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Cancer of the parotid gland (salivary gland)

IanF
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hi just wanted a little bit of advise in April I had a massive operation to remove a tumour in my parotid gland which has been a success however I had radio therapy for 6wks every day after that which was extremely intense. I have been finished this treatment for 6 weeks now however I still have no appetite and am suffering from throat and jaw soreness. I feel as if I am not recovering at a great pace just wanted some advise on healing and recovery etc?

also have very little energy and was such an energetic person.

 

thanks

ian 

  • Hi Ian and welcome to the forum.

    I'm glad to hear the operation to remove the tumour was successful although I'm sorry to hear you're struggling a bit after finishing radiotherapy.

    Hopefully other members who have had experience of recovering from radiotherapy will be along soon to offer their advice but I just wanted to give you our cancer nurses telephone number in case you wanted to chat to them about this. Their freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. I have included some general information we have on our website about the side effects of radiotherapy for you to read as well.

    I hope this helps and your energy levels start picking up again soon.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi ian you are only 4 months on from a massive op and your long radiotherapy it's no wonder you have little energy. I also had major surgery and 6 wks of radiotherapy and yes I had little energy for some time afterwards. Just be patient and your strength will come back, your body just needs time to recover. Every day is a day closer to that time.

  • Offline in reply to buddyanne
    Hi Ian, how many weeks post op did you start your radiotherapy? I had parotidectomy and neck dissection 2 weeks ago and am waiting to find out when I can start radiotherapy but they say I must be fully healed before I can start the RT as it’s such N invasive procedure. Get lots of rest and eat well to aid your recovery. I have been advised to have a high protein diet. Shakes can be a good way of getting lots of protein if you have no appetite. Kate

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