On Jan 26, 2012 5:00 AM jamiegag wrote:
Hey guys, I just joined to tonight but have been following you all for a bit now. I was wondering if I could get some thoughts from you guys who have been through this.
My Dad was diagnosed with stage 3/4 in July. 2 1/2 inch tumor (yes inch not cm ;-), everyone asks that) that extended to his stomach. Some stuff 'lit up' on liver (but dr's have been vague at best) and had traveled to at least 2 local lymph nodes and looked like a few in his neck.
Initially surgery was an option, then (with no other info. then same pet-scan) it wasn't. We did Chemo, which he responded very well to! He finished radiation a month ago and it has totally beat him up. He is a month out but seems to be getting much worse 'side effect' wise. Still not eating, down to 113 (this is a 200 lb man, only 60), lost all feeling in his feet, can barley walk - just not doing well.
The dr's keep saying it is normal - and yes we knew there would be side effects but this is crazy.
So for those who have done radiation for this cancer, is this normal? I'm very concerned because he can't seem to swallow (sometimes even water). It is even worse then it was when he was diagnosed.
I'm affraid this is a sign of something - not good -
Anyway, sorry for my rambling - I'm just at a loss. Any help would be awesome!
Jamie
Hi Jamie, I am on this post board as "Loving Mummy" as my son is going through the same phase. You can read about his case when you get a chance and today I was rather more disturbed as he is having pain on his right side abdomen and feels pain all over his body too.
I read about your dad's case and felt sorry to find that he is in more pain. I wish him ease in pain as well as sure cure after the treatment.
My son has taken the chemoradiation therapy very well. He started loosing his hair after his 3rd round of chemo...he did suffer mouth rash, no taste of food, not being able to gulp even water without pain forget about solid food but eventually he could eat off an on...I don't undertand how that can happen, i.e. at one time he can not seep water and at times he can eat normally though he could not stand tinginess of yogurt, black paper even a light sprinkle on his food, he would eat food with just a little salt or sweetetness. He loved sweet dishes but lost that taste too! Anyway, so I was searching causes what might be causing him such pain.
On Jan 24th, I just came home to AZ after 3 months with him at Atlanta. GA. When we left Atlanta, he was not having this complaint, so am feeling so frustrated not being near him.
He will be going for surgery after the 6 weeks of recovery period and we (parents) will attend over there during and after surgery.
Your dad finding more difficult to dring water after radiation I can very well relate as my son also complained the same. The radiologist gave explanation that when radiation is given the inner linning of esophagus is literally bruised and causes inflamation just as we get a cut or wound would cause inflamation. The passage becomes narrower and swallowing becomes painful.
Having MORE pain in swallowing after the radiation treatment can be considered normal , I hope my explanation makes some clarification to you.
Love and regards,
Loving mummy