I am a SCC at the base of my tongue, left side. I have completed the usual radiation and chemo therapy in August of last year. I may be jumping the gun, not checking out all the forums but my biggest concern is my swollen throat and neck. I still have and utilize the PEG tube and can live with the dry mouth and phlegm. My neck has this big bag around it, looking like goiter. So I look as well as sound like a bullfrog. I would like to hear if and when any respondents began having their swelling start to reduce and how long does it take to get back to normal, which is my goal.

Hi Dennis- same diagnosis here, but I did not do chemo just radiation, then as soon as the radiation was done the tumor came back on my tongue (left side too) so before I even had a chance to heal up they were back in there hacking away at me again. The skin on my neck is very hard to the touch and has little feeling but I am getting more all the time. I continue to have a great deal of swelling (surgery was in august) and have been told to expect a full year before it will get back to normal. Good luck to you and I can say that everyone here is the greatest support we can have.

I'm going to guess that the swelling in the neck is due to lymph node fluid building up. If so, you should be seeing a physical therapist that deals with this problem. Proper massage of the neck area will help the fluid find new drainage paths and reduce the swelling. Get a script and referral from your doctor. It should be covered my your insurance.

Take care,
Eileen

My wife is a certifed massage therapist and tells me that massage therapists who perform manual lypmphatic drainage (MLD) should be certified. She has MLD certification.