Throat Cancer (tongue)

My husband was diagnosed with throat cancer before xmas 2016...its actually back of his tongue but also has secondary lump on neck. Hes started chemo two weeks ago for one week (and again in 4 weeks) but having Radiotherapy daily for 7 weeks...we are entering week three of Radio and his throat is raw and sore and hes having trouble swallowning, but his main problem is a cough. Im not sure if he had "a cough" or if its a side effect of the dry throat from Radio and lack of saliva. It causes him to cough until he gags and making his throat even more painful. Anyone got any advice to help?

  • Hi Jacqui, and welcome to Cancer Chat. 

    I'm sorry to hear that your husband has been diagnosed with throat cancer and that he's having some uncomfortable side effects from the radiotherapy. We have a few discussions on the forum about mouth and throat cancer that are active at the moment, so you might find that posting on those helps - I'm including a link to a recent discussion which you might like to join:

    My husband has base of tongue cancer

    In the meantime, we have some general information on the website about swallowing after head and neck radiotherapy, which may be of some use. Although it has some advice on sore throats, it doesn't cover coughing, specifically, so you may wish to talk to your husband's doctor or nurse about this. You can also call our cancer nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 - the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday. 

    Wishing you both all the best - do let us know how things go,

    Helen

  • Thank you Helen thats very helpful I will check out those posts now x