Hello again,

I just re-posted this to this new forum. Thanks Brian, great idea, the LT effects are quite a problem for many.

H&N cancer, the gift that keeps on giving!!!!!!

just an update here. I am 4 years post TX and do deal with a good chunk of pain from radiation induced fibrosis in my neck. So a bit of background. first of all, I am cancer free after 4 years---yeah and I am doing generally well, strong, work,back in action! Now to the down side, my neck did take a pretty good beating. I do aspirate and have a harder than normal time eating. That being said, I do not remember what normal was!!!

so I have been dealing with some real pain in my neck, neck pain that even gave me headaches. I tried drugs and PT, no luck, in fact I would say that if I take opiates, I need so much I get dopy, not a good choice. I also tried some "herbal" solutions. no bueno!. So I saw some research from a Dr M Stubblefield at Sloan Kettering in NYC about using Botox. It did not work for me. I really was quite disappointed, I have had daily pain for as long as I can remember, just plain ol' stinks. But I would encourage anyone with this ailment to at least look into it, The use of Botox seems like a very valid treatment, just did not work for me.
So I will now try acupuncture and of course will update the forum.
If you want to know more just PM me.
I hope we all have a very merry Christmas!!!

Thanks for the update Tristeve. I never had a chance to see Dr. Stubblefield at MSKCC, regarding his services. I did have acupuncture, 16 years ago, but for my back, and was the only thing that helped me out of everything from physical therapy, chiropractor, pain meds, antiinflamatories, and had no problem since.

Good luck, and keep us updated.

Dang! Sorry to hear about this. I'm 8 months post Tx and I've had neck issues since the surgery. I'll be coming up on a year in Feb., and while I've seen some improvement, I have the feeling it's not going to get much better and I'll be in for much the same as you.

Positive thoughts

"T"

well, here is a mid term assessment of acupuncture. I think it might help a bit. Gone are the hangover headaches in the morning for the most part, still get a a few and not quite as bad. But I did just go for a bike ride and the pain almost knocked me over. It is not that cold out ( cold effects it tremendously) Live in so cal, so it was about 55. And I wore a neck warmer, never the less, the pain was attention getting. I was hoping for a quick fix, no such luck. I think I will try acupuncture for a few more weeks. It might be working. I also take baclofen

The down side of acupuncture...I am so sick of getting stuck with needles, all in my micd I know but I almost tear up when they start to jab me!!!!!

steve

Is the pain caused by the SCM or trapezius?m I get a sharp pain along the base of the skull where muscles attach. I don't have any rhomboids or SCM but do have limited traps now. The smaller muscles that now have to support the head burn with fatigue from time to time. Stretching helps. I stretch about 30 minutes every day.

The Taiwanese acupuncturist I used to see usually gave results with 1-2 treatments. He used a really big needle and then sucked the old blood out. He called it a special treatment. It was an instant release. You could hear people in other rooms let out a yelp from time to time.

Update

Ok, I am going to say the acupuncture worked on my headaches, still complicated neck issues and pain in certain movements but at least the headaches are gone. I will give it an "A"

ah, the new normal

Steve

Glad you got some improvement Steve.