Hi everyone,

John has been doing pretty well since his treatment ended in early December and we're just waiting for Feb 1st when we will have his first post treatment CT scan.

Yesterday afternoon he showed me that he has some swelling around his left jaw ( side that had tumour) and this morning it looked a little more puffy, has moved up his check a bit and was somewhat red as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? He has been trying to swallow more foods lately and this weekend ate more scrambled eggs and thick shakes than before. Could that have an impact?

Mary

I had the same concern here a few weeks ago. I called and saw my doctor and they said it was normal to have some swelling. Mine comes and goes even after 6 months after surgery. I fully appreciate the eating issue. That have been very hard on me but I am getting through.

Thanks Fred. I guess I should clarify that John has not had any surgery "just" radiation and chemo.

Mary

Mary:
There are, in the next few months, going to be a host of wierd things happening to John most of which will be associated with treatment side effects.
Swelling, as a rule, is nothing to cause concern unless there is significant fever present. Low grade slightly elevated fevers are normal.
Darrell

Mary, Hi- Just chiming in that "my John" has had problems with facial swelling for the last 6 months[this is after IMRT tx ended] He still has lots of mucous and mouth pain also. This is tough stuff and a hard fight for everyone. Hang in there. Amy

Fred, Darrell and Amy,

Thanks for helping me realize that this is probably one more of the "host of weird things" (as Darrell says)that happens after treatment ends. I guess I should know that seemingly spontaneous swelling will not be the last sudden change that is worrisome.

It also dawned on me when I read your replies that the fact that side effects are still appearing might (!) indicate that the rotten chemoradiation is still working to John's benefit even though it's officially over.

He has an appointment with the head of dentistry at the cancer hospital this morning ( on-going follow-up) so perhaps we'll get some insight there and/or he can visit the radiation nursing clinic as well.

Thanks again for your help.

Mary

Mary, this is a "P.S." It is to be expected, in your role as a caregiver, that you may very well experience some real frustration and even depression of your own from this point forward. During the diagnosis and treatment stages, we caregivers had lots to do. We tried to learn everything we could, absorb all the info being told us, keep up with appts, schedules, etc. and care for "our patient". For me, the last 6 months after treatment ended have been the hardest. John is feeling rotten and there is little or nothing I can do about it short of sitting and listening and badgering his Oncoligist for ways to help. [and reading everything I can HERE in hopes of picking up some tidbit to help him feel better] So if you find yourself in need of a place to vent-please come here- it's a safe, caring community. Amy