Esophagus Pain Question(s)

HobbsDoggy
HobbsDoggy Member Posts: 276
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi all, sorry I have not be on here more, but was on a vacation away from Internet and phone.  Nice to do but a little scary when I don’t have contact.

I developed yesterday a sharp pain in my esophagus when swallowing.  It is mostly in the lower part by what I guess is where it connects to my stomach.  It is also painful in the upper and middle part, but less so.  Of course I jumped right to my neck cancer came back or more so spread to my esophagus.  Every time something goes wrong I panic with a self diagnosis of cancer spread.

My last treatment was 12/17/2012 and so far, last check up 30 days ago, last CAT scan three months ago, no sign of cancer, at least in neck.

Has anyone else had this problem so far out of treatment?  I had the usual radiation and chemo. I won’t be close to my doctors for about 4 to 5 more days.  Hate to call them as it may just be acid reflux or just another delayed side effect of the treatment.

Any thoughts will help.

Thanks

Comments

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #2
    not to worry

    Hi,

    I know dealing with the uncertaintly of recurring cancer is no joy but it does seem to me that you are jumping the gun a bit. As we all know oral cancer does not generally attack ones body and start hurting a lot. Many here did not have any discomfort. Seems to me it could easily be something that some antiacid or other remedy to coat your lining would be the first action. Try to eat only very mild soft foods or maybe just take some milk or other soothing protein or health shake. If it persists another day, come back here. don't worry - best to you, don

  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570 Member
    #3
    DON'T IGNORE

    I highly recommend that you give your docs a call and get this checked out asap, as it is a new and different pain.  Hopefully it is nothing of import, but in case it isn't, catching the problem sooner is of course better than later.  Here's wishing you that it is nothing.

    PATRICK

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #4
    You

    It is probably acid reflux and the esophagus can go into spasms.  Mine does from time to time.  But still it needs to be checked out.  H&N cancer can spread to the esophagus but it is considered a second primary.  My husband's was laryngeal cancer, radiation, chemo and surgery.  NED for one year and then he decided to have a TEP inserted for speaking but the H&N specialist couldn't do it because he found a tumor at the cervical of his esophagus.  My husband never complained of pain, did have trouble swallowing but the radiation the first time around completely closed off the back of his throat so it had to be reconstructed during the laryngectomy.  But he was also already on medication for acid reflux.

    The saying is that radiation is the gift that keeps on giving and it is better to be safe than sorry.  And it wouldn't hurt to buy over the counter anti-acid medication and use it until you can see your doctor or else go to the ER and eat soft non-greasy foods and no spicy foods.

     

  • HobbsDoggy
    HobbsDoggy Member Posts: 276
    #5
    Worried, but Not Quite As Bad

    Thanks for the comments.  I will be back in my home town next week and will see my cancer doc as soon as he can get me in, which should be Tues or Wed. I did not know that it could be a secondary cancer deal, will look into that closely or at least I am sure my doc will do that.  I sure hope its just acid and more presents from the treatment.  I think if its cancer it is very bad news.  Trying to to panic.

    Will let you know what I find out.

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #6
    HobbsDoggy said:

    Worried, but Not Quite As Bad

    Thanks for the comments.  I will be back in my home town next week and will see my cancer doc as soon as he can get me in, which should be Tues or Wed. I did not know that it could be a secondary cancer deal, will look into that closely or at least I am sure my doc will do that.  I sure hope its just acid and more presents from the treatment.  I think if its cancer it is very bad news.  Trying to to panic.

    Will let you know what I find out.

    best to you

    You have the right attitude on this; just keep the nastly thoughts in check. It is most surely nothing terrible and not cancer. Remember, never say cancer until the words come off the biopsy report. Good luck, don

  • HobbsDoggy
    HobbsDoggy Member Posts: 276
    #7
    Saw Doctor

    Got a preliminary opinion from my cancer doc.  He said very unlikely that its cancer.  More likely acid reflux.  Not uncomom aparently for us after treatment??  Anyway if it does not get better by end of week I have to get is scoped out, could be an infection of some type.  I still am weak and white blood count still a little low.

    I really appreciate your comments and will let you know how things progress.

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