What is the worst case scenario?

July 4, 2012

In the last 2 weeks, my life turned upside down.

First, it was Thyroid Cancer (which was accidentally found when doctors were

investigating my dysphagia and breathing issues) and now possibly Achalasia.

I want to put my Thyroidectomy (recommended for thyroid cancer) on hold until

the swallowing issues are resolved. Because the treatment for Thyroid cancer is

long enough, I want to be healthy enough before having a major surgery and

possible radiation.

For the last 2/3 days, I have trouble getting even small sips of water without

feeling the symptoms like chest pain, breathing trouble.

So, whats the worst case scenario we are looking at?

Can I try balloon dilation first? Will that adversely impact any HM I will have

to go through later?

What happens when a second HM fails?

In case of Esophagectomy, will I have to feed myself with a tube in my stomach

for the rest of my life?

I'm trying not to freak out and I know I'm probably not helping myself by being

negative, but such are the last 2 weeks.

Thanks for your help.

-Sri

July 5, 2012

i've been stretched 2x in the last 4 mos. obviously not working. i go for

days having difficulty swalling including water.

i overheard 2 docs talking (as if i wasn't in the room) that they may try

botox next.

imagine a wrinkle free esophogus! kidding. i'm not a worry wart. if one

thing doesn't work, try another.

these docs are doing all the research and we are their lab rats.

after watching the mystery diagnosis a couple of days ago, i certainly am

going to trust my doc

more because that show either edited out or did not do, the many tests mayo

is doing on me.

however, i truly believe they're doing what's in my best interest for A

and my age -- 67.

i also have copd, diabetes, and thyroid disease, but i feel great. this is

just a bump in the road!

i ran, played sports, and lifted (heavy) weights until i was 60, ergo my

body is still strong enough

to go through all the tests and what have you that i need to go through.

be positive, it goes a long way

judy deCrescente

July 7, 2012

Hi Sri,

No need to apologize for being negative. You've really been handed a lot of

bad news in a short amount of time, and I think you're handling it well.

My advice would be to get the achalasia diagnosis nailed down first. I don't

know much about thyroid cancer, but I suppose it is possible that it could be

causing your symptoms? Have you had a manometry done yet? That would confirm

that it's achalasia and not anything else.

Assuming it's achalasia, many doctors are recommending going straight to the HM,

as balloon dilations can make surgery difficult later on due to scar tissue

building up etc. However, I could potentially see your doctor recommending the

dilation in your case simply because it's noninvasive and a much faster

recovery, so that you would be able to have the thyroidectomy done sooner.

The esophagectomy would be way down the line, if ever, and only after other

treatments failed (and usually failed multiple times). I had the same question

you had about esophagectomy (would I have to use a feeding tube the rest of my

life???), and my doctor said no. You can still eat, but I got the impression

that it involves substantial lifestyle changes (being careful about what you

eat, and much smaller amounts at any given time) and that reflux was a big

problem. Obviously it's something you'd want to avoid if possible!

Good luck, and keep us posted.

--

July 7, 2012

Hi ,

Thanks for the detailed response and your encouraging words. Hopefully I may

never have to go thru 'ectomy.

Yes, I've put my Thyroidectomy on hold until I resolve these issues. One thing

is I won't be able to recover from the Thyroid surgery if I can't eat or drink

anything.

I'm getting a manometry done on Monday, so hopefully they will move faster.

Considering I'm doing much worse now compared to a week ago, hopefully they can

schedule the surgery sooner than later.Â

Did you have a dilatation or a HM? How long have been in this boat and how have

been doing?

I've been reading on the web and talked to someone locally and I know more about

this now than I did last week for sure.

If you happen to be from SF Bay Area, please do give your recommendation.

Regards,

Sri

San Francisco, CA.

________________________________

From: monicakern61 <harris@...>

achalasia

Sent: Saturday, July 7, 2012 11:03 AM

Subject: Re: What is the worst case scenario?

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