6 year survivor

dwhite0002
dwhite0002 Member Posts: 126
in Esophageal Cancer #1

Hello,

I haven't been here is awhile, but thought I would visit. I am a 6 year survivor and have been through it all. If you want to talk, send me a message.

Thanks,

David White

Hillsboro, OH

Comments

  • Dad'sfight
    Dad'sfight Member Posts: 155
    #2
    Congrats!!

    What stage were you?  Did you have surgery?  My father is Stage 3, 7.7cm tumor that went into stomach. Has 2 large lymphnodes involved and several small ones. They're saying he's not a good canidate for surgery because of heart diesease.  He completed his chemo/radiation so were waiting for PET scan. BTW, what a small world we are originally from Milford, Ohio but my father moved to Phoenix 15 years ago.  I ended up moving to Phoenix also 3 years ago.

  • dwhite0002
    dwhite0002 Member Posts: 126
    #3
    Dad'sfight said:

    Congrats!!

    What stage were you?  Did you have surgery?  My father is Stage 3, 7.7cm tumor that went into stomach. Has 2 large lymphnodes involved and several small ones. They're saying he's not a good canidate for surgery because of heart diesease.  He completed his chemo/radiation so were waiting for PET scan. BTW, what a small world we are originally from Milford, Ohio but my father moved to Phoenix 15 years ago.  I ended up moving to Phoenix also 3 years ago.

    I believe I was stage III. I

    I believe I was stage III. I was only 32 and it had not spread to the lymph nodes. They were fearful, at first, but it turned out to be isolated to the esophagus. I had chemo and radiation followed by surgery. Was not fun.

    I wish you well.

    Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

  • Dad'sfight
    Dad'sfight Member Posts: 155
    #4
    dwhite0002 said:

    I believe I was stage III. I

    I believe I was stage III. I was only 32 and it had not spread to the lymph nodes. They were fearful, at first, but it turned out to be isolated to the esophagus. I had chemo and radiation followed by surgery. Was not fun.

    I wish you well.

    Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

    Would you say that your

    Would you say that your quality of life has worsened after surgery?  You mentioned it wasn't fun, what set backs did you have.  Being that my father is 55, I'm just trying to figure out if it's something he would want to put himself through.  He did better than I expected with the chemo/radiation, did you have that also?

  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #5
    Dad'sfight said:

    Would you say that your

    Would you say that your quality of life has worsened after surgery?  You mentioned it wasn't fun, what set backs did you have.  Being that my father is 55, I'm just trying to figure out if it's something he would want to put himself through.  He did better than I expected with the chemo/radiation, did you have that also?

    Surgery - not fun but doable

    Hello, Dad's Fight :)

    My husband was a Stage 3 with limited lymph node involvement.  Esophageal Cancer is aggresive and unrelenting and must be met with aggressive medical response.  If surgery is possible, it's the best thing your dad can do toward a successful outcome.  However, having surgery is no guarantee of a bright future - have a read of my About Me page for more information, but not having surgery is not meeting this beast head on.

    There are dietary changes that come with the surgery.  There is intense recovery.  But 55 is NOT too old for any of this.  He will need to make the choice however, not you.  Please encourage your father to be well informed - read everything he can to make a proper decision.  If he hasn't had it yet, do get a 2nd opinion.  A 3rd even if you aren't confident from the 1st two.

    Best of luck to you and your family.  Prayers to your father!

     

    Terry
    PROUD wife to Nick, age 49
    lost battle to EC, June 19, 2012

  • Rickyr1219
    Rickyr1219 Member Posts: 53
    #6
    Was Stage III and for awhile regretted the surgery but...

    I was stage III and did the chemo/Radiation and then Ivor Lewis Surgery nov 2012.  Today Feb 5th is the first day that everything seemed to work right and I didn't have any pain.  I worked a full day and still have some energy left over.  If you had asked this question of me a few weeks ago I would have said I'm not sure it was worth it.  There are changes you have to make.  Dietary changes on the amount and way you eat,  Sleeping on an incline to avoid reflux and aspirating.  Also had low energy issues, some depression, and overall aches and pains from the surgery sights.  But then you see others that had many more and much more complications than I had.  You find others here that lost the fight.  I was diagnosed at 56 years young.  My biggest regret from the surgery was the inability to be as active as I was before surgery.  Now almost 3 months Post op....  I am glad I took the step to go ahead with the surgery.  I'm glad I did everything I was able to do to beat this aggressive cancer.  And I feel so guilty at times for getting  into a depressive slump.  Why would I be depressed when I am still a survivor?  When I can hug my wife and kids and grandkids and slowly but surely I am getting my energy and strength back.  I would do the surgery again knowing what I know now.  The dietary change is probably better for my health anyway.  Saves me a ton of money because I don't hand out at the All you Can Eat Buffets anymore.  Lost weight down to where my weight should have been anyway.  Thank you Lord for giving me all the gifts of life you given me.....

    And that's my two cents plus a nickel!

  • dwhite0002
    dwhite0002 Member Posts: 126
    #7
    Dad'sfight said:

    Would you say that your

    Would you say that your quality of life has worsened after surgery?  You mentioned it wasn't fun, what set backs did you have.  Being that my father is 55, I'm just trying to figure out if it's something he would want to put himself through.  He did better than I expected with the chemo/radiation, did you have that also?

    Life After

    I had complications. I ended up with MRSA pnemonia and was sick in bed for about 6 weeks. Learning to eat differently has been a huge challenge. I still suffer from nausea if I eat too much. My portions are very small.

    Because of the way I eat, I opted to maintain a j-tube. I take at least 1500 calories each night. Because of this, I dont have to worry about eating during the day. I eat what I want and when I start to feel a bit of discomfort, I stop. I eat less than my 7 yr old son. However, I can enjoy small meals without the stress.

    I would say surgery is a must.

  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #8
    Congratulations!

    Your success gives those who are following you great hope.

     

    BMGky

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