My last day of 6 weeks of radiotherapy was 22 September 2004. It is now 9 weeks since the treatment ended. Although I consider I have been comparatively lightly affected by the treatment I still suffer the following:
1. Dryness in mouth (on occasions only).
2. Very, very limited soreness of throat/tongue.
3. I go a number of days feeling just great then, this followed by a day (or two), feeling sickly.
4. My biggest mental problem concerns the pains I get in my stomach. Not the pains themselves. Why am I getting them?

I spoke to both my dietician and one of my oncologist team members who, although haaving no explanation, imply (reservedly I think) that it is nothing to worry about. Certainly not a spread of cancer from the base tongue tumor to the stomach.

I know we have a tendency to worry overly about our condition but, that aside, has anyone experienced anything remotely similar?

Regards all, Fridge

Well, Fridge, the only stomach pains I get after five years is from the weird \nd wonderful mixtures of blends I inflict it with to try to put on these elusive ounces.
ost of the pains are to do with wind I find. Give yourself plenty of quality reading time in the loo in case you are consti;pated or have trapped wind.

I too wpuld think it highly unlkely that the cancer would jump down there. But like you I don't trust that b***** in my body.
IO am glad you are getting over the RT so well. Good for you.
Regards Ishbel

Hi Ishbel,

Thank you for your reply. It is always comforting to receive such. You say you are still having difficulty with your weight after FIVE years!

I still find it difficult after 2+ months (from treatment end) to intake solids or semi-solids. I had hoped I would overcome this by now....what an optimist.

My taste buds were severely affected by the treatment, hence my intake problems with solids etc. Although my taste buds have returned a little, almost all solids taste awful.

I get by almost entirely by intaking Scandishake and Fortisip hi-calorie liquids. Strangely (or maybe not) I go up to 3 to 4 days of constipation but, with a small shot of laxative, find find myself with a diarrhea situation.

I am visiting my GP today to discuss my stomach aches. Here's hoping we find an answer. Maybe your suggestion is correct.

I am particularly keen on solving this problem as I wish to visit my holiday home in California on 22 December for a 2 month period. I had intended going a month after cessation of RT but had to cancel as I was still suffering effects...... how's that for misplaced optimism of healing time!

I again thank you Ishbel for your reply. What a wonderful crowd of people use this website.

Fear of the unknown. That's my problem. Many regards, Fridge