Esophageal Cancer Support Group

I do still get scopes (endoscopies) from my gastroenterologist. I was in a study. My Oncologist recommended the scopes - and the study may have too? I'm not 100% sure on that. I know the study recommends the CAT scan every 6 months for the 1st 2 years for me. So every 6 months is how often my Oncologist wants me to have the scope and a CAT scan. I'm seen in between @ 3 month intervals for blood work and checking my glands.

I sleep with a wedge pillow at night. If I didn't I think that I would feel bile coming up, so I don't take the chance anymore. Probably if I stopped eating around 6 or 8pm it might not be an issue, but I'm a night person, so I eat late into the evening. I don't need to take any antacid medicine anymore per my surgeons. My gastroenterologist had me taking a nexium type pill for a while after surgery, but eventually told me to try it without it and if I had no symptoms then I wouldn't need it. So, I don't take any medicine anymore.

Unlike your husband though, I did have decades of acid reflux issues. I popped Tums for years, when I'd feel heartburn type pain.

I was diagnosed with stage 3, so don't know if that would make a difference regarding scopes and scans, but I do know with the surgery I had - removing most of the esophagus and bringing the stomach up to the throat area still enables me to have the scopes. I had my first one 6 months after surgery. Hope this helps with some of your questions. Night for now. Bren

Hi Brenda, Thank you so much for responding! I thought we should follow up with endoscopies, but no one mentioned it. Would you mind if I emailed you directly if I have further questions? If you have any questions for us, my direct email is debra.guhl@gmail.com. Please contact me any time.

Sure - I'll send it through "send a message" Write me there anytime, as well :-)

Isn't it wonderful that we even have these posts? Just years ago, nobody survived with a stage 4 and rarely with a stage 3. I know because I scheduled surgeries for these people. We have come such a long way. Little did I know my husband would get dx with EC stage 3 in July 08. He's alive and thriving. His oncologist sees him every 3 months and he gets a CT scan every 6. He was told to call if any odd symptoms develop, but so far, he too, is cancer free and enjoying this time. Although quite drained and not quite up to his prior strength, he can drive, he can eat, he can watch grandkids and most importantly, he can hug me, so I guess we are very blessed. The hardes thing is not to live in wonder of what if??? but to stay positive and embrace the time we've got. If a symptom occurs, we tell a doctor and go from there. But your doctor has gotten you this far, so trust in him. No need for bloodwork and PET scans. Just eat healthy, take your vitamins and exercise. If any symptom occurs, call your doctor. Remember, you have beaten it, the worst is over, now REJOICE and enjoy.
P.S. Writing is so therapeutic, isn't it? Probably just as much for the writer as for the listener..........and for that I thank you. Debe