Esophageal Cancer Support Group
Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and is diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated with surgery, and advanced tumors are treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combinations.
Hey My name is Tanya. I'm a registered nurse works ER. I don't have cancer but I have a very big problem that I think someone in this community may be able to help.I had lap gastric bypass 3 1/2 years ago. I was doing fairly well. I couldn't really complain. about 2 1/2 months ago I ended getting admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks and a continuous morphine drip because I had sudden sharp left upper quadrant abdominal pain. during the admission they found severe gastroparesis (basically my stomach completely stopped functioning), found ulcers. I then was referred to surgery to discuss total gastrectomy or a very radical revision ( pretty dang close to the gastrectomy.) (removal of my stomach) Then I've had on and off last year chest pain at then age 31. Was extensively worked up cardiology wise for chest pain with clean bill of health...stating it is esophageal spasms. I had a motility test last week and I have what they call "nutcracker esophagus" where the pressure in my chest is greater than 180mmhg of pressure. Just imagine a blood pressure cuff being pumped up that is what my chest feels like. The meds are not working. Nitroglycerin is working but only for few hours. I'm popping them like there candy. Which is not good. Now they are talking about esophagectomy and gastrectomy which will involve cardio thoracic surgery. I have just been terrified about this whole change in my life. I know my problem do not hold a candle to esophageal cancer but I thought this was the best venue to find. I'm only 32. I wanted to have another child and I'm just getting very scared. Thank you for your time.
Tanya, RN
Tanya, RN
deleted_user
Sorry to hear about all the problems. Hope everything goes well for you, you will be in my prayers.
gramybear
WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU, OK? SOFT HUGS
Brenda2008
Hi Tanya: My name is Brenda. I can only answer for the removal of the esophagus, as that's what I had. They kept some in me - about 15% and only had to remove about 10% of my stomach. I had esophageal cancer. The surgery I had went well. I was only in the hospital about 8 days. I had a lot hooked up to me, but you know nurses - they had me sitting up sooner than I was ready :-) but I know they knew what was best and I could do it. Seemed like it wasn't long, until each day, something else was able to come out (be unhooked or removed) - yippee! My Drs told me they expected me to be in ICU for 5 days and total hospital stay of 10-14 days. I was in ICU for the 5 days and was very happy to be there. The hospital I was at has 1 nurse for 2 patients, so I had a lot of care. It can be done. With me, I just knew I needed it and although I never had any surgery before, trusted my Drs. and God's plan for me. That gave me comfort. Good luck to you. Hang in there! You're in my prayers. Brenda
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