Hi,I finished treatment 5 weeks ago and my throat still hurts a lot. My ears do to, I'm not able to drink or eat yet. Is this normal? How long does it take for one to be able to drink and eat with no pain? I asked my doctor and he says it depends on the person, but that means nothing to me. Also I asked him about my cheecks beimg swollen and he said nothing. Both my checks are swollen at the lower part I look as if I had the mums is this normal? Please get back to me .

Thanks

five weeks is still a short time to recover from radiation and chemo, has your doc given you any xylocane [sp] to swish and swallow......numbs your mouth and throat for a while, if not ask for it.......I only had radiation and not chemo.....but my neck got really crappy......also nystatin swish and swallow helps with burning.......doc should be helping you with these pain issues.........Hang in there, it does get better

Cancer4.........Remember that even after you've finished treatment the radiation keeps right on doing it's work, killing those cancer cells. Everyone is different in terms of healing but usually at about month six many folks begin feeling a bit more like their old selves once again. I had surgery, Rad and Chemo and while it took me a bit over a year to really feel good, by month six I was able to get back into a fairly normal routine. I was able to drive again, and care for my family instead of the other way around. I remember how good that felt too! I agree with Packer 66 about the pain. You shouldn't have to deal with chronic pain. Talk to your Doctors about discomfort you are feeling and they should be able to give you something to ease the pain. Keep us posted, and good luck with your recovery! Sincerely, Donna