I just finished 6 weeks Tomo radiation cancer of the larynx. I was doing great through 5 weeks but the last week really got to me. I can't believe 347 seconds of daily radiation can make me this tired. After 2 hours doing anything I feel like I need a nap. I had vocal cord webbing from past surgeries before the radiation and my voice was pretty compromised then, Now it is worse...
Doctors said I should feel better in two weeks but from what I am reading and feeling I can't imagine much improvementSimilar symptoms of coughing up large white mucus, sore throat (BUT I CAN SWALLOW) as most experience.I am wondering now if I did the right thing. An article I read said that killing the cancer and preserving the larynx should be primary but if the larynx becomes non-functional then I should seek alternatives.
Should I just wait? Should I try to seek speech therapy at this early date? I really can't wait 2 years to see if voice will return with some clearity. Sorry for the downer mood but I need some good advice. Thanks Steve Hurlock

Hi Steve - I know you probably don't feel in a congratulatory mood but I'm going to congratulate you anyways for getting through treatment. It is a huge accomplishment! I can appreciate your question "Now what?" I felt the same way. The fatigue is normal, the voice issues are normal. That being said, the sooner you begin working with a speech therapist, the better. It's WAAAAAY to soon to even think about your larynx being non-functional!
So my answer to your question is: do things that feel good, even if it is for short periods of time and begin voice rehab!
Take care!

Steve - that "Now what?" stage happens to many of us right after Tx ends and you have to get used to a new unfamiliar routine and away from the old routine that you kind of got used to. As a caregiver, I definitely got that unnerving "What Now?" feeling, too - but another couple or three weeks and things should definitely look up. Being really tired is part of it. My son slept most of the time and so much so, that at times I would go into his room and hold a mirror to his mouth just to make sure he was still breathing! You have just completed an important milestone in your recovery and that is certainly something to feel good about. You can look forward to better days ahead!

We all had trouble talking after radiation for a few weeks and ours wasn't directed AT the larynx. Give your voice a break for a couple of weeks and give it time to heal.

Also fatigue is common. You've been through a lot. Take those naps but also try to get outside in the fresh air and take some walks or do a little gardening. Light execise helps the fatigue.

I think you are doing great and wish I had had the chance to save my larnynx. I'm sure you will be too.

Take care,
Eileen

Hi Steve: I am just a little ahead of you, (nine weeks post-treatment). I think I understand what you are going through. People on this site told me to be patient, that I will get better, stronger after treatment, but that it takes time. I didn't believe them; I felt so awful, but they were right. You will improve, too, slowly. One woman told me she stayed in bed practically the first month. I used to think of that comment when I felt so tired I couldn't lift my head off the pillow. For me, recovery was worse than any part of my journey: worse than surgery, worse than the actual radiation, and even worse than chemo. I kept thinking I should feel better and I wanted my regular life back so much. You will get through this. We all do; I am still in recovery, still using the feeding tube and not working full time, but each week brings progress. That's another thing someone told me: count progress by the weeks, not the days. Stay in touch. You can do this. We are here for you. -Michelle