Seth you're 43 , -I am 63, so yes, there are are changes to skin tone, muscle loss, etc., that are a natural and expected part of the aging process. I truly believe that the treatment will age you as well. I will try to address your concerns in the above post:

1. Muscle cramps. Mine didn't in earnest until 2 years out. Up until then I suspect it was more atrophy based from a prolonged convalescence.

2. Ringing in the ears - most likely a result of fluid buildup behind the eardrum. I deal with this 1-2X a year with a course of Prednisone.

3. Arterial blockage. Maybe, maybe not - that is easily tested with a stethoscope or ultrasound. Very few here (if any) have actually had to have stents implanted.

4. Your thyroid TSH levels should be tested every 6 months and there should have been a baseline test pre Tx. It is also somewhat normal for this and other bloodwork numbers to fluctuate a bit and some bloodwork numbers may never be the same as pre Tx. If you had IMRT, it's unlikely that they programmed the beam entry points through the thyroid unless you had really stupid and inexperienced RO's/programmers.

5. Changes in jaw - see item 1.

6. Digestion - who hasn't changed their diet since this? That's a wild card.

7. Dry skin - welcome to winter and HVAC - start using moisterizers. You should be using sunblock EVERY day anyway. Apply the moisterizer immediately after a shower while your skin is still damp. Only use tepid water (never hot) on your face. You might try getting a facial and a consult with an esthetician. I exfoliate several times a week and use a facial scrub, pre-moisterizer.

8. Vision. Mine has done wierd things - it got worse, then improved - go figure. 45 is the age that the optical muscles loose the ability to contract and the typical age for bifocals.

9. You didn't mention your teeth but you had better be taking extraordinary care of them as well.

You're not even a year post Tx yet - What do you expect? It took me 2 years to get back to 85% Patience.

Last edited by Gary; 03-30-2011 03:06 PM.

Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)