My son, 47, was diagnosed too late with Head and Neck cancer, stage 4A [squamous cell cancer pharynx or hypo-pharynx] While in Cancer Critical Unit, he was fitted for a trach- then a feeding tube- got bi-lateral pneumonia - allergy to anti-biotics he was given- then got superbug MRSA....
To make our story short...he went through 7 weeks + 2 days of radiation [we were told the most that is allowed by law] as well as chemotherapy [with Cisplatin]every Wednesday following radiation for the first 6 weeks.
The results of his following Pet Scan: no abnormal cell. One should rejoice...However, his trach hurts him constantly, he complains about constant pain, especially behind his neck, even though he takes heavy pain killer every day. Difficulty to breeze, he wants it out. The problem, the massive radiation has "fried" him. He only has 5% of his airway open. Lots of scar tissues and lots of inflammation.
He carries a cup no matter where he is, because he constantly has those gooey matters that force him to cough and they expel from his trach, although some from his mouth.
Anyone knows what can be done to get rid of that inflammation?
Are the scar tissues permanent or can there be some kind of operation , laser or other, to eliminate or diminish them?
It would be so wonderful if he could eat or drink even if it were a limited amount, which he has not done in 6 months. Unfortunately, he had 3 swallowing tests, but when you look at the imagery, the half teaspoon of liquid they gave him, hesitates at one point and then plummets in his lungs!
I thank you for any information you can give us….and wish you a very agreable Labor Day somehow!
Cigalou