After radiation: Tracheotomy, feeding tube and hard to swallow

Hi @evamarie0077, glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect and decided to reach out. Welcome. I am sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time after radiation. According to NHS, "Bleeding. It's common for there to be some bleeding from the windpipe (trachea) or the tracheostomy itself. It's usually minor and improves within a few days, although in some cases it can be significant and a blood transfusion may be needed." - Tracheostomy - Complications - NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tracheostomy/risks/

May I ask a few questions to get a little more information from you?
Do you have esophageal cancer? and is it only when you have radiation that you can not drink any water?

Thank you so very much for getting back to me I really felt lost and alone in this , They say the cancer is gone it was on my flap on my vocal box I am going to be like this for life I was given 33 radiation treatments it is like my throat was welded shut the 3 surgeons say I cannot be fixed they have tried to operate twice they say it will rip and cause death , I was done radiation a year ago in November, I asked why so many treatments he says I have to have 33

@evamarie0077 First, please know Amanda was not the only one who saw your post and cared very much about the really rough time you have had and still have. Feeling alone in any cancer journey can sometimes be worse than the disease itself. While we can’t “fix” your situation, we can bring a community to you and help you find a way to find one of your own making. Can you please tell us some of what personal or medical “family “ you have had the past couple years? Also, are there any services you receive on a regular basis?
Nancy

I was living in Florida my son came and got me and brought me to Indiana where he lives to be treated for the cancer my son does everything for me brings me to every appointment because I have trouble speaking so much he has also been my voice he protects me and really does everything right now he has to burn my stomach where my feeding tube is I have a big painful growth around where my tube is it has to be burned with a sulfur stick very painful until a few days after it’s burned , before I had radiation I had all the rest of my teeth pulled 12 I never even needed a pain pill I’m pretty good handling pain but it’s always something between my throat that feels like I have a curler iron on high in my throat and my feeding tube , after radiation I also developed narcolepsy and have Lymphedema I have to be on a humidifier machine up to 14 hours a day before I found out I had the cancer I was a happy person enjoying helping others my hobby is sewing i am a seamstress I invited my own bathing suit cover ups and other items most of the time I do not charge I enjoy seeing people happy I’m a bit nervous i really feel good that maybe even getting advice on a few things that could help me ty

Hi @evamarie0077, I add my welcome. I enjoyed reading that you are someone who likes to help people and that you use your talents as a seamstress to give to others. It looks like it is now your turn to receive help. I've added this discussion to the Head & Neck Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/). In this group you'll meet other members like @alpaca @popeyegurl @msherfinski @arismac @deborahe @jeffk @phinken @loli @karly and more who have had laryngeal cancer or other head and neck cancer that required a tracheotomy and/or feeding tube. They can offer some tips and support for the issues you are facing after radiation treatment.

I'm really glad that you have your son to help you through this. Are you now in the care of the cancer team in Indiana? Does your team include an Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse to help with the management of the trach and the feeding tube?

@evamarie0077 Hi again. Thank you for such a good update. Your son seems to have inherited his mother’s giving heart. It warms my own heart to know that you have that blessing. I find it very appropriate that Colleen moved you to another group where you will find more people who share your journey. It will help you find that you definitely are not alone. There is a good chance you will find others who can benefit from things you have learned along the way. You may even help them learn that they also are not alone. Meanwhile, I hope that the team you currently work with continues to meet your needs. Please continue to let us know if you are finding the help you hoped for. Peace, Nancy

There is a surgeon at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital who has developed a new surgical technique for cases like yours , and mine . I find out 4/13 how it works , for me .
PM me if you want more info .

meant for @evamarie0077

Hi, I am new to this site, and my username is Suz22. I also have a trach and I'm on a permanent feeding tube. I also do bleed under my trach. My situation is very similiar to evamarie's. I can't eat, drink, and can only whisper. Can you please let me know of the new surgical technique? My medical team told me they can't remove my scar tissue or fix my epiglottis, which is fused to my throat wall. They said I need a larengectomy. But too afraid to do that, and don't want it. Feel depressed at times. Appreciate any responses. ThanK you, God bless, and big hugs!

Hi, I sent a post 2 days ago. I have a very similiar condition as Eva marie. You responded to her post saying thier is a new surgical technique. Could you let me know on 4/13 what that entails? I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you!