Has anyone suffered oesophagal discomfort during and following chemo? I was prescribed Omeprazole and Lansoprazole (the latter seems more effective) and they worked pretty well. I finished chemo 6 weeks ago and am now about to finish my 3rd week of radiotherapy (2 more to go) and it’s started again, particularly noticeable when the radiotherapist sometimes pushes down on my chest when positioning me. My GP said I was overdoing it and should take Paracetamol but I am wondering if my oesophagus has been slightly damaged by the chemo or it’s something more sinister (maybe I’m being paranoid as my friend told me yesterday her father has oesophagal cancer). I wasn’t that sick after chemo but mainly brought up bile which I imagine is quite acidic.
I have Bc and am having 3 FEC and 3T. 5 days after my 2nd FEC I haave terrible wind and acid, heartburn etc. Rennies just didn’t work so Iam now taking Lansoprazole which has worked. I had trouble with eating and drinking I could only drink in sips and food in tiny mouthfulls every mouthful of food and every drink was getting stuck in my chest and it just took my breath away.
Anyway I am ok now but the onc has said that I can take lansoprazole as and when I need it right through my treatment. 3rd FEC due in a weeks time.
Depends on the sort of discomfort… I had oesphageal thrush during chemo, which I was aware of when I swallowed… and then got heartburn as well… but they were different (with different meds obviously)… is thrush a possibility? Jane
Thank you ladies. Funny you should say about oesophagul thrush, GIJane, that’s exactly what one of the GPs at my surgery diagnosed at the outset. I actually saw my onc today who said it’s just acid and to take Lanzoprapole every day, he seemed unconcerned. I have been so upbeat from the outset of my diagnosis until now (just finished 3rd of week of radiotherapy)and I think I’m getting to that point where the slightest ache or pain is going to worry me, I suppose that’s natural.