I'm new here. Husband having surgery tomorrow. Please pray for us.

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I'm new here. Husband having surgery tomorrow. Please pray for us.

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Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 22, 2009 - 8:05am

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this site. I've been reading some of your posts and finding it very encouraging and informative.

Well, here's my story in a nutshell. My husband, Roy (age 56), was diagnosed with Stage III EC in June of this year. He had trouble swallowing in May, went for a doctor's appt. and after having a PET scan they found this. Tumor is in mid chest and has spread to several lymph nodes. After chemo and radiation and then another repeat PET/CT scan they said everything has shrunk enough for surgery. He is getting surgery tomorrow at Presby Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. Luketich and his associates will be performing the surgery. I've heard he is in excellent hands.

I was diagnosed in March, 1998 with breast cancer. After a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation I have been free of cancer ever since. Thank you, God! My husband was there for me every step of the way and I will be there for him, too.

One thing I have learned from having cancer myself is, once you have been diagnosed with cancer you are still the same person you were before, and how you handle any crisis in your life is how you will handle this. I know if I have a crisis, I will totally break down and cry first, then I need to make a plan to get through it. So I allowed myself time to cry over this and then I started my plan.

I know you need to be able to get through things physically, emotionally and financially.
I know that we can get through this emotionally because we have a strong support system in all our loving family and friends who will be there for us. Physically I know that I will have to take care of myself so I can take care of my husband, and I have to help him in every way I can to get him better physically. And the financial part we're still working on, one day at a time. The rest is in God's hands.

So, to sum it all up......We are very nervous about the surgery tomorrow and are asking for prayers to help strengthen us. Please include us in your prayers. It will be very appreciated.

I'm so glad I found this site. I'd like to keep in touch and let you all know how things are going. I think that might be therapy for me while he is recovering.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support.

God bless each and every one of you. I'll be talking to you soon.

Trish

MOE58

Posts: 656
Joined: May 2009

November 22, 2009 - 10:29am

WELCOME TO OUR SITE,

First off I think you have an excellent doctor William Marshall is a survivor of his surgery and so is Kathy (mumphys) husband which just recently had this done, I live in Oklahoma and my husband was diagnosed on April fools day stage 2 but not in lymph nodes, he had the open surgery on July 23, even though he went through surgery like a breeze he had complications afterwards, This will be your therapy, as it was mine, if I wouldnt have had this site, I wouldn't have made it through everything without this site even though i was scared poopless, Mr. Marshall did scare me, cause he just tells it like it is, but he is a very very knowledgeable man, and after awhile I couldn't make it without him, if fact when my husband was so bad I begged and pleaded for him to help me. I know what you mean fiancial i just put it in GOD's hands, as my husband's company closed down while he was in the hospital after being opened since the 30's here in oklahoma. It was sad. Be sure to apply for social security for him cause it does get pushed through quicker with EC cancer.
I do want to wish you luck but if you would have let us know we could have sent you some BIG GIRL PANTIES to get through the surgery.

Please keep us informed of your husbands surgery

Lori aka MOE

WilliamWMarshall

Posts: 1968
Joined: May 2003

November 22, 2009 - 10:43am

Trish - The Great Physician trained Dr. Luketich - You'll be OK!

Hey Trish -

Your husband is having surgery tomorrow, that means you ready to go complete with butterflies in your stomach. (The best place you could be is awaiting surgery at the skilled hands of Dr. Luketich and his associates. I'm assuming your husband will be having the "MIE" as well.)

Your husband is going to have his "Go Lightly" tonight. He has already been on a semi-liquid diet and is hungry by now. The two of you have already had "your last supper" together for a while.

Tomorrow, when your look at your husband in the morning, give him a kiss and say, "I'll see you this afternoon, then take your Bible and read all those promises that have sustained you through all these days."

I cannot tell you how confident I am that those who have the Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy performed by Dr. Luketich do not have to worry. It sounds like you put this in God's hands a long time ago. He has directed you to Dr. Luketich.

I am in the process of making up an album of before, during and after my operation. I was diagnosed in the Fall of 2002 and operated on by Dr. Luketich on a Saturday, May 17, 2003. When you see him next, tell him we said to pass along the words, "Loretta and Bill said you are their #1 guy on this Earth!"

Briefly, I was diagnosed in the Fall of 2002. Subsequently staged at EC Stage III (T3N1M0), pre-op chemo, Carboplatin & 5FU, MIE by Dr. Luketich, May 17, 2003, Textbook recovery. One day in ICU, second day in step-down unit, third day out on regular ward, discharged to Family House Shadyside the fifth day- fantastic recovery - shopping downtown on 9th day after operation. Feeding tube - no problem--kept it in for 3 weeks. "That's my story and I'm sticking to it, as they say."

I think God wanted me to say, "Trish, don't sweat it--trust ME!" When you get through this EC operation, you and your husband will be closer together, stronger emotionally and spiritually, able to comfort others and enriched. You will have a new capacity to empathize with others. God likes to work when we are weakest, that way we realize it was not something we did, but a miraculous intervention by the grace of God.

Loretta and I will certainly keep you in prayer today. There is another lady in Pittsburgh right now. Dr. Luketich operated on here a couple of days ago (Friday). She came all the way from California because her doctor there recommended Dr. Luketich. She called us to ask how we got along. Splendidly was our reply.

Trish - Let me share with you the scripture which we spread before the Lord after my diagnosis. It is found in II Kings 20. This is from the New International Version. Mind you, God is not a puppet whose string can be pulled. I am not of the persuasion that all sicknesses will be healed on this earth. However, I do believe that God is still a "God of Miracles". I "choose" to believe, others may not, but this is my story. God says in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto Me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not. (KJV)

But this story in II Kings became my main hope. Our prayer, "Oh God would you do for me, what you did for King Hezekiah."

I had to be willing for God to have the final answer. I didn't ask God to give me a sign like King Hezekiah did. I didn't ask God to "make the sun dial go backwards" to prove that He indeed was going to grant me my request.

I did have to pray, "Not my will but thine be done". That was the hardest part, because I really wanted to live--God knew my heart. He also knew that I needed to put my complete trust in His guidance. We prayed that prayer and got up off our knees with no earthshaking message from God, BUT little by little, as days progressed and decisions had to be made, we prayed and said, "Oh God please guide us in this decision." It was as though we were making decisions blindfolded.

We were fully prepared to stay here in Tidewater and undergo a much more invasive procedure because we were raising 4 grandchildren. We saw no way we could leave town. So at the first Pittsburgh wasn't even known about. But about 12 days or so before I was due to be operated on here, GOD STEPPED IN AND OPENED UP THE WAY TO DR. LUKETICH!

You will remember that the Israelites stepped into the Red Sea in faith. The waters did NOT part until they put their feet in the water. That's the way it was for us. And oh the joy, when God "parted the Red Sea for us."

Only in hindsight do I see how day by day, decision by decision, prayer by prayer, did He bring me to where I can write this letter today some 7 years after being diagnosed, EC Stage III, (T3N1M0).

I am now 72, soon to celebrate my 73rd on February 12,2010, enjoy complete health, have enormous amounts of energy, still have one 16 year old grandson left to raise to at least "maturity". I take no medications, visit Dr. Luketich once a year, visit my local Oncologist twice a year and thank God, I'm still cancer free. My oncologist said, I will just as likely die from some other illness now that I have surpassed the 5-year mark. I am a walking miracle, and if I die tomorrow, I'm ready to go and it's been a good ride. Only Heaven awaits when I depart this life.

So, please spend the time in prayer, meditate on the goodness of God, trust Him for the outcome. No matter what that may be, you have the confidence of knowing that "You did it God's way". As I like to say, sometimes God says "Yes", sometimes "NO, sometimes "Wait". I had to prepared to hear either one. He chose to say "YES". Trust Him.

Now for the passage in II Kings Chapter 20. And by the way, it's ago to ask God for a sign, but the choice is up to him. You know we "walk by faith--not by sight".

Now this scripture and I will share one in Isaiah as well. Today is Sunday. A good day to receive a confirmation that God's angels wait in the wings. He watches over you and your husband. We had the underlying peace of God, even though we weren't sure which way we should turn. God's only roadmap is the Bible. He wants us to "leave the driving to Him".

God has already lived to next week and back, next year and back, and into Eternity, so He's always on "call". His line is never "busy". He's on duty 24-7, every day for the rest of your life. Could you ask for more? And who doesn't believe that God just happened to have "William" open up his computer, click on CSN, and read your post, and say, "Hey you need to give Trish a word of encouragement."

Praying that by Monday night, you'll be on "CLOUD NINE". But be prepared for the many pieces of equipment that your hubby will be attached to. They are all life-sustaining. He will have a morphine drip for pain. He can press the button when he needs to. That first day was my most painful. He will be sporting a "snorkel" but he won't be going scuba diving. That will have to stay in about 3 days! They will have him up very soon after the first day. There is a cafeteria on one of the top floors with lots of good food at reasonable prices.

Here's the verses now:

2 Kings 20 - Hezekiah's Illness -

" 1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."

2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,

3 "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him:

5 "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.

6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' "

7 Then Isaiah said, "Prepare a poultice of figs." They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.

8 Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, "What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the LORD on the third day from now?"

9 Isaiah answered, "This is the LORD's sign to you that the LORD will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?"

10 "It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps," said Hezekiah. "Rather, have it go back ten steps."

11 Then the prophet Isaiah called upon the LORD, and the LORD made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now for one of my favorite verses in Isaiah 43:1-3: God is speaking to the nation of Israel as a whole, but all scripture is written for our enlightenment and guidance. If we couldn't claim verses in the Old Testament, we would have to throw out the book of Psalms, wouldn't we? So here are the verses that I have underlined, highlighted, and gone back to so many times.

" 1 But now, this is what the LORD says— He Who created you, O Jacob, He Who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;..."

Trish, anyone who has been diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer knows what it's like to "walk through the fire" and I do mean "through it". We cannot go around it, we must go through it. But God is faithful. He has promised in Hebrews 13:5, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." ---

One last word, the Bible is often misquoted. God did not say, "Money is the root of all evil", He said, "THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL"--Bernie Madoff in point. God knows we need money. He just doesn't want us to make it our "top pursuit". He promises to supply all our needs, maybe not all our wants, but all our needs. He has been faithful.

May God continue to bless you. If you have a chance to print this out and/or read it to your husband, please do so. We have lots of people here who actually "pray" for those they read about.

William W. Marshall (& wife Loretta)
AKA "William66"
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

P.S. Lori's famous "Big Girl Panties w/lace for the ladies, and a pair of "Big Boy Underwear without lace" for the "MEN" have been shipped. You'll have to read some of the postings to know exactly how to wear them. They're shipped by Faith Federal Express, actually delivered by angels, and always arrive just in the nick of time. More later!

mumphy

Posts: 489
Joined: Jun 2009

November 22, 2009 - 11:42am

Hi Trish,

Hi I'm Kathy(aka Mumphy)

My husband Al had his surgery on Oct. 19th By Dr. Luketich. You husbands procedure may run a little longer than he may have told you
Al's took 10 hours, but in the end there is nother like hearing everything went according to plan and you will be able to see him in
about an hour.

You will be nervous, and anxious and the whole gambit of emotions while you are waiting. Don't forget to eat you need your strength!
After a few days your husband will start to come out of the clouds, don't get nervous if he doesn't make sence it's the pain meds.

He will have a few tubes I'm sure that this was all explained to you. Al was in the hospital for a week they sent him home with a feeding
tube and a drain, neither of these are hard to take care of,or hard to do.

You will have a home care nurse 2 time a week until they think he can be released.

It will be hard for you once he gets home to not want to wait on him hand and foot. I am learning right now that its time to make
my husband get off his but and do more. They get spoiled

I just want you to know that your husband will be in God and Dr. Luketich's hands and I can not think of any one better then that!!!

I will be thinking of you all day tomarrow! Here's a hint bring an extra tote bag or jacket and leave it on your chairs because if
you leave the family waiting area they will be gone when you get back and there may not be any place left to sit, but don't sit there
the entire time just let the one of the girls at the desk know your leaving. The will call your cell phone if your needed for anything
also the will give you updates throughout the day to let you know how things are going just listen for you number and they will call
you to the front to update you.

There is no greater gift that you can get then when Dr. Luketich looks at you and says everthing went well you can see him in an hour
or so!

Also just a little info my husband had stage IV EC and was still able to have his surgery!!

Go to bed early 5:00 am comes early.

God Bless!
Kath

Betty in Vegas

Posts: 311
Joined: Jul 2009

November 22, 2009 - 11:52am

Hi Trish

First, let me say I am praying for you before your surgery. Second, let me tell you that you are your hubby's advocate while he is in the hospital. If the pain meds mess him up, or he needs something, don't feel bad for asking. The nurses let me know right away that it is OK to bother them, that is why they are there.

Second, wow, a survivor who is married to a soon to be survivor! That is wonderful. Isn't it funny how going through something like this just brings out what you really ARE all along? Sure tells you who your friends are --and how strong your marriage is. (As you know from your cancer experience.)

You'll make it through this, too. God will carry you when you cannot walk.

We are here if you need anything.
Betty

Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 22, 2009 - 12:44pm

Can't thank you all enough!

Wow! I went to the drug store to pick up my husband's Go-lytely after I posted this morning and when I came back I checked this site again. I never imagined you all would reply to me so fast and so lovingly. I can't thank you enough Lori, William, Loretta, Kathy & Betty for all your advise, support and prayers. I read every one of your letters to my husband. He was so touched by the support we are getting from strangers (and now you are our friends). We can feel strength and love from all of you. Today has been a very emotional day for me. Been crying at the drop of a hat all day. Every kind word starts me crying a bucket of tears. I pray tomorrow evening will be a bucket of happy tears!

Love to all of you,

Trish (and Roy)

Betty in Vegas

Posts: 311
Joined: Jul 2009

November 22, 2009 - 3:24pm

Ohhhh this will be great!

Another cryer in the house. I am tired of feeling like I am the only one. Sometimes I cry for NO REASON...it's so weird!

We can cry together. I learned in caretaker's classes that there are stress hormones released in every tear. Therefore, it is good to cry and wash away the stress!

You will like this site and getting to know everyone's stories. It is most helpful to have others to talk to and to hear their experiences. You can find ours on our carepage. William's is ALL OVER the internet, and everyone else can fill you in on theirs! It's good not to be alone!

Hugs,
Betty
www.carepages.com/carepages/ourjourneyinhishands

K_ann1015

Posts: 532
Joined: Aug 2009

November 22, 2009 - 6:17pm

praying for happy tears ---after all the "fear" tears!

Hi Trish and Roy,
again, welcome--so touching too see that another is able to get comfort, strength & peace from this site---as many of us do... My dad is the EC patient--he will have surgery 12/8 at Duke in NC. I, like Betty, liked to hear that I wasn't the only crier!! But that was mostly in the beginning---this site really helped alot... I have a medical background and knowing that my dad had at least stage 3 (and possibly stage 4)--I just read too much and most is not good---but at least this site had real life positive stories---not sugar coated, mind you---but enough for hope. Also the reminder that God alone was in charge...

My prayers and thoughts swill be with you and Roy tomorrow--you are in great hands! I tried to talk my parents into a second opinion there... Just hang on for the ride--it is a big surgery and big recovery. JUst know you actually will have lots of "online" friends here. Esophageal cancer just is not something that you can talk about with a neighbor or friend very easily. Most have never known anyone that have had it. On this site--all are having very close experiences with it.
Best of surgery wishes to you both!!@!
Kim

WilliamWMarshall

Posts: 1968
Joined: May 2003

November 23, 2009 - 5:31am

Trish - God's Up - We're Up & We know you're Up

Dear Trish:

May God bless you, give you and your husband His Peace, and guide the hands of Dr. Luketich and all who will assist him this morning. We're all praying for you today.

William & Loretta

Hope_Faith

Posts: 164
Joined: Aug 2009

November 23, 2009 - 9:52pm

Praying ~

Hi Trish,
I know your hubby had surgery today and am very anxious to hear how it went. My hubby (Stage III EC) will be having surgery soon - we will find out on Dec. 3rd the surgery date when we meet with the surgeon at UCLA.
Thoughts, prayers, and blessings,
Shelly

Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 23, 2009 - 11:15pm

Well, Surgery is Finally Over!!

Well everyone,

It's been a loooooong day!! It's 11:00 at night. Just got home from the hospital since 5:00 am this moning. Surgery was supposed to last 6-8 hours but lasted 11 hours! Dr. said everything went as planned, except for problems with his lungs. They think he had a touch of pneumonia going into the surgery, plus his lungs were scarred from chemo & radiation, plus he has COPD. So when they did his surgery they had to deflate one lung so they could work on his side, but his other lung was too weak to withstand the whole surgery, so they had to take turns inflating & deflating each lung and let the other one rest for awhile. But aside from the lung issues, he did very well, as planned. He certainly isn't out of the woods yet, by no means, but hopefully each day will see an improvement.

I can't say thanks enough for all your kind thoughts and prayers. They really mean a lot to both of us. Please continue to pray for good health for Roy as I continue to pray for each and every one of you.

God bless,

Trish

WilliamWMarshall

Posts: 1968
Joined: May 2003

November 23, 2009 - 11:53pm

Thanksgiving will always be remembered-God pulled hubby through

Hi Trish -

Thanks for checking in. I remember someone else writing on this site that had the same problem. When they had surgery, it took much longer because of the lung problem. I know that was a torturous 11 hours. Lori of "Moe and Papa" had the "open", very invasive kind, of surgery. Jeff had a problem with his lungs and was on a ventilator for 12 days, hanging somewhere between the floor and death. It was a horrible time for Lori. So just know that this happens. Jeff, Lori's husband was a heavy smoker. If your husband had COPD, this certainly exacerbated the problem. Heavy smoking is often mentioned as one of the "suspected" causes of Esophageal Cancer.

Tried to send you an e-mail yesterday, but it said "You didn't exist". Have you signed up to get "private e-mails"? That is a feature of this site.

As for the scarring, I understand that this is the result of radiation. It happens. One of our local hospitals has just purchased a new expensive piece of radiation equipment. It is able to deliver doses of radiation directly to the tumor without touching another organ. We didn't have that when I had my radiation. It is good to know that if I need that in the future, I will be able to use this machine. This site talks about "tomography": Our hospital called it a "CyberKnife".

http://www.cancercenter.com/esophageal-cancer/tomotherapy.cfm

Radiation is known to cause scarring of the tissue so that is why doctors schedule the operation soon after the chemo/radiation treatments are finished (usually no more than 3 weeks). And since you mentioned scarring, I have had 3 dilations during the first 6 months after surgery. The area where my stomach had been pulled up and reattached to my pharynx began to form a "hard ridge" in the newly-joined area. It caused me to feel like I needed to cough frequently. I felt like I needed to clear my throat, but I had this feeling repeatedly. I could never quite get it clear. Well, upon my next visit I mentioned it to Dr. Luketich. He said as that area heals, scar tissue builds up, and a gentle stretching (dilation or dilatation) is necessary to ensure easy swallowing. A procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Patient is only mildly sedated. No problems or side effects except for maybe a sore throat. I didn't even have a sore throat. They said to go easy on the food for 12 hours. I never had a problem after they "stretched" this area ever so slightly. I noticed immediate relief. So if this begins to happen, mention it to the doctor and they will take care of that for your husband.

Once more thanks for checking in. We know you're exhausted and so is your husband and his doctors. I thank God for wonderful doctors who give us the best care of any doctors on the face of the earth. It is one more of His many blessings. Thanksgiving will be even more special this week because of the ordeal God has pulled you through. We prayed often during the day for you. Will talk later. It will be difficult to pull yourself away, but you will need lots of rest. This ordeal is emotionally and physically draining!

Still praying,

William W. Marshall
AKA "William66"
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 24, 2009 - 6:20am

My Guardian Angel

William (and all my new friends),

First thing I saw when I got home from the hospital last night was your post you sent to me as we were preparing for surgery yesterday. Then first thing this morning was your reply to me after I had gone to bed last night. Do you ever sleep or are you at your computer all day and night to guide and protect me and all the others on this site? lol Seriously, though, I think God has brought us to each other through this site. Your words are very comforting, my guardian angel.

Well, I tried to deliver your message to Dr. Luketich yesterday but I never saw him all day, just his associates (who are wonderful people!).

About the private e-mail - I didn't know about that feature, so I'll have to sign up for that today if I get a chance.

Roy did have a stretching of the esophagus when they inserted his infusa-port in July. But I didn't know that he may need to have it done repeatedly (good info to know, thanks), but let's just keep that our secret because if I tell that to Roy he'll never tell me if he is having any issues because he wouldn't want any further surgeries, minor as they may be, I'm sure.

Dr. said they were able to remove all of the tumor and he said the lymph nodes they removed did not appear to be cancerous. We will wait for the results from pathology. They were able to use his stomach for the new esophagus, as planned and didn't have to use any of his bowels which was good because Roy said "that would make everything I eat taste crappy". lol He hasn't lost his sense of humor! They also were able to use MIE and didn't have to do an open procedure. Good, too.

Yes, he was a smoker for over 35 years (at least 2 packs per day). That lead to his COPD. He has been smoke free for almost 5 years now!

You are right, this definately will be a beautiful Thanksgiving with lots to be thankful for (my family, Dr. Luketich, and you and all the friends on this site who have been with me these last couple days)! I wish I knew about this site a long time ago, but I found you all now and I have to say "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and may each of you have a very blessed Thanksgiving"!

Much love,

Trish

Hope_Faith

Posts: 164
Joined: Aug 2009

November 24, 2009 - 12:17pm

FYI

Just a quick FYI. The facility my hubby had his chemo/radiation treatments at also have the CyberKnife radiation machine. However, because of the location of the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes, it can't be used. With esophageal cancer, they want more of a spread due to possible lymph node involvement. Maybe if there is no possibility of lymph node involvement it could be used but I didn't think to ask that question - now I wish I did.
Blessings,
Shelly

MOE58

Posts: 656
Joined: May 2009

November 24, 2009 - 7:33am

I can relate

Hi Trish

I can relate thats exactly what they had to do to my husband during surgery, no he isn't out of the woods yet if he can get through the weekend he will make it, mine i almost lost cause of his lung issue, Mine had the open surgery, it makes it a loooooooong day when you are up there so long, I know you are glad its over, I was but the waiting is the hard part. If I can help please let me know, sounds like your Big Girl Panties worked just right, I am so happy that things are looking up I am off to work and really cant read much posts so will read them tonight.

Take Care
Lori

chrisk06

Posts: 114
Joined: Nov 2009

November 24, 2009 - 11:50am

Welcome

Trish,
I am new here to, but my husband (Steve) surgery was like your husbands. Tooko way longer than they thought, and he had the lung issue to where they inflated and deflated throughout the surgery. Just wanted to let you know both of you will be in my prayers. Take care!

Chris

Hope_Faith

Posts: 164
Joined: Aug 2009

November 24, 2009 - 12:19pm

Surgery ~

Yay! I'm so glad that he is out of surgery and on his way to recovery! God is so good! I will keep you guys in my prayers.
Blessings,
Shelly

Tina Blondek

Posts: 1477
Joined: Nov 2009

November 24, 2009 - 1:02pm

Dear Trish, Hello! I am also

Dear Trish,
Hello! I am also new to this wonderful sight. I have been following your story, and was so thrilled to hear that your husband's surgery went as planned. I was thinking of both of you yesterday. My father, Ray, 70, was diagnosed with EC Nov. 2008. He has completed oral chemo, and 6 wks of radiation. Last pet scan showed considerable shrinkage of the tumor.

There was quite a bit of discussion on whether or not to have the surgery. We were all on the fence about it. Thoracic surgeon was all for it, ongologist was questioning it, and so were we. Well, here we are one year later, without having the surgery, and dad is still hanging in there! Just went for a check up yesterday, and the ongologist has suggested dad have an angioplasty dilation done to open the esophagus more, due to what he feels is scar tissue from the radiation. Dad is still having some difficulty swallowing. So...we are in the process of making the appointment to meet with the gastro dr. to discuss the dialation process. Dad is also due for another pet scan.
All of this has been done at University of Virginia hospital in Charlottesville, VA

That is my story of EC in a nutshell! Please know that I am keeping you and your husband in my prayers, and just ask that you do the same! Thank you, and God Bless!

Sincerely,
Tina

Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 24, 2009 - 7:37pm

Just got back from hospital tonight

Hi everyone,

Just got back from seeing my hubby at the hospital today. They still have him on the ventilator. That is the part he doesn't like (He had a triple bypass surgery 4 years ago and still remembers that as being the worse part)! His blood pressure was low but is coming up now. The nurse said he has made significant improvement in the last 12 hours! He was on total life support last night but tonight all that is left is the ventilator and they are trying to wean him off of that late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

He's still medicated and only opening his eyes a little but I asked him to squeeze my hand if he loved me and he just about stopped the circulation in my hand from squeezing it so hard! (More tears!!!)

I can't say enough about UPMC Presby Hospital in Pittsburgh and their staff. This is my first experience with this hospital. We usually went to St. Clair Hospital but they said Dr. Luketich works out of Presby Hospital, so I said OK I guess that's where we will go. I didn't know anything about Presby Hospital but I thought would you rather be where your doctor is more comfortable or where you are more comfortable? Thank goodness I picked where the doctor is more comfortable because I love the doctors and nurses at Presby Hospital!

Love & prayers to all,

Trish

mumphy

Posts: 489
Joined: Jun 2009

November 24, 2009 - 9:27pm

Glad thing are going so well!!

Hi Trish,

I'm glad to hear that your husband is doing so well, after he comes off of the ventilator he
should progress daily. I think that we are truely bless living in Pittsburgh and to be able
to have access to a facility like UPMC, Dr. Luketich and the wonderful staff.

I know that without them most other Dr.s would not have been willing to take on Al's case being that he was stage IV. It has now been 6 weeks since his surgery. I just want to let you know this because your husband will be home and recovering in no time.

We truely have been blessed this Thanksgiving.

Just remember to get your rest, eat and don't get run down. I tell you this because he is in good hands and you need to be ready for when he comes home.

Keep us updated on his progress and if you have any questions there just ask someone is always
here and most of the time we can answer them.

God Bless!!!
Kath

Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 25, 2009 - 5:51am

Extra prayers please!!!!

Just talked to nurse at hospital.....She said hubby was so aggitated last night they had to sedate him again. He spiked a fever, too (102.6), most likely from pneumonia. Today's plan is to try to wean him from the ventilator again and control the pneumonia.

I don't know quite what the "Big Girl Panties" thing is about (if someone can explain that to me), but right now I think mine are slipping........

Donna70

Posts: 832
Joined: Aug 2009

November 25, 2009 - 6:28am

extra prayers

Hi Trish,
I am late welcoming you to this wonderful board but I just read all the posts now and I will keep your husband in my prayers and glad he got thru the surgery and now with all the positive support lets hope the ventilator and fever go away. I don't think it is unusual for a person to get agitated on a vent. Lori could probably help with that info. Stay positive. you found the right place here. Much information and many positive happy endings here. I go on 12/8 for my surgery and am a crier too. Not for myself but every sad news story makes me cry maybe it is a substitute for the EC. take care and get rest to keep yourself strong for your hubby!!!
Donna70

MOE58

Posts: 656
Joined: May 2009

November 25, 2009 - 9:08am

ITS OKAY TRISH

Trish,

I read your post last night but was giving it some thought, my husband was on a ventialator too, don't get to alamred yet, Jeff did the same thing, he spiked a fever as he had the worse sinus infection a doctor had ever seen, Jeff was very agitated also every day and and every night it comes with the surgery and the infection, Jeff was sedated also, for 12 days in ICU, Its hard not to worry I did every single day, he would breate 40% on his own and the rest the ventilator did it for him, if you have a good doctor which I know you do big time, then he will do okay, its because of his lungs, trust me thats why Jeff had all the problems he did, lungs play a big source in this, even though he stopped smoking he still has the bad lungs, plus when they deflated one thats another set back thats what happened to jeff, even though your husband didn't have the OPEN surgery sounds like he has alot of Jeff's symptoms, you just have to be strong, and go in there all the time and talk to him, tell him you are there and he has to get better cause you need him his family needs him etc etc, that what i always did to Jeff, then one day the nurse called me and said he was awake and asking for me that was 12 days after surgery it was like a miracle he woke up i will say my husband was knocking on heavens door, cause his blood pressure dropped to 50/30 he spiked a fever and he couldn't breathe so he was very very critical. I certainly know how you feel, and just keep up the strong will and if I can help on anything let me know I will check this periodically.

Now for the BIG GIRL PANTIES, well while I was sitting in the hospital while Jeff was sick one day he wasn't doing good, and I had to sign alot of papers for them to do different things on him, I was scared and knew I had to do something, and when my mother was so ILL and i had to make alot of choices i told myself OKAY LORI YOU NEED TO PULL UP YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES, and get on with the show, so when I posted this on this site one day about i need to pull up my BIG GIRL PANTIES, and move on, it has just been an awesome joke, and keeps everyone laughing so that is just our saying on this site.

If yours are slipping than maybe we need to ship you a different size, (this is just something we talk about) so with that being said just pull up your big girl panties and go take care of your hubby.

Give us a report when you can

Love and hugs
Lori

Trish_from_Pitt...

Posts: 58
Joined: Nov 2009

November 25, 2009 - 9:41am

My BIG GIRL PANTIES just aren't fitting right today.......

Lori,

Thank you so much for your help. I seem to be crying a bucket of tears today again....I thought I have been so strong through all of this but today I seem very frail. It's so hard when you see your husband like this....He shook his head yesterday that he wasn't in any pain (which is a good thing) but I'm just so nervous. I'm praying to God for strength.

You just can't believe what a help this site has been to me. I feel like each and every one of you are standing right beside me and walking me right through every step. I can feel all the support, love and encouragement everyone is giving me.

He sailed right through his chemo and radiation, no problems, even continued to work every day. So this has been our first "bump" in the road. Is there a rainbow at the end of the road? I'm praying there is...

Again, thank you, Lori. I guess I need to tell myself "Crying time is over, now make your plan to handle this and get on with things". It's just hard...

I'll be waiting for some new BIG GIRL PANTIES. lol

Off to see my hubby, I'll let you know how he's doing tonight.

Love,
Trish

MOE58

Posts: 656
Joined: May 2009

November 25, 2009 - 3:42pm

WE ALL HAVE BUMPS IN THE ROAD

Trish,

I know you are having it difficult but just hang in there, each minute, each hour and each day will be different, I hate to say this but the first 72 hours is the hardest, I saw Jeff for 14 days with 14 tubes hanging out him, I would go in at night and bath him, talk to him, hold his hand, and make him squeeze my hand, his daughter that lives in texas came up and she did alot for him, you could see tears coming down his face, I know this isn't easy but he is alive, but remember no matter how long they have quit smoking those lungs are going to hurt them, and with them deflating one in surgery is not helping.

When you go back up there as the nurse how much he is breathing on his own? That will tell you something? Then ask the nurse is he better today than last night in your opinion? Alway always let him know you are there, even if you don't think he knows you he does.

I know exactly what you are going through and if you will go back on posts to July 23 you will see everything I went through with Jeff. Of course Jeff had the open surgery so count your blessings that your husband didn't cause the OPEN is a harder recovery period but he could not have the MIE surgery.

I know you think will I ever have him home, and I told Bill Marshall I would never fuss with him again after seeing what he went through, i never thought I would have to wipe my husband butt, or help him open things, bath him walk with him etc etc, but I have, he was a very independent man and still is to some point.

I have faith that you are doing all the things right, and you have every opportunity to cry but doing all now before he gets home or out of ICU, stay strong no matter how hard it is.

Now for those BIG GIRL PANTIES, you must not have them on right, just make sure you have your feet in the right holes, and if they are too loose than maybe i need to put new elastic in them, i know they are slipping down a bit, but I know tomorrow they will be back where they belong, sometimes those BGP have a tendency to slip down when we are down, but you are a strong person or you wouldn't be helping your husband.

Stay strong and keep me posted.

Love and Hugs
Lori

K_ann1015

Posts: 532
Joined: Aug 2009

November 25, 2009 - 5:55pm

you are going to do just fine---

Trish,
boy aren't we tested---with this esophageal cancer thing! we are all pulled farther than we think we can be---like taffy. reading yours & Lori's posts make me nervous for my mom & dad (surgery 12/8)--but I know somehow---all will end up OK.,. I am just worried about what my dad & us will have to go thru!!! You are lucky Trish to have found and be open to this site to get support. Hang in there---you are in many's thoughts and prayers even if they don't post...
Kim

mumphy

Posts: 489
Joined: Jun 2009

November 27, 2009 - 12:01pm

Sorry to hear

Hi Trish,

I am so sorry to here about your "bump" in the road. I've had them to Al did not have any problems with the surgery, but boy we had lots of bumps getting there. First reaction to chemo, then a bout with c-diff, then his had leukopenia he had have blood transfusions. Finally pneumonia from swollowing barium and it leaked into his lungs.

So I have much sympathy for you. Your husband is in good hands. I do know that much as
you know we also have the same Doctors.

I want you to know that we all feel or have felt the way you do. Thats why we are here a never ending supply of hugs, and prayers and yes sometimes a good swift kick in the butt.

Please keep us posted on his progress.

God Bless,
Kath

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I'm new here. Husband having surgery tomorrow. Please pray for us.