Hi, I'm new to the board and writing on behalf of my dear friend, Kevin. He had a bilateral neck dissection last November and unfortunately had to have a total laryngectomy as the tumor (SCC, stage IV) was in the voice box. Also some lymph nodes were taken. Had two chemo sessions and 33 radiation treatments ending in February, which has caused him to be unable to swallow since January of this year.

Scar tissue damage from radiation has forced his esophagus closed so he had a 4th dilation attempt yesterday morning. There was a gastro doc working through his peg feeding tube and the head/neck oncology surgeon worked on the throat area. It took 2 1/2 hours and they inserted a coated wire starting at his stomach up through his mouth and the wire is taped to the outside of his cheek. He is feeling some pain today and is uncomfortable, but has been up moving around a little and getting some feed tube feedings going.

Has anyone else had a wire inserted to keep the esophagus open? He has a follow up appointment next Monday at the GI clinic and they said they'll only need to sedate him and dilate, so it shouldn't be as intense as yesterday. Doctor advised that he try getting some water down today, so hoping for that.

Thanks for any information. I read posts here to give him some encouragement as it's been a really tough road for him so far.

Nancy