 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | I had IMRT and I don't have any noticeable stiffness anymore (at 13 months). You've still got a lot of healing to do yet. It took the longest for the area targeted with radiation to heal.
When I first started playing the electric bass again it killed my shoulder (it weighs about 20 lbs.) It took some time to regain my stamina. be patient you'll get there
Massage probably wouldn't hurt. There are massueses that specialize in the neck.
My salivary function has returned fairly well but I still have dry mouth issues. Watch your salt intake - that can make the dry mouth a lot worse.
You should be using dental trays and flouride regularly to protect your teeth. I use a Waterpik after meal each as well. I even have a battery operated one for traveling. I also get my teeth cleaned every 4 months.
Sounds like you're doing great!
Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
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)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
| 
