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#107203 11-17-2009 08:56 AM
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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
brickster #107258 11-17-2009 08:32 PM
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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.
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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
brickster #107280 11-18-2009 07:22 AM
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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
EzJim #107298 11-18-2009 01:16 PM
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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
brickster #107312 11-18-2009 05:52 PM
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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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