Surgery is on for my husband

linda1120

We received the word that the cardiologist and the cardiac surgeon are in agreement that Jim is fit enough to handle the surgery. They will hospitalize him on January 4th and hydrate him and get his pacemaker set for the surgery on the 5th. Just for the new people, I will give the facts of his ec. Jim is 68 years old, was diagnosed with ec on September 7th with a endoscope. We were going to stay local (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) until I started researching. Fortunately I found this site and was encouraged to go to a large cancer center for a second opinion. I am so happy we did; we are going to OHSU in Portland, Oregon and have a team of surgeons that specialize in MIE. Jim has aortic stenosis (narrowing of the large heart valve) and it has complicated his journey with ec. He went through chemo, 5fu and Cisplatin and 27 IMRT radiation treatments. He ended up in the hospital for eleven days. He is getting stronger and his Petscan showed at least a 70% decrease in the tumor and lymph nodes. Jim's tumor is in the mid thoracic section of the esophagus and has four lymph nodes involved. All have shrunk and the doctors think that the cancer may be gone and the activity is from inflammation. We hope and pray this is the case and will know when they do the surgery. We are anxious to get the surgery done and get him on the road to recovery. The surgeon has given me a folder with all of the facts and what to expect. He also gave us pictures of the actual procedure. William gave me many links to learn about the surgery so I am prepared.
Jim doesn't want to know all of the facts, he says just do what you have to do, and I will do it. The surgeon made him listen and showed him on charts what will be done. I know my husband and saw the eyes glaze over as he tuned him out. He truly does "get it" just doesn't want to see or read all of the details. Going through this really makes you have a reality check with one another and have to have all of the serious talks many people don't want to have.

We have been fortunate enough to have three of our adult children and grandchildren here over the holidays. Our five children are spread all over the US and it is difficult to see them often. I hope you all have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

Linda

scrubtu

Linda and Jim
Thoughts
Linda and Jim
Thoughts will be with you on your day of surgery. !

spensir

We are praying
Jim and Linda I am so happy for the news of the upcoming surgery. I was waiting to hear. My husband John and I will be sending many prayers up for the two of you and the doctors doing the surgery. May your holidays be full of love and making memories. Shirley and John

sal314

Great News!
So happy that it's a "go" with the surgery! Will be thinkinng of and praying for everything to go smoothly on the 4th!

Stay strong and positive! It's truly a blessing he can have the surgery!!

Blessings,
Sally

paul61

I will be marking January 5th on my calendar
Linda,

I hope you and Jim have a great holiday period with lots of rest for Jim in preparation for surgery. I will be marking January 5th on my prayer calendar for special prayers for Jim's safe and successful surgery.


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!

paul61

I will be marking January 5th on my calendar
Linda,

I hope you and Jim have a great holiday period with lots of rest for Jim in preparation for surgery. I will be marking January 5th on my prayer calendar for special prayers for Jim's safe and successful surgery.


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!

unclaw2002

Linda,
That is such good
Linda,

That is such good news for your family. Enjoy your holidays. I will be praying for you on January 5th.

Lots of hugs and prayers,
Cindy

Donna70

unclaw2002 said:

Linda,
That is such good
Linda,

That is such good news for your family. Enjoy your holidays. I will be praying for you on January 5th.

Lots of hugs and prayers,
Cindy

so happy to hear
Linda,
Glad Jim is scheduled for surgery, prayers are coming your way. Think my hubby would not want to know the facts either. Glad you are so well informed to help him thru. Good luck and hope you have a wonderful Xmas and smooth surgery. take care,
Donna70

rmitchell

Surgery
Linda
I will keep you both in my prayers. My husband is recovering from Surgery done on Dec 10th.
Recovery is slow, but the cancer is gone. It is a hard time to go through, but know you are not alone in this. Just keep hanging on.
Reba