I don't really have answers, but offer my support. We were told that the PET can't be done too soon because cells that are regenerating can give a false positive. But, our doctor did say a CAT is ok to do.

Is he getting radiation as well? For my husband, the radiation helped shrink the tumor initially. After the side effects wore off (a couple of weeks) he was able to eat close to normally again.

In my husband's case, the original chemo was not totally effective. So, he had another , more aggressive, round of chemo. From what I understand, sometimes tumors don't respond and another drug (or drugs) may be tried. My husband had EOX (the x is xeolda). He was terribly ill and got increasingly worse as the weeks went on. But, he's recovering now.

Remember, there are always alternative treatments. I've read so many stories of survivors on this site and another I visit. It's what really gave me hope again. A year ago I thought I would lose my husband. Right now I have hope.

Also, I want to address the issue of the caretaker. It really does take it's toll. We are the ones who try to be strong, try to take care of eveything, and try not to break down in front of our loved ones. But, a doctor told me that I needed to cry. I told my husband I might cry in front of him and he was ok with that. It's helped.

I with you and your family the best. Linda

Hi Linda Q

I don't have the answers eitherr, but I can tell you about my experience. I am also Stage IV adenocarcinoma (at gastro-esophageal junction, with liver metastasis). For me it's now 15 months since diagnosis.

At the time of starting chemo I could barely swallow liquids. After about 3 weeks of fairly aggressive chemo I was able to eat some very milky, mushy-soft breakfast cereal, and the progress from then on was slow but positive, for about 3 months, by then I could eat almost anything. I would say that I had some mental reluctance, almost fear, to try semi-solid food at first (having for many months just had liquids, with anything else coming straight back up) - I would suggest your husband try a small amount of something very soft - like me, he may be surprised at what he can tolerate.

It is a hard slog, chemo is definitely not easy. I persevered, I am still having chemo, my cancer is currently stable. My attitude is that I will gladly accept whatever chemo they give me and put up with the few days of sickness per cycle - I want any opportunity I can get for some extra time with my loved ones - I have a 17 year old daughter and a 20 year old son.

All the very best to you and your husband.

Kathy

My brother was diagnosed with Stage 4 EC this summer and began chemo a couple of weeks later. His primary tumor was fairly substantial (5 cm or thereabouts) and he noticed a change for the better in about 7-10 days.

But everyone is different, of course. Brother's tumor was on the large side, but even before treatment he only had trouble with meat and sticky foods like tortillas. Some people with much smaller tumors seem to have a lot more problems--even with things like ice cream and milkshakes. I suppose it depends on not just the size of the tumor but its position as well. But no matter what it's hard to imagine not feeling some improvement after a period of chemo.

I do remember that my swallowing got a little better after about three weeks, but everyone is different.

My tumor was about 5 cm near the stomach.

I had five weeks of M-F daily radiation and Friday chemo.

Best wishes.

thank you to everyone who replied. This has really given me some answers, even if only through your experiences. I really pray that you all are able to tell everyone in your lives that the cancer is in remission, someday soon. To know that the chemo has worked for so many is inspiring and gives me so much hope!
I know we are just starting this journey, but it really does help to read about those of you truly have been through so much and are seeing some positive results. Thanks again.