Another newbie

Have decided to post after lurking for a couple of weeks on a site which I never expected to have to use, so here goes! My husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer a number of weeks ago. We are still in the staging process, but we know it is located in the lower part of the esophageous with some extension into the stomach. CT scan carried out on day of endoscopy was clear for lungs; liver, etc. We were referred to a hospital which is a Center of Excellenec for GI cancers (we are not US based, so apologies if terminology doesn't always apply in all jurisdictions). PET scan and laparoscopy followed. Then liver ultrasound and colonoscopy (today). We are due to meet back with consultant tomorrow. My husband is adopting a very positive perspective, and I am trying to follow his lead as best I can. I am worried that the PET has shown up some more issues, hence the follow up procedures, but I guess we will know soon enough. Thank you for reading thus far, and I admire all of your courage in the stories I have read, and hope I can be as strong for husband.

Comments

  • preacherchad
    preacherchad Member Posts: 60
    Hello,
    Lottie12,

    I hate that you are here out of need. Sounds like you are on the right track. Please keep us updated on what the test show, and I am sure you will find much help from this site. Many will have questions for you to better answer any questions you may have.

    I know this is a very scary time in life for you and your husband. There are many people here for you to lean on, and find answers in what to expect and let you know, that what you are going through, we have been there, you are not alone.

    We will be praying for you and look forward to talking with you soon.

    chad
  • Lottie12
    Lottie12 Member Posts: 5

    Hello,
    Lottie12,

    I hate that you are here out of need. Sounds like you are on the right track. Please keep us updated on what the test show, and I am sure you will find much help from this site. Many will have questions for you to better answer any questions you may have.

    I know this is a very scary time in life for you and your husband. There are many people here for you to lean on, and find answers in what to expect and let you know, that what you are going through, we have been there, you are not alone.

    We will be praying for you and look forward to talking with you soon.

    chad

    Update

    Thank you for your reponse, Chad. Things have progressed and we learned today that there is some metastasis to the liver, so chemotherapy is the only option at the moment. We will meet with the oncology team next week

    Lottie
  • Amjosmom
    Amjosmom Member Posts: 212
    Lottie12 said:

    Update

    Thank you for your reponse, Chad. Things have progressed and we learned today that there is some metastasis to the liver, so chemotherapy is the only option at the moment. We will meet with the oncology team next week

    Lottie

    Theraspheres for Stage IV
    It is another option for liver mets. I'll see if I can get my hands on some info.


    http://www.nordion.com/therasphere/patients_us/about_therasphere.asp

    This link has a great description and video...
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    Lottie12 said:

    Update

    Thank you for your reponse, Chad. Things have progressed and we learned today that there is some metastasis to the liver, so chemotherapy is the only option at the moment. We will meet with the oncology team next week

    Lottie

    TheraSphere Treatment of Liver metastasis
    Lottie,

    There are some other potential treatments for liver metastasis other than chemotherapy. Some patients have found chemotherapy effective in treating liver tumors, but I would also talk to your oncologist about the option of using "TheraSphere" treatment as an option.

    Click Here to find an overview of TheraSphere treatment and treatment locations

    I would guess your oncologist will want to try chemotherapy first but it is always a good idea to have a "plan B"

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • Lottie12
    Lottie12 Member Posts: 5
    paul61 said:

    TheraSphere Treatment of Liver metastasis
    Lottie,

    There are some other potential treatments for liver metastasis other than chemotherapy. Some patients have found chemotherapy effective in treating liver tumors, but I would also talk to your oncologist about the option of using "TheraSphere" treatment as an option.

    Click Here to find an overview of TheraSphere treatment and treatment locations

    I would guess your oncologist will want to try chemotherapy first but it is always a good idea to have a "plan B"

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
    Thank you
    Thank you both for information on TheraSphere. I believe that it may not be available here, but I will certainly discuss with oncologist.

    Thank you again
    Lottie