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Radiotherapy for larynx cancer

Gillell14
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My husband underwent  radiotherapy for larynx cancer back in April this year.  While undergoing treatment he suffered severe nausea  so was fitted with NG tube.  That was unsuccessful as he kept vomiting it up so in the end stopped.  On coming home he was given Oxycodone which he did take for a couple of months then tried tapering off and has eventually stopped taking.  He has suffered withdrawal sleepless nights etc.  He has been eating well also has  Altrajuice which he has been reducing.  He was told on last visit to see oncologist his MRI showed excellent results.  And on examination all looked good.  She did note thick phlegm .  That was 3 weeks ago and my husband is now suffering bad fatigue which he has done for a while.  Past day or 2 he says his throat slightly sore.  Is this normal.

  • Hello and thank you for contacting us.

    It is difficult for me to say for definite what may be causing these new symptoms as I am not part of his care.

    It could be that he has just picked up some bugs, but I appreciate it can be difficult to not be concerned. I think if this persists it would be good to contact his specialist nurse (CNS) or doctor.

    Side effects of head and neck radiotherapy can also last a while after treatment, there is more information about this here. Sometimes these side effects can be long-term and continue for a while after radiotherapy has long finished. 

    We do have information on managing fatigue here if useful, but I think it would be good to mention this and the sore throat to his team first. 

    Take care and if you want to talk anything through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Sarah

    So husband went to GP and given medication.  Within 24 hrs sore throat gone so would presume he has picked up virus.  However she also referred him for appointment with a consultant.  Would appear all  ok but consultant said his thyroid had been frazzled.  And at end of consultation " you do know it can come back".  When he saw other consultant after MRI he was told excellent results.  Fatigue could last a long time.  Today told fatigue should not be going on now after 8 months.  Conflicting opinions and becoming very worrying.  Any advice

  • in reply to Gillell14

    Hello and thanks for your further post,

    We can't really comment in too much depth on different consultants' feedback. I see in our previous reply that we suggested that fatigue can persist for a long time in some patients, and this is based on previous research studies on fatigue. The comment about it 'might come back' was perhaps not explained to you in the best way. There is always a chance of cancer returning, albeit sometimes small, as no treatment can be 100% guaranteed. But treatment is often successful in fact and given with the intention to cure. This is something that his hospital team could explain further.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

    Vanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Vanda

    Thanks for your reply.  Regarding the fatigue I just found that for 2 consultants to give totally opposing views was rather off.  And as regards the comment It can come back I don't think it needs saying.  We'll aware if what can happen.  Many thanks again.

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