I am the Charlotte wife of Windy Joe. We are new to this forum. Have been reading the posts but did not know how to explain our situation. Joe had a tumor at the back of his tongue where it hindges. He opted for radiation and chemo.In June 2003 all of his teeth were removed before treatment started. He had a PEG and Infusion Port put in also. The treatments went quite well and were completed about the end of August 2003. Even though all his exams and tests are good, we are concerned with his progress. He has considerable build-up of fluid in the chin and neck area. It seems to cause him to choke if he does not move from side to side very often. The bottom jaw is not healing from the radiation and he has had two surgerys. It appears that the bone is dead. Has anyone else had these symptoms?? He has had colon cancer and prostate cancer, so it has been a long haul, but maybe we are just getting anxious. The very best to everyone. We have been reading your posts. I made this post two days ago. Did I do something wrong. We have had NO responces.???????

Hi Windy,
I'm sorry there's been no response for a couple of days, hopefully someone with more experience will be getting back with you soon.
I'm sure you didn't do anything wrong

I stumbled on a post that was about the fluid buildup you mentioned. I will try to locate it again and let you know what thread it is in.

You and Joe have had a hard road. I'm so sorry for what you're both going through. I hope you get the info you need soon.

Charlotte, I, too, apologize for your post being overlooked. Here is a suggestion. Ask your husband's doctor about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. I say this because I just had it to cause new vasculature to grow in previously radiated mandible, so that dental extractions will heal. They treat all manner of conditions with hyperbaric, including non-healing wounds. This may not be applicable to your situation if the bone is truly dead, but it really might be worth checking out. With regard to the lymphedema, ask your doctor/nurse/physical therapist to show you lateral massage. This is a gentle back and forth motion with two fingers, that directs the lymph to other places. It was very successful for me following modified radical neck surgery. From reading the posts, you have probably seen that recovery is different for everyone. It is too bad that we aren't all born with an unlimited supply of patience, because that is surely what is needed for all caregivers and patients. Hang in there, Charlotte, and let us know how Joe is doing.

Joanna and Deb Thankyou for the suggestions and we will definitely look into them. We can use any help and these sound like good possibilities. From reading the posts I know that most of his symptoms are common. He is sleeping a lot and has the dry mouth even with using medications. Thankyou again. I had thought maybe I made the post in the wrong place or something like that. We are new on the posting part.