Side Effects

[Kaytybug]

From none of the topics above.  My husband is cancer free at this time.  In 2005 he was diagnosed with Tonsil Cancer.  He received radiation.  He is now cancer free.  He is 55 years old.  I have noticed since 2005, after the radiation, little things he does that are not major but different.................like changes in his habits.  It is hard to explain, but for instance, he does not remember the most logical things. He deposited money for our son for tuition, three hundred dollars less than the normal amount, he made chili without frying the meat first.  I know this sounds minor but my husband is normally very sharp and has always been a perfectionist.  This is happening more and more and I am concerned.  When I try to talk to him about these instances, he becomes irritated.  The only thing that I can think of that may have happened to cause this is the radiation.  Please know that I am so very greatful for this treatment.  It is because of this treatment that I still have my husband.  I just want to understand and be ready if this continues and/or gets worse.  AT this time, it is just becoming noticable, mainly to me.    


This discussion is related to Head � Neck Cancer/Difficult Side Effects After Radiation Therapy.

[shell5375]

My husband developed squamous cell carcinoma 5 years ago.  After 8 weeks of intensive radiation treatments, along with chemo, his behavior also changed.  He doesn't remember things!!  He also lost the use of his arms, his shoulder fell out of it's socket, he can not speak and can only eat thru a feeding tube.  In the summer of 2009, after two years on home hospice, his tumors disappeared!!  Since then he has been thru rehab, he can now raise his arms up to his waist, his shoulder is permanently dislocated and he has developed gangrene on his jaw bone. Today after 20 hyperbaric treatments they operated on his gums and removed a few remaining teeth and cleaned his jawbone.  Yes, he survived cancer for 8mo's now, but the side effects of his treatments are devastating!!!  Now, we are praying that the necrosis in his jaw goes away and allows his mouth to heal.
I guess we all have stories, but I feel as if I've been going from one crisis to another since the onset of this awful disease.  I wish someone could tell me what type of physician handles extreme radiation side effects.  If anyone knows please answer!!!!

[SharMMP]

I understand what you are saying.  You are noticing behavior similar to what I have noticed in my husband.  It is difficult to explain to anyone else, but you know what is normal for him.  It can be difficult at times when you relied on him to take care of certain things and now you aren't sure whether you can.  

Six years ago my husband had a cancerous lump removed from under his right jawbone and underwent 8 weeks of radiation.  In addition to the radiation, he could not eat anything and would only sip water.  As I understand it, the starvation alone for that length of time could cause some of these problems.  Then when you radiate the area around the spinal chord, etc., I guess this exacerbates the effects of the treatments.  It is difficult to say whether it gets worse.  My husband was a young 63 when he had his radiation.

It is difficult to adjust to the "new" person my husband has become. Sometimes his behavior catches me by surprise, and I forget and I respond inappropriately.  I pray for patience and understanding.  You are so right that we need to be thankful for the medical miracles that saved our men.