Oesophagus restrictions & dilation treatment

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Hi.

Im just wondering if this could possibly be a thing relating to post radiation for base of tongue cancer.

I'm 14 weeks post treatment and have made a really big effort for the last 3 weeks to start eating. (I was in too much pain before this).

I can only manage smooth foods and even tiny sized fruit in yoghurt chunks get stuck and cannot be swallowed, & when stuck water cannot get past it.

I'm now being seen by speech & language but just wondered about the shrinking of my oesophagus. The whole area feels restricted and even water can be an effort sometimes.

thanks

Becky (t4 N1 m0 hpv+)

Beesuit 23 days ago

Hi Becky

Fibrosis (scarring) of throat muscles and oesophagus is a thing that can happen

If you feel this might be contributing ask for a swallow test but this early in recovery it might be that you need to exercise those muscles more after weeks of not using them

Hopefully it's something simple

Dani

Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

BeckyW7c6caf 23 days ago in reply to Beesuit

Thanks as always for the reply.

Im seeing SLT & will ask.

The reason I think it's more than swallowing is that the tiny morsel blocked the ability for water to go down. Strangely it's not a choking sensation. I can still breath but big gulp of water had nowhere to go. Thankfully I got to sink in time. It also feels very restricted when I swallow.

Either or, Im pleased ive got the support of SLT.

Thank you!

Beesuit 23 days ago in reply to BeckyW7c6caf

Let us know what they say. Hugs

Dani

Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

MRSMM 23 days ago

Good morning Becky, I have to agree with Dani,we had similar worries with my hubby's recovery. It did turned out that there was still some swelling around the treated area. It took him about 14wks after when he was able to swallow soft food and even drinking water in one go was a problem, persevere and you will get there. His speech therapist was a great help and with some exercise, he got better with the speech too,also I think his voice has somewhat changed. Be patient with yourself. All the best fellow wife Mel x

BeckyW7c6caf 23 days ago in reply to MRSMM

Thankyou.

Yes, i think it's a combination and I am still ulcerated ,puffy in that area.

My SLT is sooo lovely & very patient.

Shes also ordered me a therabite to get my mouth opening better.

Becky

Beesuit 23 days ago in reply to BeckyW7c6caf

BeckyW7c6caf said:
Yes, i think it's a combination and I am still ulcerated ,puffy in that area.

We get lymphodema inside as well as outside on the neck. My mouth ulcers took months to go and for a long time I had no voice in the mornings until I had a cup of tee

Dani

Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

BeckyW7c6caf 23 days ago in reply to Beesuit

Im waiting to see lymphodema person. puffy cheeks and neck also.

Thanks

Becky

Beesuit 23 days ago in reply to BeckyW7c6caf

While you’re waiting there are links for some exercises in this thread

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/head-neck-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/297467/lymphoedema

Dani

Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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