| | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | If you have had radiation please do not consider this procedure. I know I am not a doctor but I would be glad to explain why but briefly the nerve damage from radiation will complicate the timing between swallow and esophageal sphincter valve. The compartmentalized medical delivery system prevents a true multidisciplinary model from working and oncologists don't interact much with folks outside cancer world unless there is a specific issue that has been seen before. When you get to the neuromuscular issues of radiation and chemo everything can be different for every person and this is one of the areas known the least.
Be well but be diligent!
Ed
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 3 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 3 | Ed,
I had extensive radiation after radical throat surgery for cancer on tonsil, tongue and roof of mouth in 1994 (yes I am blessed to be in remission for so long!) No complications for 10 years, then developed neck face and shoulder neuropathy (severe) - finally I found solutions: Medtronic neurostimulator and Lyrica. More recently I lost all sensation in my throat and am no longer able to swallow - no food or liquid orally, none. I am living quite well for past several months on PEG tube. Able to execise, write novels, whatever. But you are correct, my diagnosis is that all these complications were caused by radiation therapy - but on the other hand I might not have survived without it!
Regards,
Jack T
Last edited by ChristineB; 12-09-2012 09:04 PM. Reason: removed personal info and link
Jack Teeter
Long time survivor (since 1994 - I AM blessed!) KEEP THE FAITH! Recently lost ability to swallow, started blog
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | Wow Jack, It sounds like you have been through the ringer. I have really dwindled down to a bucket of bones and tendons. Don't know why but they would not put a PEG in me and swallowing is a bit of a challenge. My weight is about half of what it was now but they keep saying I haven't lost "significant" weight. I eat a lot too. Very perplexing. Glad to hear you are doing okay or at least here to tell about it!
Wishing you a Happy New Year and continued blessings, my friend.
Ed
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
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