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.
My husband is finishing up on his first chemo regimen. We should have a PET scan within two weeks to see if it has worked. He is swallowing so much easier and totally without pain, so we are hopeful! My question is....as I read about the various stages of chemo reactions I wonder if my husbands' next regimen will be easier or harder. His regimen was Epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and 5-FU. The 5 FU has been continuous 24/7 since the beginning, 7 weeks now with two weeks to go on this one. So, is this a harsh regimen because he has lost 55 pounds in 7 weeks! He is so weak, and is now using a cane to walk. I can't imagine a worse regimen, but it also sounds like Xeloda is wicked stuff!
I also would like to know, in all you all experience, he did not lose his hair and it was just about guaranteed that he would. Does this mean the Epirubicin is not working??
THANKS!
I also would like to know, in all you all experience, he did not lose his hair and it was just about guaranteed that he would. Does this mean the Epirubicin is not working??
THANKS!
From my previous posts I may have given a negative impression of Xeloda. Yes, it's a tough drug to take. However, maybe it was life saving in the case of my husband. So far, he's doing well now.
I just asked my husband if, in the same situation, would he have done the Xeloda. He said yes. He's alive, he's gaining his strength back. We seemed to have gained some time together.
We were told that some people lose hair, and some don't. And, the majority of my husband's hair loss came later.
You might want to get a walker. It offers more support than a cane. My husband had to use a walker. After he took several falls, we were insistant. And, as he got better, he didn't need it any longer.
Also, my husband lost 80 lbs total. I think the weight loss contributes to the weakness.
I really feel for you. It's so tough to see a loved one go through this. It's taken it's toll on me as well. In retrospect, I probably should have gotten more help than I did. Take care of yourself!
Linda
with Xeloda than he does with 5FU in infusion form. On the other hand a friend with colorectal cancer did well on Xeloda and had few side effects.
the oxaliplatin is the more agressive drug . I don't know anything about epirubicin.
From my husband's experience , if your husband has a tough time with Xeloda, he can always go back to infusion 5 FU . You can ask your oncologist about this. my husband has few side effects with the infusion form . all the best, danile