Seeking Long-term Survivors of Esophageal Cancer

annoulla
annoulla Member Posts: 5 Member
edited June 17 in Esophageal Cancer #1

Hello everyone,

My name is Anna, and I am reaching out to this community for support and information. My husband has been diagnosed with stage 2 adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, he is now scheduled to have an esophagectomy.

I am very anxious about the surgery and what comes after it. I am particularly worried about the potential for cancer recurrence and the challenges that might come with recovery from such a major operation.

Additionally, we have two young children, ages 7 and 6, and I am concerned about how they will cope with their father's illness and recovery.

Are there any long-term survivors here who have gone through a similar experience? I would love to hear about your journeys, how you managed post-surgery, and any advice or insights you could share, especially regarding family and children during this time.

Your stories would mean a lot to us as i am quit navigate this difficult time. May god bless you all, and give you the strength to keep going.

Anna


Comments

  • Srinipartha
    Srinipartha Member Posts: 10 Member
    #2

    Anna

    Im very sorry to hear this - but dont panic. Trust in God - all will be well

    I was diagnosed with stage 3 adrenicarcinoma in Oct last, had my chemo and radiation followed by esophagectamy in March. Im recovering well.

    Please feel free to reach out if you want to talk

  • annoulla
    annoulla Member Posts: 5 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1716025#Comment_1716025

    Hi Srinipartha,

    Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience. It’s very comforting to hear that you’re recovering well after your treatment.

    I wanted to ask if you have any tips regarding diet for my husband during this time. Any advice on what foods were easier to swallow or more beneficial for you during recovery would be greatly appreciated.

    I also want to say how much of a blessing this site is for people like us. The support and shared experiences are incredibly valuable and provide so much comfort during these challenging times.

    Thank you again for your support. Stay strong, and I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.


  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #4

    Hi Anna,

    I sent you a private message with contact information.

    Paul

  • Sugeam7
    Sugeam7 Member Posts: 5 Member
    #5

    My husband is a 14 year survivor of esophageal cancer that metastasized to his lung. He had an esophagectomy and partial lung removal. He is thriving -not just surviving. Surgeries were at OHSU in Portland Oregon. Please don’t forget to take care of yourself as a caregiver.

  • sherryduncan
    sherryduncan Member Posts: 5 Member
    #6
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1716054#Comment_1716054

    Thriving not just surviving!! I love this. How old was your husband at diagnosis and what cell type. I am about to begin my journey of radiation/chemo/esophagectomy.

  • Sugeam7
    Sugeam7 Member Posts: 5 Member
    #7

    hi He had Adenocarcinoma and was 55 when diagnosed. Where is he getting treated? His diet was restricted for awhile but now he stays away from sweet/dairy desserts but other than that can now eat almost anything. He uses a wedge to sleep (pillows when traveling) and doesn’t eat too close to bedtime. His regime includes regalin. During chemo/radiation he received acupuncture treatments to help his organs. He’s a research scientist.

  • sherryduncan
    sherryduncan Member Posts: 5 Member
    #8

    It is me who has cancer. I’m a 55 year old female with stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. No lymph node involvement and no metastasis. am getting my treatment at the Univ. of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center. I will be part of a randomized study where one arm of the study receives standard radiation and the other arm receives proton radiation. Chemo and esophagectomy will be the same in each of the divisions. How long was your husband’s recovery after his surgery? I’m a high school chemistry teacher so wondering how much work I will miss.

  • Sugeam7
    Sugeam7 Member Posts: 5 Member
    #9

    His surgery was march 17. We went to Maui June 10th. He was not 100% and we were still learning how to manage food and sleeping but had a great relaxing time. He swam in the ocean and participated in most daily activities with our family.

  • sherryduncan
    sherryduncan Member Posts: 5 Member
    #10

    That is awesome!!

  • Sugeam7
    Sugeam7 Member Posts: 5 Member
    #11

    Ohio state university has a paper published on the effects of strawberries on endenocarcinoma. He made shakes everyday with organic freeze dried strawberries and reishi.

  • Sugeam7
    Sugeam7 Member Posts: 5 Member
    #12

    he also did some form of exercise (already was his daily routine but got difficult during treatment) daily - walking, treadmill, efx

  • chepito
    chepito Member Posts: 2 Member
    #13

    Thank you for sharing and God bless all of you and relatives.

  • cat56
    cat56 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #14

    It is encouraging to hear about people who have had the esophagectomy and are doing well. I have been disgnosed with Stage III esophageal cancer and am beginning the chemo-radiation on Aug 21 and the plan is for my to have an esophagectomy. I have not completely decided yet whether to have it. I am not scared of the surgery itself, but am nervous about life after surgery, in particular "dumping syndrome." Any info and advice would be most appreciated.

  • Capergall
    Capergall Member Posts: 2 *
    #15

    Hello. I'm new here and hate to be a wet blanket but I am 14 yrs from my Esophagectomy and have had nothing but chronic issues since. First was Delayed Gastric Emptying and lots of scopes and dilation. Then Redundant Gastric Conduit which called for a much larger surgery which was done in Toronto ( I'm from Nova Scotia Canada. Then a hernia developed in my chest next to my stomach with my small bowel , tail of my pancreas. Until that surgery I presented at the ED for Food Bolus quite often

  • cat56
    cat56 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #16
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717673#Comment_1717673

    Hello Capergall, I am sorry to hear you have had so much trouble. Thank you for posting this and please don't worry about being a wet blanket. I, for one, really want to hear from people like you for whom it has been really problematic.

  • Capergall
    Capergall Member Posts: 2 *
    #17

    Thank you Cat56 , I'm sure you'll do fine . My case was an unusual one, I wasn't sent to the cancer centre nor did I see an oncologist. My surgery was done in a small local hospital with no thoracic unit. I didn't have any support and didn't know what questions to ask. When I found out three yrs later I didn't have cancer but high grade dysplasia I tried to report him to The Board Of Physicians and Surgeons and they said I did have cancer even though two thoracic surgeons said I did.. I wasn't allowed to appeal the decision.

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