#62166 11-26-2007 06:50 AM | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 21 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 21 | I am 19 months out of treatment (Chemo + RAD), and I am noticing a new (maybe) issue. My throat and very back of my mouth is drier, and my voice is getting horse.
I also find it harder to swallow some things that I could before. I need to use more liquid to get it down. I was thinking that it is the
Removed righside lymph node(stage III)on 10/10/05 Unknown Primary. 6x Carbo, 2x cistplatine, 8 weeks Radiation (not IRMT)
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#62167 11-26-2007 09:59 AM | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 666 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 666 | Mike
I would definitely keep monitoring it. However, it is getting drier and a humidifier should do no harm..... also it is always possible to get a cold and/or sore throat and after all the treatment and dry mouth issues that may manifest itself differently.
M
Partial glossectomy (25%) anterior tongue. 4/6/07/. IMRT start @5/24/07 (3x) Erbitux start/end@ 5/24/07. IMRT wider field (30x) start 6/5/07. Weekly cisplatin (2x30mg/m2), then weekly carbo- (5x180mg/m2). End of Tx 19 July 07.
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#62168 11-26-2007 05:23 PM | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | Mike,
If your radiation fields included your throat, which from your description,I am assuming they did. The minor salivary and mucous glands that are present in your soft palate and back of the throat probably haven't recovered. This leads to less lubrication and the dry, hoarse felling that you are experiencing.
If I had amagic wand I would send it to you to elliviate this, but I don't.
In my experience with my OC patients it is a common problem after radiation treatment.
Try and stay hydrated and drink lots of water when you are eating. I have found that many patients say it gets better with time. I'm not convinced that it does I think they learn how to cope/deal with it.
Hope this is useful.
Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
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#62169 11-26-2007 06:20 PM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | My dryness seems to get worse at times. I think it is when I'm exposed to more dry air--which would definitely be around this time of year as the heat goes on more. Try a humidifier where you work as well as at night if need be. That is what I'm getting ready to do this winter.
Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#62170 11-27-2007 05:52 AM | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 666 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 666 | I noticed quite the difference the humidity made when I was in Switzerland recently (much drier inside compared to GA). Also, drink a lot of water when you are flying.
I finally got a humidifier here and it helps. Of course you want avoid breathing through your mouth. (See Brians email to that effect).
M
Partial glossectomy (25%) anterior tongue. 4/6/07/. IMRT start @5/24/07 (3x) Erbitux start/end@ 5/24/07. IMRT wider field (30x) start 6/5/07. Weekly cisplatin (2x30mg/m2), then weekly carbo- (5x180mg/m2). End of Tx 19 July 07.
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#62171 12-04-2007 07:32 AM | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 21 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 21 |
Removed righside lymph node(stage III)on 10/10/05 Unknown Primary. 6x Carbo, 2x cistplatine, 8 weeks Radiation (not IRMT)
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#62172 12-04-2007 04:07 PM | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Hi Mike,
I just posted a long reply which seems to have disappeared.
Do not IGNORE changes in voice. This was my only warning both times that I had cancer. The second time probably caused by radiation damage was not visible on normal scope because was hiding in fold in larynx. They had to put me under anesthia to find tumor.
I hope you are all OK, but do get it properly checked. Voice changes I one of the few symptoms that it is back.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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