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 had his esophagectomy 5 years, 9 months ago. At the time of diagnosis, he was Stage 4 w/mets to the liver. After the surgery we were told that he would never develop cancer in the esophagus again. I had my doubts since my husband experiences sporadic incidents of bile backup into his throat, sinuses and lungs. If stomach acid caused the original cancer in the esophagus, why wouldn't bile cause it again? When asked, I was told by several of his doctors that an endoscopy was unnecessary. Since we were apprehensive about a scope of his new esophagus, we did nothing. However, on Tuesday, my husband had his first endoscopy since his esophagectomy. The result was LA Grade B reflux esophagitis (One or more mucosal breaks more than 5 mm in maximum length, but not continuous between the tops of two mucosal folds). There are 4 grades A-D with D being the worst. We are waiting on the results of the biopsy. The gastroenterologist put my husband on a prescription of Omeprazole (Prilosec) 20 mg once a day, 30 minutes before breakfast. He told us this would heal the esophagitis. I wanted to put this information out there for anyone else in our situation. If you are experiencing any reflux after surgery, you should be taking Omeprazole (Prilosec), to offset the effects of the reflux on your esophagus.
Please keep us posted about the biopsy. I hope the Prilosec helps him out.
My husband recently had 2 separate endoscopies. He has irritation to the esophagus. He's not been aware of reflux but is told that it's occurring.
It's been emphasized that he always be at at least a 45 degree angle. He likes to recline on a love seat with his head resting on the arm. He was told that it's putting him in an incorrect position because his head bends and his torso goes flat. He's on Omeprazole, but was told that the physical position is just as important. We do have a bed that raises.
It's wonderful that you husband has been able to survive for so many years. Has he continued Chemo during this time?
Linda
Prayinglots: May I ask how many times a day your husband takes Pantaprazole? Is the dosage 20 mg? At our initial visit, our gastro put him on a prescription to take Prilosec twice a day. After the endoscopy, when he found the inflammation, he changed the prescription to once a day before breakfast.
Linda: My husband was not experiencing reflux either. I'm assuming the inflammation is a result of what happens on those occasional nights when he slips from his inclined position. He sleeps on an adjustable bed, but still prefers to sleep on his side. He has not been on chemo since March 2009. Prior to that he was on chemo for 13 months. The surgeon took him off chemo 3 months prior to surgery to make sure the cancer would not metastasize once again. If it had, he would not have been a surgical candidate.