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#130794 03-05-2011 12:03 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 128
wfc Offline OP
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Senior Member (100+ posts)

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 128
Has anyone had to have Esophageal stretching? I am almost two years out and starting to experience increased difficulty in swallowing. My Rad Doctor told me that I may have to have a stretching procedure and that it is normal after radiation between the 2nd anf 5th year for this to occur in some head/neck patients.


Age 57 at dx on 3/30/2009 by Dentist
SCC of R tonsil S2 Poorly Differentiated - 2.5 cm
Rad - IMRT 5x a wk for 8 wks starting 5/4/2009
No Chemo
Last Rad treatment was 6/26/2009.
Two years down as of 3/30/2011!
God bless all affected by this monster called cancer!
wfc #130802 03-05-2011 05:18 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 875
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
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Posts: 875
Hello wfc:
I have had my esophagus stretched probably every 6 months since my treatments ended in 2/2008. It does help you swallow better; I just wish it would last longer than 4 to 6 months. In fact, I am having mine done Monday by a gastro doctor who is also looking for some acid reflux and other gastro problems I have. It's an upper endoscopy and you're asleep while they do it, but not into a deep sleep - just enough for you not to feel anything. One time when I had it, I could actually "hear" what was being said, but that was an oddity. Luckily they didn't see anything or comment on anything negative wink or I would have probably tried to get out of there. I'm just telling you this to be funny but it only happened to me once and for just a few seconds.
julieann


Julieann
Nov 2007 SCC on right tonsil following tonsillectomy. Was smoker, QUIT. (Stage IV T2 N2b) 7 weeks radiation one day/wk chemo (carboplatin and 5-FU). Allergic to Taxol; PEG in, lost 30 lbs. TX completed January 2008. PEG out mid- 2008. PET/CT 1/17/2011;2/3/12 NEGATIVE for cancer smile
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 38
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Posts: 38
Yes, I am a year and a half out of radiation and have just had my second "esophageal dilation." My first two were about 3 months apart. So far, not much long term help. The couple days afterward are great but within a week, we're back to swallowing issues. My GI doc says it might take a year or more of rinse and repeat to see any long term progress.

Mark


Mark
BOT Squamous cell, stage IIIa
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8
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We are doing a throat stretch in 2 weeks. I'm assuming this is the same? It is not being done by my GI but rather my surgical oncologist who did the neck dissection.


Kevin

Age 42, Stage 4 SCC w/Right Tonsil and 6 nodes positive, Neck Dissection 6/01, 35 rads with 1x/3wk cisplatin, peg 7/2010. completed treatment 8/17/10.

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