Hi again,
I told myself I wouldnt post again with my ridiculous anxieties, but once again,they are getting the better of me. I posted back in april of a sensation in my left throat etc. Well the sensation is still there, with a definite ear ache. I have the sensation like there is a definite lump in my throat, not really a sore throat but an ache,kind of like the back of my throat is bruised. My inner ear is definitely more bothersome, but again, it happens daily,but not all the time. My neck is also really stiff, on the left side(the opposite side of my disection)and I seem to have a one sided stuffed up nose with a little pressure . I am 3 years 2 months out from end of treatment. I took protonix for 1 month for reflux. I guess it worked. this sensation just feels different, like a recurrence. I have my 4 month appointment with ent tomorrow and I'm afraid. I dont know what I'm asking from you all: hope, comfort, an honest opinion? I am scared out of my mind. It consumes my thoughts and I cant even get away from it when I sleep. Mark, if you read this, you responded to me earlier th

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earlier this year saying you had similar feelings. Do you still feel those sensations? You have all helped me out so much. Once again,thanks for listening.

Kelley

Kelley, Scared seems like the right response, at least a really understandable response. My ears and sinuses and middle ears occasionally give me scares too. My ENT has me taking Robitussin DM. Its essentially guaifenisen - a strong decongestant - more acurately it thins secretions to allow them to flow more easily. The cold winter weather thickens my secretions more than usual and the DM really helps. Find out if its right for you. I'm 2.5 yrs out of tx and I am still jumpy about sore throats too. Every ear ache, every twinge in my neck.... You guys all know what I mean.

It isn't cancer till the doc you trust tells you it is. Don't punish yourself with worry - it won't change whatever it is. Convert the fear to angry/motivated and go find out whats happening in your throat. Put some music on the box, feed yourself a favorite treat, take a hot soak and an Ambien, and smile yourself to sleep. Whatever it is, it'll keep till you see your doc. We are with you. Be strong. Tom

Hi Kelley, I'm new here and just read your post, seeing the date of your post your appointment with the ent doc should have been yesterday, how did it go?.. Please let us know.. hugs, uksweetheart

Kelley, Sorry I didn't see your post until tonight. I hope your doc visit went better than you thought. Yes I still have a "ear sensation" some might call it an ear ache. I also have the one sided sinus/nose stuffyness that is worse in the morning. The stiff neck is almost an every day event. Sometimes it is unbearable. When that happens its 5mg diazepam and two asprin. Besides all of those sensations, the week before any doctor visit is the time I "feel" all kinds of bad stuff.

Keep a diary of symptoms like you describe and add in the days events. If you are like me you will find a certain rhythm to these events. Stress will cause worse problems. Also after a while you will see that todays symptom that is sure to be cancer will be very similar to the things you wrote in the diary two months earlier. (that turned out to be nothing)

Let us know how things are

try not to worry to much kelley.i know thats easy said than done but its out of your control everything will be fine you see ...my prayers your way ..take care ...maz

I want to clarify my points for anyone reading the above. Severe pain should always be checked. Occasional pains and other things that come and go are often described by patients post surgery and radiation. I don't want anyone to assume they should ignore anything that is a bother. On the other hand don't stress out just because something feels "different" Things will feel different and change for many years to come.

A sense of something "in the throat" is also a common complaint. Stress, anxiety, reflux (GERD), irritation by drying because of low saliva. irritation from various foods etc. can cause this sensation.

The eustation tube can suffer from radiation causing a sense of partally plugged ears and associated aches.

The sense of stuffed up nose or sinuses especially on the surgery side is also common and seems to be related to lymph or other fuid pressures, and seems to aggravate the ear sensations.