Esophageal Cancer Support Group

It sounds like your stage is what mine was. I was stage 3 and I never asked my Dr of the T, N, M #'s. I actually see him on the 25th and maybe I'll ask this time :-) It didn't much matter to me, since I really didn't understand it anyway.

But, think of me as you go through this, as I was where you are and where you are going. If not exactly, close I imagine. You can do this! Just take it a day at a time.

I'm actually better today than I was before I had cancer. I know that may be hard to believe, but it is true. I would never want cancer or what I went through to be where I am today, but there was a time through treatment that I wondered, will I ever be able to live life as I once did? YES! I can, so I pray for the same for you.

You're not alone and I'll be here (God willing) through your journey, so please keep in touch. God bless. Brenda

Hi Brenda,
Thanks for your support. Still in shock. Was your cancer in your lymph nodes that is what the N1 means? It is a journey for sure. I call the oncology surgeon tomorrow to meet with her and start planning. Just knowing you are doing so well after being stage III is comforting. Thanks!
Donna70

Yes, it was, so I suspect I am N1. Here's what they told me. The tests in the beginning showed a suspicious lymph node. I had chemo/radiation and then surgery. When the pathology report came back it showed a micropscopic cell in 2 lymph nodes. My Oncologist said with a little more time the chemo/radiation might have still killed those out, because they continue to work sometime after they are finished (the drugs and radiation). He consulted with other specialists in the field and the decision was I didn't need more chemo after surgery. They felt they got it all and that I already had the best drugs they felt I could have to destroy it.

My gastro Dr. was very surprised with no cancer showing in the esophagus and other areas that the 2 nodes had that microscopic cell in them.

The surgeons had taken out 12 nodes and the other 10 were all cancer free.

Now, I live life like I did before I had cancer. When I go for a test, I pray I don't have anything show up and am happy go lucky when it comes back clear :-) Thanking God for more time on this ole earth and counting my blessings for each day :-)

Keep in touch. You can do it :-) God bless. Brenda

My husband was dx. 7-17-08 with esophageal cancer, T3N1MX. He had chemo/rad and finally the big surgery, removing esophagus and part of stomach, making a new throat with the remaining stomach. He survived a 3month ICU stay where he got every complication known to man and is now home, enjoying life. He eats everything, walks on his treadmill and is trying to regain strenght. His last CT scan came back clear, so all is well. So, like everyone is saying, you are not alone. Please ask any question you might have. I wish I would have known this website before his surgery. Good Luck and know that you can survive and THRIVE. your cyber pal, Debe

I know they have made some good strides in fighting esophageal cancer recently. Find out all you can from the doctors and hospitals that deal with this specific type. Hang in there!