Clark has been having an issue with becoming lightheaded and dizzy while talking. To make sure there were no underlying causes that could mean a serious health risk, we went to his cardiologist. No problem there. Next stop was Pulmonary medicine. As Clark was relying what the problem was, she observed him taking BIG DEEP breaths while talking. Basically, he was hyperventilating! This is not a lung issue but a mechanical one occurring in his neck. He has to work very hard to exhale air over the vocal cords as the anatomy in his neck has changed. Unfortunately, radiation contributes to the problem.

We are going to see and ENT and get his neck scoped to see if his airway needs attention. In the meantime, the Pulmonary doc suggested that he speak slower, and pause frequently between sentences so that he does not become winded.

It was a tremendous relief that this did not involve his heart or lungs. I'll update after we see an ENT. That will be in 5 to 6 weeks.