Update from Linda and Jim in Idaho

linda1120
linda1120 Member Posts: 389
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
We continue to be on the roller coaster ride you all talk about. Jim is having low blood pressure problems since his release from the hospital. The cardiologist has removed his heart medications and they will be doing a echocardiogram on Tuesday. They are concerned that the radiation may have caused damage to the heart. They tried hydration and of course it helps, but he is very hydrated now and eating and the low blood pressure continues. Jim's heart condition definitely complicates his esophageal cancer. I want to remain positive, but the reality of his situation is hitting me hard. Thanks for listening, family doesn't want to hear the negative. I am being honest with them, whether they want to hear it or not. I have advised the kids to see their dad before the possible surgery in January.

Linda

Comments

  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #2
    Linda,
    My dad had a similar
    Linda,

    My dad had a similar reaction to the chemo and radiation. He had been on high blood pressure medicine and somewhere in the middle of the treatments his blood pressure dropped and has stayed low ever since. They had to take him off his blood pressure medicine and he has to be careful still when he stands up because he can get dizzy. It seems they never really came up with a good reason, and his heart seemed fine. If they are worried about damage they could do some tests to ease worries. Anyway noone has really ever explained the blood pressure issue but thought I would share with you his experience. Let me know if you have any specific questions --- I can give him a call over the weekend and get back to you.

    Keep the faith,
    Cindy
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #3
    unclaw2002 said:

    Linda,
    My dad had a similar
    Linda,

    My dad had a similar reaction to the chemo and radiation. He had been on high blood pressure medicine and somewhere in the middle of the treatments his blood pressure dropped and has stayed low ever since. They had to take him off his blood pressure medicine and he has to be careful still when he stands up because he can get dizzy. It seems they never really came up with a good reason, and his heart seemed fine. If they are worried about damage they could do some tests to ease worries. Anyway noone has really ever explained the blood pressure issue but thought I would share with you his experience. Let me know if you have any specific questions --- I can give him a call over the weekend and get back to you.

    Keep the faith,
    Cindy

    Low Blood Pressure
    Thanks for the answer Cindy. Jim has never had high blood pressure and is on medication due to having a pacemaker and having aortic stenosis (calcified heart valve). His heart has to work harder due to the closed off valve. He was on Coumadin, Lisinopril, and Metopelo (sp?)and they have all been stopped due to different complications. They are doing tests on Tuesday to check for damage.

    I will keep the faith!:-)

    Linda
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #4
    linda1120 said:

    Low Blood Pressure
    Thanks for the answer Cindy. Jim has never had high blood pressure and is on medication due to having a pacemaker and having aortic stenosis (calcified heart valve). His heart has to work harder due to the closed off valve. He was on Coumadin, Lisinopril, and Metopelo (sp?)and they have all been stopped due to different complications. They are doing tests on Tuesday to check for damage.

    I will keep the faith!:-)

    Linda

    Will Keep You Both In My Prayers
    It's such a difficult road! I know your kids don't like you telling them what they don't want to hear, but I commend you for it! I believe honesty is the best policy, even IF it hurts!! They will appreciate it down the line.

    Praying for you all:)

    Blessings,
    Sally
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #5
    Linda, I was on blood
    Linda, I was on blood pressure medicine when I started chemo. My pressure dropped, but once it was okay, I've never had to take meds again. This was 2 1/2 yrs ago. I don't ubderstand it, but I am glad it is always normal.
    I agree the family needs to know the facts and be with him as much as possible. The cancer alone is very bad, but with Jims other health problems I'm sure it is a roller coaster ride.
    You and Jim are in my thoughts and prayers, Sandra
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #6
    I had low blood pressure as well
    Linda,

    I was on medication for high blood pressure prior to starting chemo. After about two cycles of chemo I developed low blood pressure sometimes in the range of 80/58. Like Jim I tried hydration and stopping my blood pressure meds but my blood pressure remained low for the duration of my chemo. I found that if I stood up too quickly I would get dizzy; particularly if I had been sitting for an extended period of time.

    I never did get a good explanation from my oncologist. I am not sure why low blood pressure is not listed as a common side effect from chemo because I have certainly seen it as a common side effect on our list here.

    I hope Jim will be feeling better soon.

    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
    6/21/2010 CT Scan NED

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • rmitchell
    rmitchell Member Posts: 94
    #7
    blood pressure
    Linda
    My husband has been through Chemo and Radiation and is no longer on Blood Pressure medicine. He had by pass surgery 2 years ago. He is having surgery on Monday. I am praying he will make it through. Hope your husband is doing better
  • GerryS
    GerryS Member Posts: 227 Member
    #8
    ditto..........
    I also was on blood pressure meds, then chemo, low blood pressure followed, dehydration also, and yes the diziness. Now, no more blood pressure meds,(lost 70#), yes low blood pressure and dehydration a direct complication of chemo. My best to you all.
    Gerry
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #9
    GerryS said:

    ditto..........
    I also was on blood pressure meds, then chemo, low blood pressure followed, dehydration also, and yes the diziness. Now, no more blood pressure meds,(lost 70#), yes low blood pressure and dehydration a direct complication of chemo. My best to you all.
    Gerry

    Thank you for your responses-new update
    Jim and I are at OHSU in Oregon as I write this. We see the surgeon tomorrow for the petscan results. We are praying it is clear and it is a go for surgery. They have removed Jim off of all of his heart medications, coumadin, metopolo (sp?), and Lisinopril. His blood pressure is still low, but stabilized. He doesn't have the dizziness which has been helpful. We have seen the cardiologist here at the university hospital and he says that Jim can have the surgery without having a valvuloplasty. It would not open the valve enough more to make the procedure worthwhile. He says he is a higher risk patient, but believes he will do fine. I will write tomorrow and let you all know the results of his petscan. We both pray that the chemo and radiation have done their job and surgery is a go. Thank you all for your good wishes and prayers.

    God Bless,

    Linda
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #10
    linda1120 said:

    Thank you for your responses-new update
    Jim and I are at OHSU in Oregon as I write this. We see the surgeon tomorrow for the petscan results. We are praying it is clear and it is a go for surgery. They have removed Jim off of all of his heart medications, coumadin, metopolo (sp?), and Lisinopril. His blood pressure is still low, but stabilized. He doesn't have the dizziness which has been helpful. We have seen the cardiologist here at the university hospital and he says that Jim can have the surgery without having a valvuloplasty. It would not open the valve enough more to make the procedure worthwhile. He says he is a higher risk patient, but believes he will do fine. I will write tomorrow and let you all know the results of his petscan. We both pray that the chemo and radiation have done their job and surgery is a go. Thank you all for your good wishes and prayers.

    God Bless,

    Linda

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #11
    linda1120 said:

    Thank you for your responses-new update
    Jim and I are at OHSU in Oregon as I write this. We see the surgeon tomorrow for the petscan results. We are praying it is clear and it is a go for surgery. They have removed Jim off of all of his heart medications, coumadin, metopolo (sp?), and Lisinopril. His blood pressure is still low, but stabilized. He doesn't have the dizziness which has been helpful. We have seen the cardiologist here at the university hospital and he says that Jim can have the surgery without having a valvuloplasty. It would not open the valve enough more to make the procedure worthwhile. He says he is a higher risk patient, but believes he will do fine. I will write tomorrow and let you all know the results of his petscan. We both pray that the chemo and radiation have done their job and surgery is a go. Thank you all for your good wishes and prayers.

    God Bless,

    Linda

    Hey Linda
    Love the profile
    Hey Linda
    Love the profile pic! You and Jim are a cute couple! Hoping today finds you both doing better. I agree with the feeding tube. It is the best way for him to get the nutrition he needs. May God bless you both and give you the peace you need. Keep us up to date.
    Tina in Va
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #12
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    j tube
    We spoke to the surgeon about the j-tube and Jim had gained two pounds in four days and they do not want to put Jim through any surgeries with his heart until his MIE. They gave us a RX for special supplements for Jim to drink before surgery to boost his immune system and help him heal.
    He has improved greatly just in the last few days with his eating. I will cook healthy and appealing meals for him during this month before surgery. I appreciate everyone's concern and advice. Unfortunately they didn't put the j-tube in in the beginning stages of chemotherapy and radiation. We have to move forward now. Linda
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #13
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Love the New Picture!
    Thanks for making me smile William! LOL. All I could think of when I looked at your picture was "he needs to dye his eyebrows white"! LOL. And maybe a smile would help too!! Santa isn't that sad looking is he? LOL.

    Santa, shmanta! Jesus is the reason for the season anyway!! :)

    Blessings,

    Sally

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