After radiation: Tracheotomy, feeding tube and hard to swallow

Suz, here is the link to Mayo Clinic Connect's homepage https://connect.mayoclinic.org/
Keep us posted on your pursuit for a second opinion. I'll also add the link to contact Mayo Clinic if you may wish to consider consulting Mayo's experts http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Thank you Colleen!!

Esophageal cancer live in Alaska and want to know how others have dealt with chemo radiation and surgery. What plans did Mayo offer

@dan59 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are definitely not alone. I moved your comment to a discussion about cancer and radiation so you could connect with people who may be going through something similar.

Alaska is really secluded. Have you been able to connect with a good physician?

Actually it’s my brother who has been diagnosed. The oncologist is Larry Lawson and surgeon is portera. Radiation docs name is yortie or something like that. I don’t have that one memorized yet. This has hit us fast and hard so I’m trying to keep up and possitive things to do and make sure everyone is moving forward in a positive manner. There are so many different ways to go seems like doctors go on their insights when they have the info and photos scans and X-rays. Theee isn’t one certain way to approach this horrible disease (monster). I

It seems like the radiation may have left you with some scar tissue but it seems good there are no signs of cancer. When are you due for your next endoscopy and evaluation?

When I had radiation burns in my throat they gave me a mixture of maylox and lidocaine. Don’t know if there’s a way something like that would work for anyone. Maybe a way to paint it in your throat?

This is kind of related. When I had recurrence vaginal cancer I had brachytherapy and regular radiation. The bleeding and pain from my rectum was excruciating from the radiation, it took 2 years before the pain was totally gone. I’m just saying don’t give up hope it takes time to recover. Is there any type of exercises or anything they can recommend to stretch the throat.

Hi Dan,
I encourage you and your brother to attend this free online patient conference hosted by Mayo Clinic:
- Gastroesophageal Cancer Education Symposium https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/gastroesophageal-cancer-education-symposium/
When: July 31, 2021
Time: 8:30 am to 430 pm CT

It is an educational conference for patients, families, and caregivers who are interested in the essential health issues surrounding gastric and esophageal cancers. Medical experts from Mayo Clinic will provide comprehensive updates about state of the art treatment, care options, and research.

It is free, but you'll need to register to attend online.

You said "there are so many different ways to go..." Does this mean that your brother and his oncology team are in the treatment planning phase? What treatments are being suggested?

Good morning Colleen 😊 Yes I’ve read many different ways which all kinda end up the same with removal . He is doing Chemo once a week and radiation 5x a week for 28 days then rest for 6 to 8 weeks and do another pet scan,,if things look good surgeon will remove esophagus. He now has a feeding tube with pump to help with nutrition which seems to be dropping faster daily . That starts today which I pray will help. He is now 156 pounds . Thank you for online conference we will listen for sure.