CancerCompass message board discussion started by John1946 on 12/27/2004 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1441,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Subject: Complete Blockage, Upper Esophageal Sphincter Message: I am 58 years old, male in good health worked out for 25 years at the YMCA. It started with a lymphnode (left side neck), which lead to fine my left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma May 17, 2004. The tonsil was removed and my team of Doctors recommended me to start taking aggressive treatment, because I was in good health 180 pounds, Chemo then radiation. Everything going along good, in the 2nd week of radiation I could not swallow at all. I finish all my treatments as we planed. I already had a feeding tub in place and was eating blended table food. It has been four months since that 2nd week. It has been three months since my last radiation treatment, and now the MRI is clear, still cannot swallow anything. I was sent after two months to see gastro doctor, he went in and back out. He said it was to swollen closed and did not want to take a chance on damaging the esophagus. I went to another doctor just the other day December 18th 2004 and I did not like the way he was talking, at this point I don't know what to do. I don't know if three months is a long time to wait for the esophagus to open or does it go longer with some. Some of the doctors say give it time, and they also say they have not had a patient go this long. I have been maintaining 150 pounds feeling ok walking in the mornings and working from home. I am trying to stay positive. Can anyone help? It would be a nice Christmas present if could swallow again. John1946 Mon, 27 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT John, I waited three months and now it's been 12 months and the swelling in my esophagus from scar tissue has tightened and shrunk to completely close it off. An esophagectomy is next. Go see a Thoracic Surgeon,"NOW" and see if it can be dilated,don't wait. All scar tissue shrinks as it heals and hardens which limits your ability to save your esophagus. Cheers and Luck your way, your pal Ray Razor Thu, 30 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT