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.
Hi everyone unfortunate news to report my husbands cancer has returned, he recently had his 2nd pet scan since his surgery last february & the 1st one was fine but this last one they unfortunetly found several spots, 2 on whats left of the esophagus & 1 near the abdomen, the dr says only chemo may help slow down the growth but probably wont stop it all together, I feel hopeless & devastated right now, he was doing so well & even though we knew that this cancer has a high return rate we were hopeful that it would not return. The dr wants him to start chemo again after the hoildays, do you think we should get a 2nd opinoin? im scared out of my mind & don't know what all this means as far as time goes the dr. wouldn't say. I really need some encouraging words.
Thanks.............Kim
Thanks.............Kim
After 5 years, my cancer returned a little over 2 years ago, primarily in my lymph node system. I have it under control at the moment, but I have had:
"regular" chemo
full radiation
Multiple lymph node surgeries
CyberKnife directed radiation treatments (this may be a good fit - look up http://cyberknife.com/ for more info).
And Xeloda chemo in pill form for these last 2 years.
There have been a few side effects, some hospital time, and a lot of doctor visits. But we're managing. If you want to discuss it more, let me know and I'll send you my phone number.
All the best,
Fred
I'm so glad that Fred posted here. He's always been an inspiration to me. I always knew the possibility of a return and before hearing Fred's story, I thought if I heard those words, I'd just die right away from it. Then I saw Fred posting and what they were doing for him and it made me feel better knowing, if I hear those words that it has returned - that I don't have to just give up or just think I can't make it! I'd love to have a couple more years + and be trying to get it stable or into remission.
I wanna see Fred around for a long time and me :-) and all of us. It probably never hurts to get a second opinion - especially if you feel something is not right about the test or the treatment.
I know it has to be disappointing to you and your husband to hear of it's return. I'm lifting a prayer for you both. Would love to hear that they have a plan and that he's doing well with it! Please keep in touch. I think there's so much we can learn from each other's experiences. Hugs. Brenda
Add me to the list of those praying for you both.
Margi