I must tell you all that it turns out that whilst some of my pain is related to radiation induced fibrosis it turns out that I have also been walking around with a fractured vertebrae which probably happened when I slipped in the kitchen in mid October. The swedish massage I had in early December probably disturbed it all.

I have since been advised by my GP that he does not think areas that have had radiation treatment should be 'super' massaged in this way as the scar fibrois area is very set.

After the pain I have had I think he may be correct. Fortunatly husband made me stay in bed at one point and has done lots of extra chores. Slowly it's getting better, but I didn't need the extra fracture on top of the daily fibrosis pain. Ouch.

Hi
I am a 40 year survivor of neck cancer and have suffered most of the pains that have been described. I had L'Hermittes sign after my radiation - it was an annoying tingling but not the stabbing pain you describe.

Some years after radiation I started having stabbing pains in my neck. They would happen with no warning and was terribly intense, lasting only seconds, then went away leaving me frightened they would return. They occurred several times a day. Horrible intense stabbing pain like none I have known.

Eventually a neurologist diagnosed neuralgia and put my on neurontin, slowly increasing the dose until I had no more stabbing pain. What a relief!!! They have no ever recurred.

I hope this helps!

Kathy

Hi,
Just a quickie, I saw the question about peeling skin in the ears. I have it and have been told it's a type of psoriasis brought on by RT. It varies in severity. It is possible to get betnovate scalp treatment and although we are told never to stick anything in the ear canal a little bit on a cotton bud and applied to the flaky areas does help. If it's really bad I sometimes use hydrocortisone cream. It never seems to completely clear up, some shampoo's and conditioners irritate it too. On bad day's I have to remember not to tuck my hair behind my ears, it looks gross!!
SusieR

Hi Susie, thanks for that,Brian was complaining about flaky skin around the back of his ear (treated side) just last night. I had no answer for him, now we'll try the Betnovate. Ta muchly!

Hi Fran,
No prob, hope it helps. Mind you I have to get a prescription over here for the stuff, it's not available over the counter. Don't know if it will be the same for you.
Susie

oh my god...i have at last found a site that understands the after affects of radiotherpay to the neck. I totaly understand when i read about the pain in the neck and arm area..i was being made to feel i was in my imageination!!GP's and consultants where just brushing it to one side each time i have mentioned it.It has got worse over the last 6 years and fully understand when i hear about people not being able to cope with the pain of it, i tryly feel like crying at this moment as i have at long last found some 'soul mates' who know what i am talking about. god bless you all and thank you for confirming it is NOT all in my mind.x.x.