Radiation to Cervical Spine

[Sipj]

My husband is on his 4th of 5th day of treatment to his cervical spine of radiation- he has a fracture from bone mets. Wondering if anyone has had that and what issues did you have after treatment was done. He has been told he may have a sore throat bad enough to put him in the hospital. We are ready with "miracle mouthwash" with lidocaine, and other over the counter meds, in addition to his already high doses of pain meds.

Anyone have an idea of when these side effects could start?

Thank you in advance for any input.

[Walkingwell]

I’ve had radiation therapy several times to thorax spine (T5, 6, 7, 10), side effects start maybe 1 week to 10 days later, (burning to esophagus), and may last 10 to 14 days, painkillers help and easy to swallow food and drink.

[SeosamhM]

I had radiation to C2 and T4 (and a couple other non-spine mets). C2 had a "pathological fracture".

You need to be prepared for the worst with the C2, and not only the inevitable swelling/burning throat. This became very bad by Week 3, but not as bad as the headaches - getting up from a lying or reclined position without assistance became nearly impossible (we had a wooden headboard and I put a handle on it to help, since I am a large fellow at 6' 4" and 250 and my wife cannot lift that!). Mind you, I was 49 at the time (now 54) with no comorbidities (e.g., like the osteopenia I am developing now), and the experience was debilitating.

My recommendations for going through treatment (if you aren't doing these things already):

- Get a hard, adjustable c-collar. The support and adjustable tension provided both physical and psychological relief. This collar will be needed not only during treatment, but after. I still use it periodically today. I use an "Aspen Vista" because I can get replacement pads.

- Even if things are going well, I would still get a soft c-collar for sleeping.

- Prepare a sitting/reclining sleeping space - there were weeks I couldn't tolerate fully lying down, as the headaches were too intense.

- Put non-medication remedies (ice, traction, gentle massage) on equal footing with the meds! Vomiting is a real possibility, and forceful heaving is both supremely unpleasant and potentially dangerous.

Good luck. Set up a consult with a spine specialist ASAP after treatment, since your husband's neck issues will no longer be oncological, but orthopedic. I didn't know any better (ah, youth!), and I both my RO and MO team dropped the ball on communicating side effects - months after treatment I didn't realize the body of my C2 had turned into something resembling a collapsed Jenga stack. Luckily, my spinal cord still squeaks by with some room.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. - Joe M.

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to SeosamhM]

Kind of you.This is what helps makes the forum here a real helpful, supportive realm.

You might join brother Kal as being the most helpful for work arounds to side effects.

Hopefully the extent of your side effects is not the norm.

[SeosamhM in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

I've only heard of similar side effects from those getting radiation treatment for brain tumors. I think that, similarly, the confined space of the upper c-spine made it a bad time for me = no place for the swelling to go.

[Grandpa4 in reply to SeosamhM]

Wow! Here I am feeling bad with diarrhea and cramping I am getting from my pelvic radiation. You are a trooper to get through that.

[SeosamhM in reply to Grandpa4]

Too kind, Grandpa4, but thank you! And you are allowed to feel bad - pelvic radiation is no walk in the park. Radiation is a miserable friend.

[Sipj in reply to SeosamhM]

Thank you so much for the extensive and very appreciative response. I will definitely be referring to this as the days and weeks come.

[j-o-h-n]

Your poor main squeeze has been through the mill. After reading his bio I see that both of you are deeply in love. Ms. Sipj you deserve a medal and nomination as wife of the year. Keep fighting those dirty little bastards. God Bless you both.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 06/25/2022 9:40 PM DST

[Sipj in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you 🙏 it is all I can do- if he wants to keep fighting I will do everything for him to be here.