Anyone else?

capergal56
capergal56 Member Posts: 13
in Esophageal Cancer #1

Hello everyone, I had surgery April 10th 2010, stage 2...was in hospital 3 weeks and did have a leak. Had problems eating and did lose a lot of weight.

I gained the weight back and have been doing great. Lately i have been having problems with my neck and my Doctor sent me for an x-ray. It showed i have air lodged between my new esophagus and my spine. I'm seeing the surgeon on the 26th. Was wondering if anyone has heard of this.

Comments

  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    #2
    That is a new one for me

    I have not heard of such a complication. Hopefully someone on the site can share some insight for you. In the mean time I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you face this new challenge.

  • orchid61
    orchid61 Member Posts: 3
    #3
    maybe it is surgical emphysema?

    Surgical emphysema is often listed as a side effect of esophagectomy. (I'm just guessing-- but it does sound kind of like what you describe).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcutaneous_emphysema

  • capergal56
    capergal56 Member Posts: 13
    #4
    New developments

    Hello everyone, i saw my surgeon last week and he said the surgery had nothing to do with my neck problem.I did buy an obus form pillow and that seems to be helping.  I have developed some new symptoms and i'm being sent for an MRI of the brain. When i was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2010, it was because of a series of events.

    I had developed vertigo because the crystals in my ear had jumped out of place. I was walking like a drunken sailor...lol Was sent to a specialist and while checking me out he asked if i had reflux. I told him ..yes i had been on pills for yrs. Apparentely my throat was quite inflamed and he told me to get a scope done and that is why i was diagnosed so early. By the way i was stage I not 2 as was said in my earlier posting.

    About a month ago the vertigo came back and now they feel i need an MRI scan for my brain as vertigo and tumors go hand in hand. I was doing so well and still am..keeping a positive attitude about this.  Where i live i was one of a few to have this surgery in my city...before that it was done in a larger city about 5 hrs away. I'm on an American Support site because the Cancer Society in Canada doesn't have a support group for Esophageal cancer.

    I find your site informatve and everyone is so friendly and helpful..and i thank you for letting me vent and read your stories. I realize how lucky i have been through this horrible journey wehave all been on.

    Capergal56

Discussion Boards