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#182529 06-18-2014 12:25 PM
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KKJJ Offline OP
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My husband had radiation therapy and finished his treatments in September of 2013. He has since developed severe numbness in his face and mouth, swelling of his hands and terrible joint pain in his shoulders, and joints. He has seen neurologist, rheumatologist and of course his medical and radiation oncologist. No one can seem to fix this problem. He still has his feeding tube and can not eat by mouth. The rheumatologist has put him on Lyrica and Plaquenil for 3 months and told us that if this doesn't work she suggested going to Mayo Clinic. We are at the end of our ropes here so can anyone shed some light on what exactly is going on with him. The doctors just don't seem to have any answers.
Thanks so much!

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Welcome to OCF! Im sorry to hear your husband is still having problems 9 months post rads.

I know radiation treatments are NOT easy to go thru. A complete recovery can take a full 2 years. Its full of ups and downs with many setbacks. I wish I had an answer to what was going on with his health problems, but unfortunately I do not have a medical background so I cant answer your question with what is wrong with him. I can only advise to focus on his nutritional intake. Ask the doc about adding some high protein whey powder to help with his healing. Every single day he should be taking in at least 2500 calories of the best, most balanced prescription formula he can get. There are well over 100 different types on the market. Having good nutrition can only help further his recovery.

Best wishes with his continued recovery!


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile
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Try different docs.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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YUP - different doctors.. also try physio, and lymphatic massage (assuming he is cancer free!) the massage will stimulate blood flow, and nerves, and move his lymphatic fluid which at this point is stagnant and likely causes swelling, pain and numbness.

Physio will do the same and strengthen the damaged muscles. Nerves do regenerate - SLOWLY - so if he does the physio, and massage, in time things will improve. I am still numb in certain areas, but for the most part, my arm and neck are normal in strength. I have no swelling and feeling is returning SLOWLY.

hugs.



Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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KKJJ Offline OP
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Thanks for your quick response. I appreciate your help. We will check into the whey powder.


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