Radiation Pharyngitis and Esophagitis and Difficulty Swallowing

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Southamptonmom
Southamptonmom Member Posts: 491
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have yet to have gone through any BC treatment without a major complication.  :*(  A few days ago, I started having difficulty swallowing. Food was going down, but it was difficult. 2 days ago, it was going half way down, then right back up into my mouth. Yesterday, I woke up, took my morning meds, and they got stuck. I couldn't breathe for a minute!  After coughing/hacking/choking/panicking, I was finally able to get air, but the pills were still stuck for more than an hour and a half. I had to go to the GI doctor who sent me to the ER, who sent
me to the OR. The pills scraped the hell out of my throat, and I now have radiation pharyngitis and esophagitis. Every time I swallow, I have horrible spasms in the area that I scraped.  I'm now on Carafate, crushed pills in apple sauce, and a pureed diet. Pureed meat and broccoli ~ Yuck! I think I'll stick to yogurt and ice cream!

1) Has anyone else had this experience that can help me get
through this?

2) Did you stop radiation, take a break,  or continue?

3) How long did it take to resolve (Swallow normally)?

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2012

    Hi Southamptonmom,

    We're sorry you're having these issues! Surely some helpful tips will be coming through shortly from the ladies here. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's Swallowing Problems page for some tips to help manage this issue.

    Hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • Southamptonmom
    Southamptonmom Member Posts: 491
    edited January 2012

    Thanks mods. Still looking for some help. Anybody have this problem with chest and supraclavicular rads?

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  • burma
    burma Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2012

    Southamptom,

    How frightening for you!  I have experienced this problem, and this is great info when I haven't even begun radiation,if I do it at all.  As hear of all the difficulties an believing this may not be for me.

    However, several years ago, I had continued choking on food, and dr. had me have a bariumstudy to observe food passing through esophagus and further.   "Swallow Test.". Wondering if, once you heal from the horrible scraping,f you might want to learn if you just have a slow "peristalsis" as I do.               

     One simply learns to think and eat a bit more slowly.............with fluid to assist in propelling the food on down.    After taking care of myself as recommended, the issue has not bothered me. 

    Imagine the slowness persists, but have adjusted.   Perhaps this may be of use once you are feeling better.   Sorry you had to go through so many drs. to obtain assistance.

    Here's to the whole problem going away after you finish therapy.  If it doesn't see a specialist for a swallow test.  (You eat small bits of graham crackers and you can watch it move downward.)

    Hoping good results for you,

    Burma   

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    They had me turn my head to help prevent this. Ask your radiation oncologist for the Maalox lidocaine mix. A guy I know that had head and neck caner did this for 3 months and is now fine.

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  • Southamptonmom
    Southamptonmom Member Posts: 491
    edited January 2012

    Thank you. I do have slow peristalsis, but they knew that, and I had not had problems in years. I've been on prilosec twice a day for years. I did find out that there are MANY breast radiation patients with the same problem. I do turn my head. I have heart burn from mouth to stomach from rads. 2 more and done. Ugh.

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    I'm glad you are almost done.

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  • judyfams
    judyfams Member Posts: 148
    edited January 2012

    I am so sorry that you are going through this.

    I would recommend that ladies out there see if you can have your radiatin in the prone (face down) position.  Not everybody is a candidate for this - but if you are the radiation comes from the sides not above.  i do not know why more women are not informed about this option.  Please ladies, ask your radiation oncologist if you can have your radiation in the prone position.

    Judy

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  • PoliceWife84
    PoliceWife84 Member Posts: 136
    edited January 2012

    Hi,

          I unfortunately experienced the same problem. :( I was prescribed the Carafate, and it did nothing for me. I was having such trouble swallowing that I found it nearly impossible to eat anything other than a Popsicle, ice cream, or milkshake. I also went for a barium study, and the they said it was radiation induced esophagitis, and that it would get better with time. My Dr then prescribed "Magic Mouthwash" that I had filled at the pharmacy. I'm not sure what is in it, but it was the only thing that brought me any relief. Hang in there, it does get better! I am a year and half out from radiation, and although I still have trouble swallowing, it is certainly manageable! :) God Bless!

                                                                                                             Love,

                                                                                                                  Brandi

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  • Southamptonmom
    Southamptonmom Member Posts: 491
    edited January 2012

    Thank you Brandi. I love how the RO looked at me like I had 4 heads...

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