CancerCompass message board discussion started by mark5301960 on 11/25/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,18325,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello everyone my name is Mark I'm a 7 year nasopharnex stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma Cancer Survior. In 2006 I started having swallowing problems, food stuck and not going down constant coughing increasing dysphagia. M epiglottis doesn't close over. These problems are due to radiation treatment which caused a lot of scar tissue.I have severe Esophageal Stricture. I'm scheduled next week for Dilation I also have trismus approx 1.5cm which means I cannot open my mouth that wide at all due to radiation treatment which is what most head and neck patients have. My ent while I'm under general Anesthesia will stretch my mouth wider in order to see down by throat for the esophageal dilation. These are just muscles being used when my mouth is stretch wider has anyone had this done. To include Esophageal Dilation with severe stricture.I need to know everyones experience who has been thru this or in the process of going thru it. Thanks in Advance mark5301960 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am a 5 year Stage 4 nasopharnex survivor.  I recently have had more trouble swallowing and more muscle tightening in my neck. I was hoping it was just stress although I have nothing to be stressed about or maybe I have just become lazy with my chewing (?). In the past I had seen a Neuromuscular Massage therapist to do some intense TMJ work and work on my neck, mouth and shoulders.  Regular appointments have helped alot in the past and I hope to start seeing her more regularly again. But maybe I should be more concerned.  I'm interested to know how your procedure went and how you are doing. I hope you are doing better. Thanks!-Christy Christy D. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,I finished my radiation for pharyngeal (tonsil) cancer last May, and have been unable to swallow since. I take all my nutrition through my PEG tube.In the interim, I have had about 8 esophageal endoscopies. I'm having another next Tuesday. They are quite easy and should be no problem.With respect to your mouth not opening wide, my  swallow therapist has given me an exercise in which I stack tongue depressors and hold as many as I can between my teeth for a short time. Over time, as your jaw slowly gets pried open, add more tongue depressors. I started a week or so ago with 9 and am up to fourteen. Do it whilst watching TV. It's a snap.Best of luck, my friend.    Ripvanwinkle Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT