 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Hi,
I had major neck surgery, total laryngectomy, partial thyroid/parathyroidectomy, left neck disection, etc. four years after receiving 36 XRT radiation treatments and had no problems with neck healing. I am on synthroid for life which you would be also if they remove thyroid, not a big deal once they figure dosage. Make certain you have full thyroid panel with TSH from before treatment.
How badly did you burn with radiation? What kind did you have and is it to same area. Everyone is different but I would ask doctors what they think since you already have problems with healing. What happens if you refuse/postpone surgery? Also a second opinion never hurts.
Take care,
Eileen
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Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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