Help Please

My brother had a partial glossectomy and lymph glands removed a year ago followed by 6.5 wks. Of intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy which finished at the beginning of February. He was admitted during the treatment for 3.5 wks. due to acute mucositis from the radiation burns. He started to recover but in August he had to have a punch biopsy because he was having similar symptoms to what he had when he had the tongue cancer and as the surgeon couldn’t see anything untoward he said he can’t see everything, so he would do that and thankfully it came back clear but he has got so much pain in his mouth and since the latest procedure he also has a sore throat and his speech has deteriorated. The oncologist says he gas lymphodema (internal) but I am very worried and wondered if anyone else had experienced what they call late side effects from the radiotherapy. I’m tearing my hair out, not knowing what to do. 

Sorry for the long post!

  • Hi SuzyG,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand this must be difficult. The only thing I can really suggest is to get as much information as possible from your brother's doctor, as well as to keep track of symptoms to see how things develop.

    You may wish to talk things through with our nurses - if so, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Otherwise, if anyone here has any similar experiences then hopefully they'll be along here soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator