gail p-m Posted July 3, 2006 Share Posted July 3, 2006 My father is not doing well at all. He is too weak for further chemo and the tumors seem to be causing dysphagia. He's lost a lot of weight and eating is terribly difficult because of the dysphagia. Since he's already had radiation in the past to that area, he can't have more of that. However, I've read the little I could find (I did not look all that long yet) about lasering for dysphagia. Just wondering if anyone knows about that and can it be done if the area was already radiated. Thanks. gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted July 3, 2006 Share Posted July 3, 2006 Very sorry to hear about your father Gail. Prayers for the both of you. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted July 3, 2006 Share Posted July 3, 2006 Gail, I have no information, but offering up prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted July 3, 2006 Share Posted July 3, 2006 Gail, There are two major types of laser therapy: thermal and non-thermal. There is also photodynamic therapy, which uses a non-thermal laser and a photosensitizing drug that sensitizes tumor tissue to the laser light, and, when exposed to the laser, the tumor shrinks. Laser treatment works pretty fast; symptoms improve in about 2-3 days. Both types of laser treatment carry some risk of perforating the esophagus. This risk is reduced by carefully examining the area to be treated (ideally with esophageal ultrasound). Pain and a short-term increase in symptoms are expected side effects from inflammation surrounding the treated area. Questions to ask: will they do an esophageal US beforehand? Will they use a thermal laser or do photodynamic therapy (PDT)? If PDT, how long will the photosensitivity last? (Skin and eyes also absorb the photosensitizer.) Will hospitalization be needed ? (Sometimes it is, other times not.) Please feel free to email me if you have other questions. Best wishes for a smooth laser treatment, Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted July 5, 2006 Share Posted July 5, 2006 Check with Kasey, she had her esophagus "stretched" and I have heard of stents being put in too. There is a way, beside a feeding tube, to keep your dad in good nutritional shape. MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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