Donnajean,
I am certain that the problem is the radiation not the espheageal dilation. I had my esophagus dilated a couple of weeks ago and I have no side effects whatsoever from the procedure. I go back in a couple of weeks to have it dilated again.
My throat does still get a little sore, however, 5 months after the end of radiation.
Best of luck,
Danny G.

Stage IV Base of Tongue SCC
Diagnosed July 1, 2002, chemo and radiation treatments completed beginning of Sept/02.