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.
On Sunday, June 22nd, my sister checked into a hospital to control her symptoms of pain and nausea, and asked for hospice care. It was the right time, as she had fought a terrific battle for 2 years. She called me to come help care for her and make sure her final wishes of "just going to sleep" were carried out. On Sunday, June 29th, she passed away peacefully. It's been a rough 2 years, but I'm thankful that we had her that long. I appreciate that I've always been able to turn to this group for hope and advice. I feel that the esophageal survivors are the soldiers on the front line in this battle against cancer. I'm amazed by your strength and courage, and meeting you has changed my life forever. Thank you.
The one piece of advice I would offer (for anyone) is to make sure that your last wishes for care are well known. My sister had a living will, but also specifically stated her wishes to doctors and nurses in the hospital. I stayed with her at the hospital to make sure that her medications were delivered on time (nurses get busy too) in order to keep my sister comfortable, especially during the time when she was sleeping more, and not able to communicate as well. It was also helpful for the doctors and nurses because everyone in our family (my sister, her husband, my brother, and me) was on the same page (following my sister's wishes) and able to easily communicate that to the doctors and nurses.
Keep fighting the good fight! I will check back with you occasionally because now you are part of my life. Thank you so much for all the help that you have given to my sister and me through this site. My thoughts will always be with you. Until there is a cure.....
-Linda from Missouri
The one piece of advice I would offer (for anyone) is to make sure that your last wishes for care are well known. My sister had a living will, but also specifically stated her wishes to doctors and nurses in the hospital. I stayed with her at the hospital to make sure that her medications were delivered on time (nurses get busy too) in order to keep my sister comfortable, especially during the time when she was sleeping more, and not able to communicate as well. It was also helpful for the doctors and nurses because everyone in our family (my sister, her husband, my brother, and me) was on the same page (following my sister's wishes) and able to easily communicate that to the doctors and nurses.
Keep fighting the good fight! I will check back with you occasionally because now you are part of my life. Thank you so much for all the help that you have given to my sister and me through this site. My thoughts will always be with you. Until there is a cure.....
-Linda from Missouri
Now, be sure to take care of yourself.
Linda
When I was diagnosed and was so sick and weak from treatment wondering if I would survive treatment, then surgery, then be cancer free - the one thing that stayed in my mind was that if I needed it, Hospice would be there for me. I - like your sister - felt like I would know when the time was right for that and it gave me peace knowing they would help me through.
So, in the meantime I gave it my best shot, let the professionals do their stuff and I turned the rest over to God. Knowing he had a journey for me and I would trust that he would be with me whether I was to do more here or he would take me home.
One thing I knew for sure is that I would always frequent this board to be there for others and their loved one facing and dealing with EC. I can always feel the strength and hope that so may have offered anyone coming to this board and it truly warms my heart that so many are here for each other. Please do keep in touch. Although I never met your sister, I feel in some ways like I knew her through you. God bless. Brenda