Esophagus damage

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teacuplady
teacuplady Member Posts: 20
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Two weeks ago I had my peg tube removed endoscopically. The gastrologist said that I had some esophagus damage from the radiation and would have to take Prevacid for life. I was very upset and he modified it for 6 months and then an appointment to see him again. I haven't had any acid reflux or esophagus related problems that I could tell and really dislike taking another medicine. Since I've been taking Prevacid, I've had some stomach pains, like too much gas. Has anyone else had a similar problem after radiation?

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  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #2
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    Nexium
    They have me on Nexium after radiation. Fact is I had no symptoms (heartburn) but scope showed serious irritation to my stomach wall and throat. Better to take a pill than risk cancer in the esophagus - reflux is a major cause.
  • teacuplady
    teacuplady Member Posts: 20
    #3
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    Greend said:

    Nexium
    They have me on Nexium after radiation. Fact is I had no symptoms (heartburn) but scope showed serious irritation to my stomach wall and throat. Better to take a pill than risk cancer in the esophagus - reflux is a major cause.

    Esophagus Damage
    Thanks so much for your reply. I didn't realize that radiation damage could cause cancer. You are absolutely right; I'd rather take a pill than get that again. Do you have any side effects from nexium?
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #4
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    Greend said:

    Nexium
    They have me on Nexium after radiation. Fact is I had no symptoms (heartburn) but scope showed serious irritation to my stomach wall and throat. Better to take a pill than risk cancer in the esophagus - reflux is a major cause.

    agreed
    I have been on a nexium deal since before my surgery for head/neck cancer, and when the insurer wanted me to switch to OTC prilosec, ENT Man insisted that I stay on nexium and the insurer relented. I can no longer say this with certainty, but at one point I was under the impression ENT Man was insisting on nexium because it provided maximum coating protection for the esophagus.

    I have no side effects from nexium that I am aware of although I must point out that we all react to medications differently.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #5
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    clear it up
    I don't know that the radiation caused my acid reflux but do know it (reflux) can and will cause cancer. My neighbor has just had his third chemo for reflux caused cancer. The nexium has not caused any problems. I take one in the morning and one at night.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #6
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    Barrett's Esophagus - Barret's Disease
    Barrett's Esophagus/Disease can be a result of acid reflux if left unattended. Which can lead to cancer.

    Also just as a side note, not sure if you were told, but radiation itself can lead to a scondary cancer. I'm not sure of the odds or chances, but it was mentioned as a side effectwhen I went to the various info sessions before treatment.

    Not something I'm worried about...the way I felt, if I didn't have treatment, the alternative was much worse and a lot sooner than I had in my plans.

    Best,
    John

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