Hello,

My mum has had treatment for breast cancer two years ago (mastectomy, chemo, radiation) and has just finished another round for metastasized lung cancer. She is scheduled for a CT scan later next month.

Meanwhile, she's developed this persistent hoarseness of her voice. It's painless and does not cause any strain. I'm hoping there's some explanation other than further spread.
The cancer surgeon has peered at her larynx and says it is worth it to wait, because """it is too early for anything to show up on a CT scan""".

That seems like nonsense. If we wait until something shows up, it may be too late.

Any advice will be gratefully accepted.

Dear Sriramalka

It is distressing to have your mother suffer from cancer and I sympathise with your concern for her. One of the symptoms related to lung cancer is hoarseness. Sometimes the hoarseness might not be related to the cancer but be due to a throat infection or even a reaction of the vocal cords to the radiotherapy if this area was in the field of irradiation.

Your lung cancer surgeon might be able to explain it. He/she is the expert. Sometimes, one needs to see something before one can decide on the best way to manage a condition.
I hope her hoarseness improves and that her treatment is successful.

Best wishes

Vinod :coffee:

Thank you, Dr. Joshi, for taking the time to respond.

My mum hasn't had any radiation in the throat area. She has been subject to nine rounds of chemotherapy the second time around. So yes, we do fear the worst.

Does anyone know of a place that distributes hope?

I am no expert but I too had a very hoarse voice for 6 months or so about a year ago. Being an oral cancer survivor, I was very worried. I saw an ENT surgeon and had a laryngoscopy there and then in outpatients. My problem proved to be the result of acid reflux from my stomach and this has been resolved with tablets. It is possible that your mother has something simple too. I really hope she can get some answers soon. The worry is the worst part.

Hi sriramalka

The RDOC Mouth Cancer web site has a """Cheerful Help""" and a """Spiritual Help""" section. You may find some hope from the web links on these pages.

All of us are mortal and our bodies are in transition. The only hope that can sustain us in times of trouble and despair is our faith that our spirit is imperishable. It is our attachment to this world and our friends and loved ones that causes the painful farewells. Realising this, frees us to enjoy the time we have with our loved ones and create treasured memories of joy.

Best wishes

Vinod

Jan, Dr. Joshi,

Thanks much for the advice and the links.

The only thing I really wish for is that one shouldn't have to suffer too much; death per se doesn't really bother me, for myself or for anyone else.

But my mum is frightened, and when she asks, """will I survive?""", I really don't know how to answer her. I've tried all answers from """yes, of course""" to """what matters is not death, but how we live""", or words to that effect, but nothing sounds convincing or hopeful.

I'll certainly go through the links you posted, Dr. Joshi.

Thanks again.