nothing major, but are doing right to be checked.

Im so sorry you are still experiencing problems!!! After rads, many OC patients find themselves in similar situations with unhealing wounds. Radiation damage (even scatter rads) makes for compromised healing abilities with extended timeframes for tissue to rebuild itself.

You may need hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBO). The wound should also be swabbed and tested to hopefully rule out any type of infection. If there is an infection, you would be given antibiotics. If that is unsuccessful the next step is stronger IV antibiotics. Ive been down that road after my mandibulectomy needing months of IV antibiotics and numerous HBO dives. After many months the wound finally healed and several years later I have not had any problems at all.

Wishing you all the very best!