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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dhenth 05/07/2014

I had a telephone chat with my Stage 4 brother a few days ago and learned that he'd developed anemia. I wasn't terribly surprised as the cancer has spread to his bones, he's undergoing aggressive chemo, and he really hasn't been eating well lately. Any or all of these things could lead to anemia, but that particular disorder is so amenable to treatment that I wasn't terribly concerned.

Imagine my surprise--and horror--when it came out in the course of the conversation that Brother hadn't reported the anemia to his doctors! I couldn't understand it and urged (and then nagged) Brother to report his symptoms and get a red cell and platelet count. He was surprisingly non-committal to what I thought was very sound advice, and I simply couldn't understand his evasiveness.

I've since spoken to my sister, and she says that Brother is afraid that his doctors will label him "terminal" and end treatment if they learn of any more problems. OK, I can understand that...but now I'm more confused (and frightened than ever)!

Any advice?

deleted_user 05/07/2014

I don't think they would stop treatment. My husband was anemic during chemo. His second round was aggressive. His doctor put him on a pre-natal vitamin. He had another round of blood tests yesterday. He stopped chemo at the end of Nov and he's finally in the normal range (just barely).

My husband's oncologist has requested almost all his blood tests the past year. It's my understanding that the oncologist watches all the test results. Are you sure his oncologist doesn't know the results?
Linda

dhenth 05/07/2014

It's entirely possible that they are aware of it...if not, they'll order up a routine blood soon enough and/or notice the blue fingernails and the rapid heartbeat and put two and two together. But it really bothers me that Brother is trying hide this (and goodness knows what else)--he doesn't seem to trust his doctors anymore, and that worries me.

Lindaq5360 05/07/2014

I can certainly understand the hiding symptoms....and he did tell you he is afraid of the label and stopping treatment. Give him emotional support. It must be so scarey to face your own mortality when you are not expecting to. I have that same fear for my husband. Facing this cancer is the hardest thing one ever has to do, but then to face the very real possibility of losing your life way before you are ready is a whole different level of fear. Fear can be paralyzing. Let him know you are supporting him and acknowledge his fears. Then help him to see that fear of the unknown is so much worse than the reality. Drs. are going to treat him...and they can treat anemia. It is so hard to watch helplessly and feel out of control for you and your brother. Maybe you can ask the Drs. first to see if his fears are real. Good luck

prayinglots 05/07/2014

I agree with others too. I would imagine anemia is a pretty common side effect. His wife could also talk with the doctor, but it sounds like that may be against his wishes. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

deleted_user 05/07/2014

I've decided that if I have a recurrence, I'll forgo any further treatment because I've heard/watched such horrid side effects. Others usually decide to plow ahead no matter what. As to fearing death, my near brush wiped this away. For the first 3-4 months following surgery, I became so ill that I almost wished for death. I'll never forget how being terribly ill overwhelmed any fear of death. I may be very different than most EC survivors, but wanted to add my thoughts to this conversation.

bonecanyonranch 05/08/2014

I think that anemia is a common side effect of treatment. In my case, I am still slightly anemic a year and a half after the operation, yet my last PET scan showed me to be cancer free.

The doctors need to know his condition, though, so that they can adjust the treatment protocol as necessary.

Brenda2008 05/08/2014

I think for his Drs. to be able to treat him the best they can with their knowledge, they have to know everything the patient is experiencing in side affects. Perhaps sometimes it's just an adjustment - perhaps even temporary - to get things back into control. I hate that he has lost faith in his Drs. and wonder if he might need to seek a 2nd opinion of keeping him on track of trying to get him stable, remission. There's a lot I don't understand, but the oncologists are the experts. Although they are only human and have differences in opinions sometimes too. But that may be when it's time to check for another opinion?

I just feel that everyday we are here and even while battling cancer that perhaps a cure or new medicine is just around the corner. Perhaps I'm nave, but that's what I think can happen and pray for. Brenda

deleted_user 05/09/2014

my husband had a recurrence two years ago and on the whole now feels good, good appetite, lots of exercise and few side effects, in his case sometimes neuropathy and low platelets. I tell him and suggest to everyone to explain all his symptoms to the oncologist because sometimes the symptoms might mean something to the doctor that we don't know about. In his case, his oncologist adjusts treatment to prevent permanent neuropathy. also, he has blood tests before every chemo treatment to check his blood count and kidney function. Sometimes chemo has to be delayed because of low platelets or low white blood cell count . it is very important to communicate and ask questions . danile

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