Esophageal Radiation Burn after breast cancer radiation

@mir123 -- When I had the radiation at a cancer center, I was told their state-of-the-art equipment was highly specific in hitting only the target area. It didn't go too wide or deep so it wouldn't affect my esophagus or lungs and it didn't. My radiation didn't even make my skin burn (just pink) until somewhere after 20 treatments. My question would be how old is that equipment? Is there equipment available somewhere else that can deliver more targeted therapy?

Hi, my dad just completed 6weeks of chemo and radiation (daily for 35 treatments) for an early stage 2 esophageal tumor. The last 2 weeks of treatments really got to him as his esophagus swelled pretty much to the point of closure so they inserted a stent and he also has the internal irritation causing the burn. Now, just shy of 2 weeks after the last treatment, he’s still experiencing the burning when eating or drinking and has lost a lot of weight. The doctor prescribed a liquid medication that coats everything so it makes eating/drinking somewhat bearable, but I’m hopeful that at the close of week 3 he starts feeling better. I live out of state and he’s alone and refuses any type of helper we can get to assist him, so hoping he pulls through the dark time. He doesn’t like taking the medication so even though he says he takes it I have doubts. I’m praying for you that if you do start feeling the burn that you pursue the medication and hang with it until the internal irritation heals. Hang in there! You’re certainly not alone…..

Rich

I am sorry you have this (legitimate) concern. Where is the spot being radiated?

Best wishes to you, Cindy

Hi, my dad just completed 6weeks of chemo and radiation (daily for 35 treatments) for an early stage 2 esophageal tumor. The last 2 weeks of treatments really got to him as his esophagus swelled pretty much to the point of closure so they inserted a stent and he also has the internal irritation causing the burn. Now, just shy of 2 weeks after the last treatment, he’s still experiencing the burning when eating or drinking and has lost a lot of weight. The doctor prescribed a liquid medication that coats everything so it makes eating/drinking somewhat bearable, but I’m hopeful that at the close of week 3 he starts feeling better. I live out of state and he’s alone and refuses any type of helper we can get to assist him, so hoping he pulls through the dark time. He doesn’t like taking the medication so even though he says he takes it I have doubts. I’m praying for you that if you do start feeling the burn that you pursue the medication and hang with it until the internal irritation heals. Hang in there! You’re certainly not alone…..

Rich

Hi, my dad just completed 6weeks of chemo and radiation (daily for 35 treatments) for an early stage 2 esophageal tumor. The last 2 weeks of treatments really got to him as his esophagus swelled pretty much to the point of closure so they inserted a stent and he also has the internal irritation causing the burn. Now, just shy of 2 weeks after the last treatment, he’s still experiencing the burning when eating or drinking and has lost a lot of weight. The doctor prescribed a liquid medication that coats everything so it makes eating/drinking somewhat bearable, but I’m hopeful that at the close of week 3 he starts feeling better. I live out of state and he’s alone and refuses any type of helper we can get to assist him, so hoping he pulls through the dark time. He doesn’t like taking the medication so even though he says he takes it I have doubts. I’m praying for you that if you do start feeling the burn that you pursue the medication and hang with it until the internal irritation heals. Hang in there! You’re certainly not alone…..

Rich

Breast cancer in a lymph node towards the collar bone, and actually I think fairly deep. Surgery has been confusing--the surgeon simply left it in. Then I was told it was difficult to reach surgically, and vascularly rich so dangerous in terms of bleeding. Then I was told to have surgery anyway. It has been confusing, and I've opted for just radiation. Hoping it misses the esophagus! And thanks so much for responding.

Hi again @mir123, when I read that the surgeon said he can't remove something, I again wonder if a different more experienced surgeon could? Maybe they'll all say the same thing and then you'll know for sure, but I remember when my dog had a big chest tumor and one vet told me he couldn't remove it due to location and that she might bleed to death. Then later when my former wonderful talented vet came back to town, she said yes there is more bleeding in that location, but she could remove it no problem. She also advised me it was just an unsightly fatty tumor and didn't need to be removed medically anyway so we let it be and the dog lived to be 16. Some surgeons are more skilled than others. Not sure if you're seeing a breast cancer surgeon or a general surgeon who has less breast cancer experience. Experience is a great predictor of success. The same holds true for cancer/teaching hospitals that draw the best talent and have the most experience with difficult cases vs. a community hospital that often tells you they've never seen that before.