Esophageal Cancer Support Group

It's great to hear from you. Be sure and keep us informed.

My surgeon told me they had questioned if it was perhaps overkill to remove the esophagus as often as they were, but the answer they got at the time, was no. It was not overkill and was still the recommended way at that time.

I do want to remind anyone having theirs removed like I did, that I feel really great and am back to living a normal life :-) I can't tell that my stomach is in my chest. It's really pretty amazing :-) The only difference - I have - is that I need to eat less than I used to. Once I figured out the amount and adjusted to it - all is very well.

On the other hand, I'm sure we'd all like to keep our esophagus, if we can, so it's great that it sounds like they are headed in that direction in some cases.

Good luck to you and be sure and keep in touch. God bless :-) You're in my prayers. Brenda

hello!

my husband was diagnosed in march at age 43. it just so happens that his mom's best friend happens to be related with the Drs Demeesters (at USC) so of course we sought treatment there. We spent 5 weeks out there for surgery under T. Demeester's care, as we live in the east coast. Everything went exactly how they prepared us (including minor setbacks). He is 12 weeks from surgery and ready to return to work next week. His energy is about 75% and getting better. His appetite is minimal but he does okay with eating anyway. His mind-set is sluggish and slightly depressed but he is moving forward regardless. He started on anti-depressants and therapy last week to combat any progression.

He is doing so well - especially considering the amount of recovery he must endure. I couldn't be more proud. We head back to USC in Nov for quarterly checkup.

You made a smart choice with USC - specifically S. Demeester. The father/son team are authorities in this area...with an incredible amount of consideration. We feel so fortunate for our serendipity.

Very best wishes and thoughts. xxxooo

It sounds like your husband is doing well. Wonderful he's feeling well enough to go back to work. I am my husband's caretaker, so I didn't have any intention of returning to work, so didn't have that issue.

I never had depression. I felt so lucky to be alive for me and my husband that I actually ended up feeling more of a high and so grateful for every day. To me, it almost felt like extra time :-) Being given a 2nd chance at life - so to speak :-)

My appetite was minimal too, more so in the beginning - but I think maybe our stomach's talk differently to us when they are sitting in our chest and like a tube. I'm not clear if your husband had the same surgery I did or if he had what jhaynesir was speaking of.

I like to eat though and graze all during the day. I imagine his appetite and food enjoyment will get better as time passes. I know mine has.

Jhaynesir were you pleased with your 9/24 appointment? It is now 9/29 - did you get the EMR yesterday? If that's similar to my surgery, I'm sure you won't be on the computer for a bit, but when you are - let me know how things are going with you.

I'm praying for the best for you both! God bless. Brenda

Hello all:
Thanks for your comments. I saw Dr. Steven DeMeester at the USC Norris Cancer Center in LA on Sept. 24. I was most impressed with his demeanor and the institution (of course, I am a physician who trained for three years at USC and have no bias!...Ha! Ha!) Yesterday, he did an EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Ressection)on me and removed the two superficial areas of my esophagus where the cancer was found. This procedure is an outpatient one. That means that I went home the same day. This is nowhere near the surgery that you, Brenda, and so many others have gone through! I am hopeful that the pathology microscopic analysis of the tissue removed will confirm that the cancer is only in the 1st layer of the 7 layers of the esophagus. If I am so fortunate, I will then undergo one to three EMA (Endoscopic Mucosal Ablation). This precedure is an "burning off" of the areas of the esophagus that were damaged by years of acid reflux and are believed to be precursors to cancer development (Barrett's esophagus), and areas of abnormal (but not cancerous) cells called dysplasia. I will then be monitored by endoscopy every three months for 0ne to two years, and at least yearsly from now on. If, at any time, the cancer returns, or the damaged esophagus gets worse instead of better, the esophagectopmy (the surgery you had, Berenda) is the option. At my stage (Stage I), no radiation or Chemtherapy was recommended.
I never had any swallowing difficulty or any symptoms except the reflux that I had for more than 20 years. My cancer was discovered by an endoscopy to evaluate the reflux disease (GERD). I can only assume that God blessed me with this good fortune and has more for me to do in his plans.
Brenda, have you had your one year post surgery evaluation yet? You are such a blessing to this group with your great spirit and joy of life! I have be a physician for almost thirty years and you spirit is truly a gift. I am most impressed by your natural ability to communicate this gift to others in this group!
God Bless you all!
Dr. John Haynes Jr

Thanks so much for your kind words, Dr. John :-) I am soooooo glad for you that yours was caught early and that will be great if you don't have to have your esophagus removed :-)

You know a gastroenterologist did some laser procedures on me (5 of them) before I started chemo. They were done like scopes, where I was put to sleep. He was not trying to get rid of the cancer but was trying to keep the tumor smaller to keep me be able to swallow as long as possible.

My year check-ups are coming up mid-to late November. I have a scope mid-November, A CAT scan 11/17 and will see my Oncologist for blood work, check the glands and a report of the tests the following Tuesday. I feel great and pray that all will come back clear.

It'll be great to enjoy eating Thanksgiving Day food this year :-) Last year, I had my surgery the Monday before Thanksgiving! What a difference a year can make :-)

Thanks again for your kind, kind words :-) Here's wishing us all well with great outcomes :-) Brenda