› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Neck tumor causing choking and swallowing issues in surgery?
- This topic has 36 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 10 months ago by
_Paul_.
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:25 am
My neck tumor or tumors has been causing me to have choking and swallowing issues. Especially if the docs lay me in certain positions and things. I'm ok putting up with it day to day and eating albiet with issues.
Tomorrow though I'm supposed to have biopsy surgery finally. Is it my imagination or if they knock me out and put me in one of those positions can I choke to death?Since we didn't wait the extra two weeks it is just the surgeon of the day so I have no confidence in them from past experience there. Sorry for the crazy question but I've been having nightmares ever since the December mri when the neck tumor was better and I kept choking.
Artie
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:47 am
Hi Artie, I have been following your story and just needed to reply to this. There are many things that can be done to support your airway while they are doing the biopsy. I don't know where your tumors are in the neck, but intubation or use of an airway and an ambu bag are a couple of options that the team has to make sure you are getting the air that you need while they are performing the surgery. There are also other more invasive things they can do if it becomes a true emergency, but I believe that since the surgeons already know where in the neck your tumors are located, they have a contingency plan to assist in maintaining your airway in case you get in any trouble. Sometimes, really odd and strange things happen to people during any type of surgery, but I have to believe that your team has done their due diligence. I would also recommend asking them, either the surgeon or the anesthesiologist, how they would manage it if you ran into trouble. Hope this has put your mind at ease somewhat. Good Luck. Pulling for you.
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:47 am
Hi Artie, I have been following your story and just needed to reply to this. There are many things that can be done to support your airway while they are doing the biopsy. I don't know where your tumors are in the neck, but intubation or use of an airway and an ambu bag are a couple of options that the team has to make sure you are getting the air that you need while they are performing the surgery. There are also other more invasive things they can do if it becomes a true emergency, but I believe that since the surgeons already know where in the neck your tumors are located, they have a contingency plan to assist in maintaining your airway in case you get in any trouble. Sometimes, really odd and strange things happen to people during any type of surgery, but I have to believe that your team has done their due diligence. I would also recommend asking them, either the surgeon or the anesthesiologist, how they would manage it if you ran into trouble. Hope this has put your mind at ease somewhat. Good Luck. Pulling for you.
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:47 am
Hi Artie, I have been following your story and just needed to reply to this. There are many things that can be done to support your airway while they are doing the biopsy. I don't know where your tumors are in the neck, but intubation or use of an airway and an ambu bag are a couple of options that the team has to make sure you are getting the air that you need while they are performing the surgery. There are also other more invasive things they can do if it becomes a true emergency, but I believe that since the surgeons already know where in the neck your tumors are located, they have a contingency plan to assist in maintaining your airway in case you get in any trouble. Sometimes, really odd and strange things happen to people during any type of surgery, but I have to believe that your team has done their due diligence. I would also recommend asking them, either the surgeon or the anesthesiologist, how they would manage it if you ran into trouble. Hope this has put your mind at ease somewhat. Good Luck. Pulling for you.
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- January 16, 2015 at 4:23 am
Hi Artie,
I agree with the previous post. My son's tumor in the neck, was biopsied today and a tube was placed to make sure his airways are open (this is swallowing issues).
I know that everyhing will be fine. looking forward to hear that the surgery was successfult.
Best wishes,
mom
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- January 16, 2015 at 4:23 am
Hi Artie,
I agree with the previous post. My son's tumor in the neck, was biopsied today and a tube was placed to make sure his airways are open (this is swallowing issues).
I know that everyhing will be fine. looking forward to hear that the surgery was successfult.
Best wishes,
mom
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- January 16, 2015 at 4:23 am
Hi Artie,
I agree with the previous post. My son's tumor in the neck, was biopsied today and a tube was placed to make sure his airways are open (this is swallowing issues).
I know that everyhing will be fine. looking forward to hear that the surgery was successfult.
Best wishes,
mom
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- January 16, 2015 at 4:25 am
I agree with the comments above. Plus… in the 5 times (I think, ive lost count! Ugh) I’ve been put under general for surgeries, I was intubated every time…. I didn’t even realize they were going to intubation prior to surgery, but I knew when I woke up because I had a sore throat and the nurse said that was due to intubation… so I’m thinking intubation is standard when under general ???I of course think you should express your concerns to the surgeon, nurse, physicians assistant, and everyone involved in the surgery! I would be telling everyone! But I’m sure there are precautions they will take so everything will be ok.
Good luck!!!!
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- January 16, 2015 at 4:25 am
I agree with the comments above. Plus… in the 5 times (I think, ive lost count! Ugh) I’ve been put under general for surgeries, I was intubated every time…. I didn’t even realize they were going to intubation prior to surgery, but I knew when I woke up because I had a sore throat and the nurse said that was due to intubation… so I’m thinking intubation is standard when under general ???I of course think you should express your concerns to the surgeon, nurse, physicians assistant, and everyone involved in the surgery! I would be telling everyone! But I’m sure there are precautions they will take so everything will be ok.
Good luck!!!!
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- January 16, 2015 at 4:25 am
I agree with the comments above. Plus… in the 5 times (I think, ive lost count! Ugh) I’ve been put under general for surgeries, I was intubated every time…. I didn’t even realize they were going to intubation prior to surgery, but I knew when I woke up because I had a sore throat and the nurse said that was due to intubation… so I’m thinking intubation is standard when under general ???I of course think you should express your concerns to the surgeon, nurse, physicians assistant, and everyone involved in the surgery! I would be telling everyone! But I’m sure there are precautions they will take so everything will be ok.
Good luck!!!!
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- January 16, 2015 at 8:48 am
Hmm. So it is serious like I thought. Well these folks know nothing about my case until I'm put on their assembly line tomorrow.
What I also don't get is why they just can't do a needle biopsy because the shoulder tumor is right there looking like a grapefruit?
Artie
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- January 16, 2015 at 8:48 am
Hmm. So it is serious like I thought. Well these folks know nothing about my case until I'm put on their assembly line tomorrow.
What I also don't get is why they just can't do a needle biopsy because the shoulder tumor is right there looking like a grapefruit?
Artie
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- January 16, 2015 at 8:48 am
Hmm. So it is serious like I thought. Well these folks know nothing about my case until I'm put on their assembly line tomorrow.
What I also don't get is why they just can't do a needle biopsy because the shoulder tumor is right there looking like a grapefruit?
Artie
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Oh, Artie. I am so sorry for all the pain, worry, and fear you have endured. Yet, you have meant so much and been so generous with all of us. I would try to reach the surgeon's office today and ask to speak to someone about exactly what kind of incision you can expect with the biopsy and pose your question about the possibility of a needle biopsy. You deserve a full answer to any question you may have BEFORE surgery….that is what an INFORMED consent is all about. Addirionally, the support everyone else spoke of that will be available in your procedure is absolutely true. Anesthesia, as well as the surgeon and nursing team will be there to perform the procedure as well as support and maintain all your health functions…from monitoring and addressing blood pressure, pain control, to respiratory effort. They will provide as little or as much intervention needed to keep you stable and comfortable. You should see your anethesiologist during pre-op. That is the person that is most directly responsible for your airway. You should be given an opportunity to ask him/her about their plans for anesthsia as well as airway support BEFORE your procedure. Much love. Celeste
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Oh, Artie. I am so sorry for all the pain, worry, and fear you have endured. Yet, you have meant so much and been so generous with all of us. I would try to reach the surgeon's office today and ask to speak to someone about exactly what kind of incision you can expect with the biopsy and pose your question about the possibility of a needle biopsy. You deserve a full answer to any question you may have BEFORE surgery….that is what an INFORMED consent is all about. Addirionally, the support everyone else spoke of that will be available in your procedure is absolutely true. Anesthesia, as well as the surgeon and nursing team will be there to perform the procedure as well as support and maintain all your health functions…from monitoring and addressing blood pressure, pain control, to respiratory effort. They will provide as little or as much intervention needed to keep you stable and comfortable. You should see your anethesiologist during pre-op. That is the person that is most directly responsible for your airway. You should be given an opportunity to ask him/her about their plans for anesthsia as well as airway support BEFORE your procedure. Much love. Celeste
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- January 16, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Oh, Artie. I am so sorry for all the pain, worry, and fear you have endured. Yet, you have meant so much and been so generous with all of us. I would try to reach the surgeon's office today and ask to speak to someone about exactly what kind of incision you can expect with the biopsy and pose your question about the possibility of a needle biopsy. You deserve a full answer to any question you may have BEFORE surgery….that is what an INFORMED consent is all about. Addirionally, the support everyone else spoke of that will be available in your procedure is absolutely true. Anesthesia, as well as the surgeon and nursing team will be there to perform the procedure as well as support and maintain all your health functions…from monitoring and addressing blood pressure, pain control, to respiratory effort. They will provide as little or as much intervention needed to keep you stable and comfortable. You should see your anethesiologist during pre-op. That is the person that is most directly responsible for your airway. You should be given an opportunity to ask him/her about their plans for anesthsia as well as airway support BEFORE your procedure. Much love. Celeste
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- January 16, 2015 at 10:33 pm
Thank you everyone. I appreciate it. Once I got there things went ok. I feel kind of silly because it was such an easy procedure. The receptionist got a funny look on her face and said they usually do not do anethesia there. It was just an easy ultrasound guided needle biopsy with me propped up just fine in bed almost like my recliner wide awake. They could not have done a better job.
I have no idea why there was such a hassle getting it done. Took 29 days. I got a voice mail that came in after the procedure started from my nurse explaining the procedure would not knock me out and they would not bother my neck. I guess better late than never.
Never did learn why the other surgeon I would have still waited at least two more weeks for this told my doc he could not remove part of these tumors. I can understand the shoulder with all nerves and stuff could be risky. But the collar which has grown into my neck pretty much these 29 days causing all these choking and swallowing issues I would have thought he could easily do. Just makes no sense.
Anyway I start radiation on the shoulder and collar tumors which includes the neck stuff Monday. Won't be easy. I just hope it helps with this swallowing issue. The radiation doc already said my swallowing will probably get worse with the radiation and he has something to help that numbs it.
Artie
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- January 16, 2015 at 10:33 pm
Thank you everyone. I appreciate it. Once I got there things went ok. I feel kind of silly because it was such an easy procedure. The receptionist got a funny look on her face and said they usually do not do anethesia there. It was just an easy ultrasound guided needle biopsy with me propped up just fine in bed almost like my recliner wide awake. They could not have done a better job.
I have no idea why there was such a hassle getting it done. Took 29 days. I got a voice mail that came in after the procedure started from my nurse explaining the procedure would not knock me out and they would not bother my neck. I guess better late than never.
Never did learn why the other surgeon I would have still waited at least two more weeks for this told my doc he could not remove part of these tumors. I can understand the shoulder with all nerves and stuff could be risky. But the collar which has grown into my neck pretty much these 29 days causing all these choking and swallowing issues I would have thought he could easily do. Just makes no sense.
Anyway I start radiation on the shoulder and collar tumors which includes the neck stuff Monday. Won't be easy. I just hope it helps with this swallowing issue. The radiation doc already said my swallowing will probably get worse with the radiation and he has something to help that numbs it.
Artie
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- January 17, 2015 at 2:26 am
I'm so glad things went much easier than you thought Artie! I'm hoping next week goes well for you too! Sending prayers and positive thoughts too!
Maureen
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- January 17, 2015 at 2:26 am
I'm so glad things went much easier than you thought Artie! I'm hoping next week goes well for you too! Sending prayers and positive thoughts too!
Maureen
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- January 17, 2015 at 2:26 am
I'm so glad things went much easier than you thought Artie! I'm hoping next week goes well for you too! Sending prayers and positive thoughts too!
Maureen
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- January 16, 2015 at 10:33 pm
Thank you everyone. I appreciate it. Once I got there things went ok. I feel kind of silly because it was such an easy procedure. The receptionist got a funny look on her face and said they usually do not do anethesia there. It was just an easy ultrasound guided needle biopsy with me propped up just fine in bed almost like my recliner wide awake. They could not have done a better job.
I have no idea why there was such a hassle getting it done. Took 29 days. I got a voice mail that came in after the procedure started from my nurse explaining the procedure would not knock me out and they would not bother my neck. I guess better late than never.
Never did learn why the other surgeon I would have still waited at least two more weeks for this told my doc he could not remove part of these tumors. I can understand the shoulder with all nerves and stuff could be risky. But the collar which has grown into my neck pretty much these 29 days causing all these choking and swallowing issues I would have thought he could easily do. Just makes no sense.
Anyway I start radiation on the shoulder and collar tumors which includes the neck stuff Monday. Won't be easy. I just hope it helps with this swallowing issue. The radiation doc already said my swallowing will probably get worse with the radiation and he has something to help that numbs it.
Artie
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- January 17, 2015 at 10:39 pm
Hey Artie,
You are in my prayers a lot, and I am praying you have a good response to the radiation and it kicks that beast of a tumor of yours back into the corner where it belongs and that they can manage any choking/swallow issues you might have.
– Paul.
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- January 17, 2015 at 10:39 pm
Hey Artie,
You are in my prayers a lot, and I am praying you have a good response to the radiation and it kicks that beast of a tumor of yours back into the corner where it belongs and that they can manage any choking/swallow issues you might have.
– Paul.
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- January 17, 2015 at 10:39 pm
Hey Artie,
You are in my prayers a lot, and I am praying you have a good response to the radiation and it kicks that beast of a tumor of yours back into the corner where it belongs and that they can manage any choking/swallow issues you might have.
– Paul.
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