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oesophageal cancer

jaqs1961
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Hi,

I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer (very high up in the oesophagus)  in April and have had 4 sessions of chemotherapy as well as 25 sessions of radiation.  By the time of diagnosis i was already on a liquid diet and prior to chemo had a PEG inserted which is still in place.  I cant eat anything at all, not even liquid so the PEG has been invaluable in terms of maintaining my weight. 

Is there anybody out there in the same situation and are you having the same symptoms with regards to food/fluid intake in respect to it being painful and feeling like there is still something stuck in my throat.  I tried eating a couple of days ago and vomitted if back.

Ive had the PEG inserted since mid May and was really anticipating that i may be able to get something down my throat by now, however im only 3 weeks post radiotherapy so may be still way to early to think about food/liquid yet. 

Any info would be great with regards to the eating/drinking thing and anything else to do with this type of cancer and how youve got on since treatment.   Ive been told its inoperable as its very close to other vital structures. 

Any help appreciated.

Jaq

 

 

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    Although with a different type of cancer I had severe problems during and after radiotherapy to my neck  with swallowing, you should be given help at the hospital to relearn how to swallow, in my case it was a speech therapist who helped out. It is a slow process and you start with water. Three weeks post therapy things will only just now be starting to improve, your timescale will be months, but hopefully if you persevere you will be able to eat solids again and even taste them. Wish you all the best Kim

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    Hi Jaqs,

    Welcome to the forum - I hope you find the help and support you need. Although I have Oesophageal Cancer I'm afraid I can't answer your question.

    My own cancer grew outwards from the oesophagus, so it hasn't affected my swallowing very much. A mixed blessing though as it meant I had almost no symptoms and wasn't diagnosed until I was into stage 4. Like you it has grown around vital structures (in my case, the aorta) so in inoperable and also unsuitable for radiotherapy. 

    All the best

    Dave

  • Offline in reply to kimchoson

    HI Kim

    Thanks for the info.......its really settled my mnd though still feeling very anxious at the moment.  Im seeing consultant next Friday so will see what she says about things, like you say probably still way too early to consider or even think about eating/drinking.   Also having my post 6 week CT scan so hopefully all the treatment has blasted the tumour to smithereens!!

    Will post again when i have my CT result and further down the line with my recovery.   

    Thank you again for your help.

    Jaqs

     

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