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Transhiatal Esophagectomy Surgery
During my weeks reading this board it seems that most people comment on MIE or Ivor Lewis surgery (did I get that right?). We got good news today that Mom's post chemo/rads scans are clean and she's got the green light to go through with surgery. The surgeon uses the transhiatal esophagectomy method (THE). Are there any…
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2 hot spots on a PET scan post an Ivor lewis - any insights please -
I spent last night reading your postings and cried for all you - both the success stories and the ones who did not make it. It is such a cruel evasive cancer. I live in Melbourne Australia and EC is very rare down here hence my internet search for help and information. My dad was super fit, never smoked, skied in the USA…
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Not good news for mom
Mom's CT/PET scan were not as we hoped. The cancer is in her nodes and there is a spot (not the word the doc used) in her back. He suspects that is what is causing her such bad back pain. Seems the chemo/rads did not work as hoped. Also, her pain meds are no longer effective, so he has upped the strength of her morphine.…
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Dad passed away Sunday - Final moments
I know I haven't posted much of my journey along the way with my father over this past year but I have been visiting this site and reading from time to time. I think I spent so much time worrying about my father's condition that when I was finally home, I didn't want to get on the computer and think about it anymore. I…
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chemo and rads
Now I need to decide where bto get my chemo. U of M is an hour away I live in jackson mi They have a new cancer center and it is only 10 min away.Can I trust a local hospital???
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A matter of time?
My 71-year-old mother was diagnosed with EC due to Barret's Esophagus on 11/7/2011. On Nov 9th, we had our first oncologist appointment and were told we needed to undergo several tests to determine the stage of cancer and whether or not she was a candidate for surgery. Based on the endoscopy and the CT Scan, we were told…
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Can this cancer be beat? Help!
Hello everyone, I am a new member here. I just found out on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 that my dad, age 69 has Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer that has spread to his liver. His liver has 5 tumors on it, the size of ping-pong balls. He is not a candidate for surgery I've learned at Stage 4. He had a triple bypass in November…
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Can't believe this man!!
I am just so touched by my husband's desire to stay alive! He keeps shocking the begeebers out of us all! Here is what I posted on fb today. It has been such a roller coaster ride this last month and every time he gets knocked down and I think he can't possibly take anymore, he lunges back! He is just so truly amazing and…
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Need info about a stent
Hi everyone, I have written about my husband, Rick, who is into his fourth year of the stage IV. He finished 20 rounds of very targeted radiation about ten days ago and is back home from Seattle. He is not doing well at this point. Lots of trouble swallowing and very difficult sleeping. He is considering a stent as the…
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Going good
Well next Wed will be treatment number 3 of taxotere, and so far the last one went a little better than the first. He still gets leg swelling, and pain, but not as bad as the first time. My husband was kinda proud of himself, cause he gained 15 lbs, this chemo doesn't make him sick. He asked me tonight what I would do with…
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What to expect first day of chemo?
Hello all, Dad is scheduled for Chemo Wednesday morning. At this point I can't get off work until thursday, and I'm worried about him going through this first treatment alone. I have heard some people say that the first day isn't too bad, but it gets worse the 2nd-3rd day. I plan on driving to portland early thursday…
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Week one down
Dad finished week one of 5.5 weeks of chemo rads combined. We had cisplatin infusion Monday and then 5FU pump Monday-today. Rads were at esophagus and clavicle lymph. Day 1-2 were good but ol boy hit the wall yesterday. He is super tired and esophagus is burning up. I am super proud!
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Lenrev post-surgery update
I don't post often but since, I have lurked and posted occasionally, I feel obliged to keep y'all up to date. I was diagnosed in October as stage-three, did chemo (5FU) every other week for six-weeks while also wearing an infusion pump and did 28 radiation treatments. This was all accomplished without missing a day of…
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update on my husband Jarrell
I just wanted to post an update on Jarrell. He stopped all treatment over a month ago and went with hospice. This was the best choice he could have made. Since going with Hospice he is living his life again. He has improved a great deal. His quality of life while recieving treatment was almost 0. He wasn't eating, wasn't…
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Uncle just diagnosed need Info please!
My uncle was just diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma Esophageal Cancer and is undergoing some tests tomorrow. I've been reading online and the things I have read are very grim. Are there survivors of this disease? So far he has lost a TON of weight. He didn't realize it was bad since he was watching what he ate and was working…
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mruble
so sorry to read of chad's passing. I pray for God's comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs, sandra
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ventral hernia
Has anyone developed a ventral hernia after an esophagectomy???
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Red Blood Count
My husband is continuing his chemotherapy, just completed round 6. Still remains very positive and continues to work most days. After receiving several blood transfusions initially, his Red Blood count has continued to remain around 10, until lately. It is slowly going down again. Today is was 8.2 so the doctor suggested…
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update - met team and now prepping for radiation/chemo
Hello everyone, Just wanted to post an update. What a crazy day at the Portland VA/OHSU! We had three appt's in one day on thursday, with them all blending into each other (from 2:30pm - 6:00pm straigh through) - Surgery, Chemo and Radiation. Despite the long day, we have a really awesome team and I feel sooo much better…
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Pulminary Embolism
Does anyone have any experience with treating a PE? I've been on Lovenx for one week with no appearent improvement. For the last three weeks, I could not walk 6 ft. without total exhaustion. This is despite having a 95% O2 at all times. I've had a filter installed to prevent anymore blockage. I'm scheduled for my 4th chemo…
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New Member
Just became new CSN member… Awaiting J-tube removal and was wondering if anyone out there has any info on what to expect? Also, like to hear from more experienced about meeting on-going nutritional needs...
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Heeran how is your Mom doing since surgery
Heeran, It is great to see you post again. How is your Mom doing since she has completed surgery? When you last posted your Mom was recovering from surgery and you were considering post surgical chemotherapy. I hope she is doing well and gaining back some of the weight she lost prior to surgery. Best Regards, Paul Adams…
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An update on Chemosmoker (Eric)
Hello everyone. It has been a while, thus it was time to update everyone. As I type this, Eric is sleeping. He seems to have entered a new normal with his process. He sleeps probably 85% of his days now. He had a several blood transfusions between Thursday and Friday last week. After the transfusions he had the normal…
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Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer Found in multiple lymph nodes and Liver
My Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal cancer on January 12, 2012 after having his 2nd EGD performed; however the 1st EGD was performed a year earlier in 2010. This showed an erosion. We were not properly informed that an erosion could turn cancerous....the doctor only suggested meds to help with my dad's symptoms…
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so far so good
I was diagnosed with early stage 2 EC in May of 2011. Started with treatment for a pulminary embolism which is what caused the doctors to start looking around which led to the cancer being discovered. So thank you to the pulminary embolism I guess! Had radiation and chemo all summer including two treatments with the drug…
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good news bad news
Had consult with Dr Orringer, had EUS got staged, T2N1Mx thats the good news, waiting for tumor board to decide what to do with me. The problem is my carcinoid cancer that has spread, he is going to talk to my carcinoid expert Dr Odorisio at the U of Iowa. tyo see if there are any protocals to follow .Should know more by n…
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Sangora story?
can someone tell me the story of Sangora? he seems to be a lucky guy with stage 4 cancer?
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Pictures
I look at my mom's photo (over my name on my posts) and I can't believe how much she's changed in such a short time. I think I will take another photo and upload it.
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Hospital Bed for Mom
The hospital bed was delivered today. Such high drama in the house. I think everyone is on edge. We got a commode, but it doesn't fit over the toilet. I also have a device to test mom's oxygen levels. I have to tape the little oxygen cap to one of her fingers. I'm sure she'll be unhappy. The bed is going to work great, but…
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Help interpreting radiology report - sounds good but still nervous
My dad was diagnosed w/ stage IV adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus in November and went through 6 rounds of chemo. We got the radiology report for his PET/CT scans today, but he does not meet with his doctor until Friday afternoon. Could anyone shed some light on the following excerpts for me? They seem to be the most…