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.

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Cancers
/ Esophageal Cancer Support Group

introducing myself

alwaysafraid61
alwaysafraid61
You all probably know my wife Kim but i've decided to join the community as well using her account,my name is Ruben & i'll identify myself when i make an entry or respond.My initial diagnosis was July of 2010,i had 4 rounds of chemo & cryotherapy between July & Dec. of 2010 & had my esophajectomy on 2/22/11.I have never really had any major side effects from any of the treatments,i went in Dec.2011 for a routine PET scan & found that the cancer had returned,i am now dealing with stage 4 cancer,it has spread to the lymph nodes in my abdomen & chest & is inoperable.I am currently doing Herseptin by infusion & Xeloda orally every 3 weeks.Other than the joint pain,mouth soars,& tiredness,i am handling all of this very well & i would like to be of any help i can & answer any questions about my treatment that might help to ease any anxiety to those of you facing similar treatment.I look forward to chatting with you all,God bless & be well.RUBEN.
Brenda2008
Brenda2008
Hello, Ruben: I'm sorry that your cancer returned and know that can happen to any of us. I'm always listening to those who deal with this for experience speaks loudly to me - definitely more so than online resources sometimes :-) I'll be due my CT scan & scope come June 2012. That'll be about 4 years since my diagnosis of stage 3 EC. I had my surgery end of Nov. 2008. I'm glad you came to share your story and be here for everyone. I often say, it takes a village :-) I'm glad I have this board to come to and share and learn and be there for each other. Hang in there! Brenda
alwaysafraid61
alwaysafraid61
Thanks Brenda,this is Ruben,my wife encouraged me to share my story because i have been truly blessed during this whole adventure,we are very strong in our faith & i am sure that is what has kept me so positive.Even though i am losing my battle to EC i have not had a single day of terrible side effects & if that can give one person some hope or help to reduce some fears i am a happy man & i have done the work that GOD has kept me here to do.People tell me that i have a courageous attitude but i say that i am blessed not brave.RUBEN.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Ruben:

Your experience sounds a lot like mine. After 5 years NED, my EC returned in my lymph system. This was 2 1/2 years ago. Numerous radiations, 2 1/2 years of chemo, and multiple surgeries later, it is stable. It's not gone, just stable: not changing. This is the best I can hope for. I'll take it as long as I can.

If you like, I would be glad to discuss this further on the phone. Let me know, and I will send you a message with my phone number.

I'll also "Friend" you so you can get more detail from my journals, if you like.

We'll keep y'all in our prayers.

All the best,

Fred