Update on my dad

MarinaDN
MarinaDN Member Posts: 10
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hello all, Things have been a whirlwind since we found out about dad's EC, as I am sure you all know too well. When dad went in to meet with the surgeon in Miami it seemed as though surgery would be the plan after shrinking the tumor with a few rounds of chemo. However, the PET scan he took had showed some "suspicious" spots on the pelvic area as well, so before we could even discuss treatment he was sent to have an MRI of the area. He went for the test, and then met with the oncologist (Nicholas Iannotti, in Stuart FL) who confirmed that the spots were in fact cancer, and he also had some on the right hip. Fortunately, the doc said that the spots were small, and there were not that many. He reassured my dad that the chemo would take care of those spots at the same time as shrinking the tumor in the esophagus. Here's where things got scary...since there were cancer cells now showing up in other areas of the body, the Dr. sent him for a brain and spine MR, to be done a week later, and on two separate days. During that time, my dad completely fell apart. With the grace of God, I am able to say that both scans proved to be negative, and we do not have anything to worry about in those areas at this time. It seems one of the biggest problem we have right now the depression my dad depression. He rarely does anything but sit on the sofa and nod in and out of sleep. He has stopped exercising, going out and doesn't even want to visit much with family. He has lost almost 20 pounds, and says that he "can't" eat. Everything tastes bad, smells bad, feels bad in his mouth and makes him sick. I just don't know what to do about it. The doctor prescribed him anxiety medicine, but we have seen no changes yet. He went in today and had the port put in. The procedure went well as far as we know. Still if he can't hydrate and eat,and continues to be in a depressed mental state, how will he be able to handle the treatments? Also, the oncologist has now said that dad will not be having surgery. I'm not sure why he feels this way. He didn't say that he couldn't have it, just that he won't. I couldn't get any more information than that from my mom, and she has not tacked to the surgeon yet. It seems like there is no urgency on any of the doctors part to get moving on treatment. I feel like screaming, "LET'S GET STARTED ALREADY!!!! The waiting is awful!" I wonder if anyone has any advice that would help, I can use all that I can get.
Thanks in advance,
Marina

Comments

  • JimboC
    JimboC Member Posts: 264
    #2
    I remember the waiting. It
    I remember the waiting. It stinks. Hang in there, it's important to get staged properly to get your fathers treatment plan worked out.

    Take care
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #3
    Marina,I am so sorry to
    Marina,

    I am so sorry to hear about this new complication with your dad. Unfortunately, with the cancer showing up somewhere other than the esophagus it sounds like your dad is stage IV and that is why he is no longer a candidate for surgery. One thing though is to find out what type of cancer is in the pelvis. When I started this journey I didn't realize it but the EC cancer itself spreads to other organs and that makes a difference in the treatment. For example EC likes the lungs and liver - but when the cancer spreads there it is EC in the liver or lungs, not lung cancer or liver cancer. You usually need a biopsy to confirm this. At this point the surgeons step out of the picture and your oncologist becomes your primary source of contact.

    Perhaps you can have your dad talk to someone - a cancer survivor or a counselor. I know that may be harder than it sounds. Were things going on before that had him depressed or is it just the thought of facing cancer that has taken the wind out of his sails. I will be praying for you - good luck.

    Hugs,
    Cindy
  • JaneE2366
    JaneE2366 Member Posts: 289 Member
    #4
    some info
    Marinam,
    I would suggest your mom talks to the oncolgist about putting your dad on an anti-depressant. Also, there is an excellent resource center on the 2nd floor of the Cancer Center in Stuart.....your's dad's oncologist is on the 3rd floor. They have support group meetings there for cancer patients every week. They should visit the resource center and talk to the social worker that is there. Charlie and I went to the support group meetings there every week while Charlie was being treated. Tell your dad just to go and get the info and try one meeting....it might do him some good. Believe me, Charlie wanted nothing to do with it at first but after we went to one meeting he was hooked. In fact there is another group of cancer patients and survivors that meet in Stuart weekly (right acrosss the street from the Cancer Center) and there is a man there that is an esophageal cancer survivor....I am in touch with those people and I would more than happy to get you the info at that group as well.
    Keeping your dad in my prayers.
    Jane

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