Return of dysphagia

I was diagnosed with inoperable oesophageal cancer on 4th October after endoscopy confirmed CT scan. A stent was put in during the endoscopy which made a huge difference to my ability to swallow and I was able to eat soft foods again. Due to the tumour causing a perforation the surgeon has decided not to give me chemotherapy or radiotherapy as shrinking the tumour could open up the tear and allow infection in. The "treatment" option is pain control and liquid/ soft diet. All was going well until a couple of days befor Xmas when I started having difficulty and pain when trying ro swallow. I had to wait for about 10 to 15 minutes until I could regurgitate and bring up whatever I'd tried to swallow. This now included any pills I was trying to take. I have now stopped trying to swallow anything not liquid as it is too painful. Since I have stopped eating I must say I feel so much better although obviously I need to find new liquid supplements. I can take my morphine in liquid form which is great as I was regurgitating my morphine slow release pills. Thi fact this happened during the Xmas holidays made finding support difficult but I finally got help from a out of hours doctor who advised me to contact my consultant. Sorry for rabbiting on but I wonder if any one else has stopped eating and felt so much better! My dietitian phoned this afternoon and has been really helpful.

 

  • Hello hmac47, 

    A big welcome to Cancer Chat. Poor you, you've been through so much recently but I am glad to hear you are feeling so much better. It must have been so tough going through this during the Christmas holidays but I am glad you finally managed to get help from an out of hours doctor and I hope that you have managed to contact your consultant since? I think the out of hours doctor gave you good advice and hopefully the consultant will be able to help more. It's great also that you managed to talk to your dietician and that this was very helpful. 

    I hope that you will also hear from others on our forum who have been in a similar situation and that they will come and share their story with you. Our nurses are available too on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to talk to them about all this - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm 

    I hope you continue to feel better - we're all here for you anytime you need to talk to others who understand what you are going through.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Lucie.

    Have been referred for Laser treatment .

    Fingers crossed.