| | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 80 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP  Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 80 | Well my Swallow test revealed two strictures in my esophagus that are the cause of my difficulty in swallowing items of substance. I am able to get the soft, slippery foods (eggs, noodles, etc) down but items beyond that require lots of chewing, small bites and lots of liquid (and pain). Based on test results my ENT is scheduling a dilation procedure. He hopes one session will take care of the problem but said additional dilations may be needed down the road (50/50 odds). My procedure will be done under general anethesia - quick procedure with minimal recovery or so he says.
I've read some of the past posts from those who have had it done and would like to ask for any recent experiences and/or advice.
My best to all,
Nancy
Age 56 at diagnosis
Neck Lymph node removed 11/2012
Tonsillectomy perfomed 12/2012 - identified as primary
SCC Left Tonsil with Left Node involvement, DX 12/2012
RX started 1/29/2013, finished 3/23/2013;
Daily IMRT (35 Sessions)
Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin (6 weeks)
PEG placed after week 4 (3/1/2013)
PEG removed 6 1/2 months later (8/12/2013)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Nancy, I havent had this procedure done myself but I have known many who have. Its not too bad of a procedure. The first day or 2, you will be sore from the dilation. Alot of people end up having the procedure done at least twice then later on every so often for maintenance.
Good luck!!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,409 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,409 | Nancy, I've had maybe 6-8 dilations. As you've noted, it's a quick procedure and normally they put you under completely, although the last one I had was under lighter sedation and I actually felt some sensation. But even that wasn't anything that bothered me.
My experience is that your throat is sore that night and maybe a day or two more. But compared to the IMRT we've both been through it's really a piece of cake. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes, and of course since you're asleep it's no time at all.
I don't know how things go in most cases, but tmy clinic also gave me a series of lovely pictures of my gullet along with my doctor's notes on the procedure. Amaze your friends!
Mainly though it really gives you relief from throat tightness and swallowing difficulty. I'm crossing my fingers that you only have to go through it once... but not because it's a scary thing. It's just expensive and a hassle!
Let us know how it goes.
David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 15 years all clear in 6/24 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 7 Member | | Member
Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 7 | Nancy, just underwent esophageal dilation. They put me under general anesthesia. Took about twenty minutes. Sore throat for a day or two. Definitely notice improvement right away. Surgeon said strong possibly will need to go through dilation more than once. If you have trouble swallowing I would highly recommend it! I am being treated at MD Anderson in Gilbert, AZ
8/20/04 Dx'd w/ SCC - Stage II-III L BOT. 2 surgeries. No clear margins. 33 IMRT, chemo. Clear PET
10/26/12 Dx'd 2-3 cm SCC buccal lesion. Non-Smoker, Non-Drinker, Healthy lifestyle.
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