A friend in need is a friend in....

jbeckma1

Hello everyone!

My name is Jacque and my father John was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer in December 2011. The biopsy showed it was a non-small cell carcinoma. The PET scan revealed a spot on his rib and adrenal as well as the large esophageal mass. After 9 weeks of chemo (5-FU, cisplatin, and epirubicin) he had another PET scan. Although he could swallow better, the PET scan revealed several more places had appeared (thankfully no organs are involved)including a place on the tonsil, but the esophageal mass had shrunk.

The oncologist, ENT, and gastroenterologist all believed another primary cancer (tonsil) had shown up and we were now fighting two battles. A tonsil biopsy revealed the same pathology as the esophageal mass and the doctor's in Atlanta are scratching their heads. Their next step is a different set of chemo drugs.

No one here is a stranger to how difficult this battle is and how you have more questions than answers. We are a very tight knit family and willing to put up whatever fight is necessary. We refuse to accept that the current fighters will not be the ones to change the statistics. We are currently getting second opinions from MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, and Vanderbilt.

I understand everyone is very busy and has a lot piled on their plate, but if you have time, can you tell me about any doctors, treatment, or practices that you believe have been beneficial?

Everyone who is fighting this disease or involved in a fighters life is a remarkable individual whose courage and bravery should never be doubted. I have read so many post on this website and sympathized, cried, learned, and been affected by every post. My family and I greatly appreciate everyone sharing their story as it gives us guidance, hope, and support in our journey.

Much love and prayers to all!

~ Jacque

Sorry this is such a long post, but I would like to share my link for the Livestrong Ironman 70.3 I am doing in honor of my father: http://laf.livestrong.org/site/TR/Endurance/General?px=1020875&pg=personal&fr_id=1322. Thank-you!

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cindyruggs

Fighting the same battle!
Jacque,

My husband has stage IV EC, he was diagnosed in October 2011. You can read my "about me" page to see what treatments we have undergone to this point. We are blessed as his cancer is NED at the moment, so we are living life to the fullest. Our Chemo has been reduced, so that is making quality of life a little better. We both believe in God, He is our strength. We have each other, we have a positive attitude (most days), gratitude in the midst of this trial, and amazing doctors! We take it one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time. We do not know how this journey will end, but we know God is in control.