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 I'm new here & very scared, my husband of 26yrs was just diagnosed today with esophageal cancer, they called it adencarcinoma (I think thats how you say it)we don't know what stage yet & we havn't seen an oncologist yet but they did say his CT scan didn't show any other tumors, so I guess thats something to be posative about, but my husband also has other health problems & takes alot of medications so I'm not sure how his body will be able to handle radiation & chemo if thats what his course of treatment will be. The Dr. says the tumor is fairly sizeable but at this point my husband is still able to eat & drink o.k.he just has some pain when food is going down, with what I've told you does anyone have a guess what stage he might be in? I'm very scared & having a hard time dealing with this right now so any encouraging words or advice would be greatly appreciated.
3 weeks ago my husband, age 39 learned that he has Stage IV unspecified esophageal cancer, we have had 3 opinions and received the same diagnosis, with chemotherapy as the only hope to shrink the tumors. The PET scan showed the cancer is both lungs and liver. My husband has never smoked and does not abuse alcohol, but has in the last year a history of acid reflux. Prior to this diagnosis as well as right now, my husband cannot swallow any solid or pureed foods and is on a liquid diet, last week he received a feeding tube to help maintain nutrition. I know how upseting this diagnosis is and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband. I am hopeful that since he is still able to eat that may be a good sign to diagnosing an earlier stage and there are several different options available. I have done alot of research online and have found that this cancer diagnosised in the earilier stages may have a better outcome. I hope you and your husband receive positive news.
I am truly sorry you and your husband are having to deal with this.
Unfortunately, only your doctor can make that staging determination. I understand the need to KNOW EVERYTHING NOW!!! It's human nature.
I went thru this in 2004. If you get a chance to read some of the other posts, you will probably get most of the info you need, except the staging.
I was a stage 3 N2. With terrific care and a little bit of luck, I"m still here. There are others. Several are regulars on this site. We all welcome your questions and concerns, but I would suggest that you let your health team give you the overall picture first.
Take the time to digest all this info. Allow your docs to do their job. A lot of people get multiple opinions after the first.
I understand your concerns. After you get the full picture of your husbands disease, I am sure any of us would be more than willing to share what we know with you.
And, also know we'll be praying for both of you.
All the best,
Fred
I am very sorry to hear of your husband's diagnosis.
I was just about to turn 38 when I was diagnosed with squamus cell esophageal cancer. I had the surgery (esophajectomy with gastric pull through) and 2 rounds of radiation and several rounds of chemo. It was a long and very difficult road as I had the cancer return twice. The treatments were definitely the most difficult part of the whole ordeal. But thanks to God and my doctors I am still here today over 10 years later! Never give up hope or faith. Stay as positive as you can and continue to ask questions and do your research. Knowledge is power. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. Be strong and lean on the beautiful people in this support group as you need to. I have not been a member very long but have found many caring new friends who are eager to share and help. Take care and God Bless.
Kevin
Kevin is absolutely right: knowledge is your best weapon to fight this beast. 10 years!!! I find that incredibly encouraging.
ASK Questions!! If you don't fully understand ask more questions!! Go to every reliable source you can find. There is a lot of information on the internet. Ask your doctor about clinical trials, when appropriate. I could go on and on (actually, I think I already did......... :-)).
Check back with us as often as you feel comfortable with. I am sure we would all like to know how you both are doing!!
All the best,
Fred
I 'm sorry to hear about your husband's dx.
I'll confess to a touch of "chemo-head", or as my wife puts it, "forgetfullness". I'm not sure we have chatted yet. Still...
I had to drink a "cocktail" (that's what I called it) that numbed my throat so I could eat and drink. I quickly progressed to a feeding tube, as well, because my tumor closed my throat. "Chicken Alfredo in a bag" is what my kids called it :-). Things progressed steadily downhill until the surgery, and then things got SLOWLY better. Be patient.
By the way, I smoked for a few years as a teenager, but I quit at 18. I used to drink beer, but I cut down to almost none after I got married. I had infrequent heartburn, but nothing really bad.
My EC may be genetic: my sister passed away from breast cancer, and my Mom passed away from lung cancer. My Gastro doc suggested that my brothers get checked as well. Boy am I glad he suggested that: my younger brother had Barrett's esophagus, and his (then) 10 year old son had reflux damage. My (then 16 year old) son and (then 7 year old) daughter also had damage in the same place as I did. Other family members are OK. Everyone is currently doing well with medication.
I am currently undergoing the third round (generally speaking) of chemo and radiation due to my EC returning in some lymph nodes I am actually done with the radiation treatments, but their effects linger. My doc has extended my chemo 15 weeks, and yesterday suggested an even longer chemo schedule, as I seem to be tolerating the meds OK.
I wish you and you husband all the best! If we can answer any questions, please ask. The people on this post are terrific!
We'll pray for you both.
Fred
And, we'll be praying for you both!
Fred
Patrick