| Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 32 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 32 | Has anyone had any experience with throat expansion procedure? My Doc did it during my dissection and it worked like a dream.
My question is, I recently had surgery for a broken arm and it seems as though swallowing has become more difficult since then. I'm wondering if when they shoved the tubes down my throat if they dislodged one of the rings. Anybody know if that's possible?
Thanks, George
Dx 8.14.08. 42 at diagnosis. Stage IV Tonsil. Tonsillectomy 8.25.08. Induction chemo (9.29.08) (taxol and carboplatin) 5 weekly treatments. 35 rad and 6 concurrent chemos. Finished 12.22.08. No peg, no port. Neck dissection Feb. 09
| | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | We have had a lot of individuals here that have had multiple dilations to improve swallowing. I am not one of them, but it can help a great deal. I am answering this so it will move to the top of the posts again, and someone who has gone through this will answer you.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 32 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 32 | Thanks Brian. The dilation worked great (couldn't remember what it was called) but all of a sudden it seems like it's getting harder to swallow. I go see the doctor in a little more than a week so I'm sure he can take a peek and see if something happened down there.
Dx 8.14.08. 42 at diagnosis. Stage IV Tonsil. Tonsillectomy 8.25.08. Induction chemo (9.29.08) (taxol and carboplatin) 5 weekly treatments. 35 rad and 6 concurrent chemos. Finished 12.22.08. No peg, no port. Neck dissection Feb. 09
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I have hd many dialations brickster. They seem to make a great deal of difference in swallowing each time. I hope your Dr doesn't have a time line between them being done. I was at 1 yr intervals for dialations, then at 6 months, then went to 3 months. Right now I am 4 months past due for one but the OC has us at a stand still for awhile. good luck with them and don't let the dr forget you. I have been getting them since 1996 right after surgery to my esophagus for Barretts.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 32 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 32 | Thanks Jim. I didn't realize you had it done multiple times. I thought it was a one shot deal.
Thanks again, George
Dx 8.14.08. 42 at diagnosis. Stage IV Tonsil. Tonsillectomy 8.25.08. Induction chemo (9.29.08) (taxol and carboplatin) 5 weekly treatments. 35 rad and 6 concurrent chemos. Finished 12.22.08. No peg, no port. Neck dissection Feb. 09
| | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 209 Gold Member (200+ posts) | Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 209 | Mike had a total of 3 throat dilations. All within the first 12 months after treatment. He has not needed another for the last 2 years. Ginny
Ginny, spouse of MikeG. SSC BOT T2N1M0 Stage III, Dx 06/27/06 at age 52, Tx 07/31/06 through 09/28/06 Chemo Cisplatin & 5FU x2, Radiation x42. Cancer free and doing well.
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