Last Friday I finally learned what has been causing the terrible hoarseness that makes it very difficult to talk. I have had lung cancer for 1 1/2 years now but in June I developed asore throat that didnn't last long but then congestion built up in my chest and I thought I would smother before I could get to the doctor. I was put on O2 right away and also Arbuterol Nebulizer breathing treatments. this has become a permanent arrangement. However I lost my voice soon afterwards and no matter what I did it wouldn't come back but just a little bit. now I know why. It seems there is a nerve that runs down from your larynex through your chest on the left side and this nerve has gotten pinched by a small tumor. It looks like this to may be a permanent arrangement. My throat doctor is talking with my cancer doctor to see what they might come up with. He did mention a shot that would help relieve it for awhile. Has anybody with lung cancer ever had this problem? Are their any suggestions? It would really help me to hear from some of you folks. Thank you.
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hoarseness
- By verymerry
- Posted August 23, 2009 at 9:50 pm · 4 replies
- In Lung cancer
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- By tlm2005
- Posted August 24, 2009 at 9:41 am
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Yes, my husband is in the same boat. His voice has been gone since 5/25. His onc thought that chemo shrinking the small tumor in the lymph node would relieve the pressure on the nerve and his voice would come back, but it hasn't. We are postponing chemo session #5 to have the injection done. He is on Avastin, which can cause bleeding (in the airway is a very bad thing). His last chemo was 8/5 and his procedure with the ENT is scheduled for 9/9. We will resume chemo after that pending the scan scheduled for 8/26. It will be wonderful to have his voice back.
- By CarolWS
- Posted August 26, 2009 at 9:13 am
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Hi, this post is a little worrisome to me. I'm a stage IV breast cancer patient successfully in tx since May 2006. My cancer from '98 returned and matastisized (sp) to my sternum and lymph nodes in neck. I'm on Herceptin, Zometa and Navelbine. Regular scans and tumor markers show we have been successful, thusfar, in stopping the spread. However, I've developed hoarnesness in my voice over the last month that's not improving. No sore throat, drainage or obvious signs of a problem. I have scans sch'd for 8/31.....after that.....if nothing new shows up my oncologist says he'll refer me to an ENT for a possible polyp. Hopefully....it won't end up being a sign of spread to my lungs. Anyway, good luck to those responding to this post and I'll post my results when received. Carol in W-S
- By verymerry
- Posted August 28, 2009 at 7:31 pm
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HI Carol, thank you so much for you quick reply. I am scheduled to have the injection on the 16th of Sept. and I will let you know how it goes. I would love to get atleast an understandable voice back . I feel sorry for those who have to listen to me but most are good natured about it so if this is to be it will just be one more adjustment. The COPD is causing me lots of trouble so I am praying that the injection will take care of the Cancer caused part. Verymerry
- By kelsterlv
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 1:16 am
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Hello,
I to have lung cancer and my voice is very strained is the only word to describe it now. I have a paralyzed voice cord on the left side due to a tumor in my chest. I also start my 11th radiation tomorrow and do not know if that has anything to do with anything. But my throat and chest are very sore and irritated. Good luck. I hope you feel better and find a solution. Kelly
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