Husband diagnosed with esophageal cancer stage 3 (T3N1M0)

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hot4moritzy
hot4moritzy Member Posts: 3
in Esophageal Cancer #1

This is my first post. I hate that I even had to search for this group!! 

 

Getting ready to start week 3 of chemo and radiation. 

 

He told me he is having pain in the middle of his chest area, like by the breast bone. 

 

He has radiation tomorrow (Sunday) due to Thanksgivig and being closed. 

 

To be honest....I am scared beyond belief!! My husband is 44 years old. 

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  • scoot108
    scoot108 Member Posts: 19
    #2
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    There is hope

    Hi,

     

    So sorry you and your husband have to go thru this.  It can be depressing but there is hope.  I was diagnosed Stage 3 at 48 ( one month before my 49th birthday ). I underwent the pre op chemo and radiation and then had the transhiatal surgery In September of 2012.  I am still no signs of any reoccurrence.  I did have some complications from the surgery and it is lifestyle changing but it is not all bad.  If he was having trouble swallowing the chemo usually shrinks the tumor and eating gets easier.  Post your questions and concerns and someone can usually offer advice.  There is also a Facebook ECAA site that has lots of information.  My prayers go out to you.

     

    Scott

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #3
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    Being young with an active immune system helps fight cancer

    I am sorry that you find yourself here looking for answers for your husband. Many people would say it is very bad luck to be diagnosed with cancer at such a young age. On the other hand, if one has to be diagnosed with cancer, being young with a strong immune system is a great advantage in fighting cancer.

    I was 61 when I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009. Until that time I was very active and healthy and had minimal interaction with the medical community. I thought my old friend; acid indigestion, was just getting worse and it was time to get some prescription medication because Tums were no longer working. My staging was very similar to your husband’s staging. I had six rounds of Cisplatin, Epirubicin, and 5 FU. I found that for the week after my infusion with Cisplatin and Epirubicin I would have pain in my chest area and abdominal area for a few days and then it would improve until I had my next infusion cycle.

    Of course I am not suggesting that because I had issues with chest pain and it was part of the side effects of the drug, that your husband should ignore his discomfort. I think he should discuss this issue along with all of his side effects with his oncologist. Particularly, chest pain while taking chemotherapy meds, should be investigated to rule out cardiac and other organ based issues. It may be that his oncologist can prescribe some additional medication to deal with his discomfort.

    Having a loved one diagnosed with cancer is frightening, I know. But; be assured, there are many of us out here who have completed chemotherapy and surgery and are living happy productive lives in remission.

    The best way to deal with the fear and feeling of helplessness that comes with a cancer diagnosis is to educate yourself and execute a strategy to overcome the cancer with a clear vision of success.

    When you have questions about treatment or side effects, or just need to vent and find an understanding ear, come here. There are survivors that have been where you are and are here to help.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

     

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Five Year Survivor

  • SharonMI
    SharonMI Member Posts: 8
    #4
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    Hi, My husband was also

    Hi, My husband was also diagonosed wiith ESPH cancer at a young age, 46. That is def an avantage because you are much stronger at that age. My husband 10 year survivor, stage 4. Yes it was along process but you come through it. The only real difference in is life after all treatments were finished and his body was healed,was the fact he had to eat small meals and more often. To me it was a miracle they he could even eat on his own. So the blessings will come but you need to go through the process. Let me know if you have any questions.

    Hugs, Sharon

  • DinaLynn
    DinaLynn Member Posts: 1
    #5
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    Hi,
    I had chemo and radiation

    Hi,

    I had chemo and radiation last year prior to my esophagectomy.  During my initial consultation with the radiation oncologist, she prepared me for things that might happen as a result of the radiation, such as chest pain and trouble swallowing... along with the more general, such as fatigue and skin irritation.  She said that the side effects were not usually immediate, but could develop over time and worsen as treatment continued...  but should gradually subside once treatment was done.  I did eventually start to experience the side effects, but they did gradually go away during the first few weeks after treatment ended.  Naturally, your husband should tell his doctor about his chest pain, just incase, but in my case, I was told ahead of time that it could be expected.  I completely understand your fear, and it's so good that you've reached out.  There's a huge community of cancer survivors here to support you and your husband on your journey.

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