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.
Things suddenly aren't going well at all for my Stage 4 brother, and we're teetering on the brink of panic.
Brother has had one round of chemo so far, and the results of his first scan was moderately positive. Of the dozen or so tumors in his torso, about half had shrunk, half seemed stable, and only one appeared to have grown any.
The doctors seemed pleased, but then they thought they saw something in Brother's back and took a second look. Unfortunately they found cancerous cells in his vertebrae, but since those cells were too small for radiation but HER2 positive they seemed pretty confident that adding Herceptin to the chemo cocktail would take care of it.
Fast forward one month: Brother is horribly sick from the new drug and in so much pain from his back that he now spends most of his time in a recliner. Worse, a horribly painful cancerous lesion has appeared on or in (not sure which) his arm, and (worst of all) his liver isn't functioning properly so he's on minimal painkillers.
All of a sudden he seems seriously ill, and we can't figure out how or why this has happened. The cancer in his vertebrae would appear to be the major culprit, but how can spots so small they can't be irradiated be causing so much trouble?
Does anyone know if it's it still possible for him to pull out of this nosedive? Please, some advice!
Brother has had one round of chemo so far, and the results of his first scan was moderately positive. Of the dozen or so tumors in his torso, about half had shrunk, half seemed stable, and only one appeared to have grown any.
The doctors seemed pleased, but then they thought they saw something in Brother's back and took a second look. Unfortunately they found cancerous cells in his vertebrae, but since those cells were too small for radiation but HER2 positive they seemed pretty confident that adding Herceptin to the chemo cocktail would take care of it.
Fast forward one month: Brother is horribly sick from the new drug and in so much pain from his back that he now spends most of his time in a recliner. Worse, a horribly painful cancerous lesion has appeared on or in (not sure which) his arm, and (worst of all) his liver isn't functioning properly so he's on minimal painkillers.
All of a sudden he seems seriously ill, and we can't figure out how or why this has happened. The cancer in his vertebrae would appear to be the major culprit, but how can spots so small they can't be irradiated be causing so much trouble?
Does anyone know if it's it still possible for him to pull out of this nosedive? Please, some advice!
prayinglots
I am very sorry to hear about your brother. I can not give much advice, but know that he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. I do know that our insurance covered a second opinion, so maybe it makes sense to confer with a different oncologist. I am assuming the current doctor is very aware of all the issues. There sure are a lot of factors to manage.
dhenth
Thanks, prayinglots. Thankfully Brother's in close contact with his oncologist, but there doesn't seem to be much the doctor can do at this point. We're encouraging Brother to seek another opinion and consider different treatment options, if only to relieve the awful pain he's in. He's stubbornly loyal and gives the doctor full credit for getting him through his first (almost) year, but we all agree that it's time to move on.
Brenda2008
I'm so sorry he's in pain & the liver is causing his pain meds to be at a reduced level of comfort. I have not experienced what your brother is going through, so it would be difficult for me to have advice to help. The only thing that comes to mind is seeking all medical resources. I can't remember if he is working with a leading cancer center? What he is comfortable with is the main thing. I know I was very confident in my oncologist & he was a local Dr. to me. Praying for your brother & you. Brenda
Linda65401
I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about your brother and your family. It's so hard to watch a family member in pain. -Linda
dhenth
Thanks, Linda. Yes, it is hard. We're just hoping and praying that all this is just a temporary rough patch!
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