Complete Esophagus Obstruction

My husband was diagnosed w/nasal pharaynx cancer july 2003. He had radiation and chemo treatments the last which ended in 1/2004. He has been eating thru a tube since 10/03. He is still not able to eat thru his mouth, he says it just cant go down. The doctor says we just have to wait. I think my husband is tired of waiting on the doctors they don't seem to know what to do with him at this point. It sounds like you were able to overcome your situation. Are you able toeat now on your own. Thank you for your expereince it makes me hopeful. If only we can find a doctor to help.

Malia

Did you try Magic MouthWash during your treatments? My radiologist recommended this saying it would relieve the inflamation and it did not. I waited three months and did not go to a CHIEF THORACIC Surgeon to see if he could dilate my esophagus. Then as the tissue healed it shrank, became very hard and tight and no dilation could be done. Next, they wanted to remove my Larynx and esophagus. I started taking Flax Seed Oil SOFTJELLS, 1200 mg along with Evening Primrose Oil SOFTJELLS, 500 mg and the tissue softened a little. Also get Low Carb Cottage Cheese and put a table spoon of Flax Oil over it to eat and you will be cancer free for the rest of your Life. Get the book "How to Fight Cancer and Win", William Fisher but do not wait to have your esophagus dilated and go to the "Chief" of Thoracic Surgery or ENT,... NOW, don't wait..., Cheers with Luck, Ray

I am sorry it has taken so long for me to reply back to you. My mom has had her throat stretched twice within the last year. She is able to swallow small amounts of liquids and broths. Because her throat was so damaged form the treatments, she has alot of scar tissue build up. Her doctors tell her that she most likely will never be able to eat a "normal" meal again. I think she is scared to try thicker foods in the event that she might choke. She tries which is all I can ask for. I hope this info is helpful to you. Let me know how you are doing.

John...I just read your posting again and wanted to add a few more things to my last one. My mom had an ENT and a gastro doctor open her throat. The ENT went in through her throat and the gastro went in through her feeding tube and they met in the "middle". Once they met, they were able to make a hole and then stretch it open. Her regular ENT and gastro doctor were not able to do this. I eventually found a doctor who was willing to try it again. If you don't mind me asking, where do live? Maybe I could help you out. Also, from experience, don't listen to the line "it takes time"! That is what my moms radiation doctor kept telling her. Five months after she finished treatment she was able to swallow mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs etc. She kept telling her doctor for months that it felt like her throat was closing and all he said was "it takes time"!! If you are not happy with his/her answer keep going until you find one you do. Kim

K,
I live in Nashville, TN. Thanks, for your reply. Any advice, please let me know. Names of Drs., etc.

GOOD NEWS! W/Surgery yesterday Feb 16, 2005.
The esophagus had about a one and half inch stricture from the top. Would not open at all, it was tight. (STRICTURE) cause by the radiation) What they did was, take out the G-tube and went up from the bottom of the esophagus and was able to open. (Good news I swallowed water the first night) (It has been a half year since I have swallowed anything at all.) This morning I am drinking a cup of coffee. This is so cool! And on to more liq. tomorrow, like clear soup. They put in another temporary tub this time that can be taken out by deflating on the inside of stomach end of tub and pulling back through the small hole in the stomach to the outside and then stitch up, so I want have to have surgery again. This will take place when we feel it is safe and I am getting everything through mouth. This is the best news I have ever had in my life. I never thought a cup of coffee was a big deal. Also the MRI and CT scans were clear.

Southwest Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, OK Under "Cancer Treatment Centers of America has a NEW treatment that has been VERY effective!!!!
It's called "HDR Brachytherapy" and after I'm finished with my last 3 Chemotherapies for my Esophageal Cancer -- I'm DEFINITELY gonna' go there!!!!!
Keep me posted -- OK???
THANKS!
Terry L.
Albuquerque, NM

Kimberly,
I've been reading your post because my sister's esophagus is completely closed due to scarring from radiation to treat squamous cell cancer in her throat. She beat the cancer - twice, but has been on a feeding tube for almost 2 years now and is completely unable to swallow - even water. I would like to get the name of the doctor and/or hospital where you found a resolution to this problem. We saw her gastro guy last week and it was extremely depressing. He gave us no hope that she would ever be able to swallow again. Her ENT pretty much told her the same thing, but my instincts tell me that somebody somewhere has attempted to open a severely scarred esophagus. My sister is a Medicare/Medicaid patient in South Carolina. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

I was diagnoed with SCC in 7/04 had radiation therapy for several months ending in 11/04. I have had a PEG tube and been unable to swallow almost since 7/04. I have now been told my esophagus has been closed off due to scare tissue caused by radiation. My situation sounded like something you've learned about. I was wondering if you have learned any additional information regarding treatment options since the posting of 9/04. I am in CA but willing to pursue any alternatives. Thank you for your time and any information you can provide.

Hello, it sounds like I am experiencing the same thing you have been through. Almost one year since eating/swallowing. the doctors arent giving me much hope at this time. Where are you located, I am in CA. I am looking for more information on the procedure you had done and curious as to how you are progressing since they opened you back up?? Any information you can supply would be appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and information. I look forward to hearing from you.