Prayers to Lee and Chantal today

Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much for thinking of us today! I feel so fortunate to have all of you in my life. Your love and kindness have really helped me keep myself together.

We arrived for our scheduled appointment today at 8:30. By about 10, the surgeon called me in to discuss how things went. She said she had quite a bit of difficulty doing the stretch, but it was successfully completed!!! She continued to say that it would only likely work for about 2 weeks, then she would either need to repeat the stretch or put in a stent. Due to how significantly closed up his esophagus is, she had a really hard time inserting the endoscopy 'wire' as she called it. She said she would be happy to continue doing bi-weekly stretches, HOWEVER, she said that there was a high chance of perforating the esophagus, since the opening is so small. The risk of severe and inoperable bleeding is there.

Lee and I have read here, as well as other web sites about the dangers of stents, and I questioned her on them. She agreed that stents are not perfect, and come with their own risks. She did say, however, that Lee's tumor is in a good location for the placement. His tumor does not enter into the stomach, which is when slipping and puncturing usually happens. She also said that if we do chose this route, and he has problems, it's easily removed.

Lee is out like a light right now, so I have no idea how he feels about stents. I know that prior to today, he was against it, but perhaps we will re-evaluate the options. I don't know if Lee will try eating, but I sure hope that he gets some relief from the constant need to spit up saliva and any thing he's tried to drink. He did try a few sips of water when we got home, and presto, down the hatch it went!!! YIPPEE!!!
I am so glad that he's finally gotten this done.

I know that several of you have had experience with this, Steve had much success and was able to eat for the last few months of his life. I also know that there are some negative experiences as well. As always, any feedback, opinion or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, my friends!
Chantal

Daisylin said:

Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much for thinking of us today! I feel so fortunate to have all of you in my life. Your love and kindness have really helped me keep myself together.

We arrived for our scheduled appointment today at 8:30. By about 10, the surgeon called me in to discuss how things went. She said she had quite a bit of difficulty doing the stretch, but it was successfully completed!!! She continued to say that it would only likely work for about 2 weeks, then she would either need to repeat the stretch or put in a stent. Due to how significantly closed up his esophagus is, she had a really hard time inserting the endoscopy 'wire' as she called it. She said she would be happy to continue doing bi-weekly stretches, HOWEVER, she said that there was a high chance of perforating the esophagus, since the opening is so small. The risk of severe and inoperable bleeding is there.

Lee and I have read here, as well as other web sites about the dangers of stents, and I questioned her on them. She agreed that stents are not perfect, and come with their own risks. She did say, however, that Lee's tumor is in a good location for the placement. His tumor does not enter into the stomach, which is when slipping and puncturing usually happens. She also said that if we do chose this route, and he has problems, it's easily removed.

Lee is out like a light right now, so I have no idea how he feels about stents. I know that prior to today, he was against it, but perhaps we will re-evaluate the options. I don't know if Lee will try eating, but I sure hope that he gets some relief from the constant need to spit up saliva and any thing he's tried to drink. He did try a few sips of water when we got home, and presto, down the hatch it went!!! YIPPEE!!!
I am so glad that he's finally gotten this done.

I know that several of you have had experience with this, Steve had much success and was able to eat for the last few months of his life. I also know that there are some negative experiences as well. As always, any feedback, opinion or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, my friends!
Chantal

Good luck to you both
You two really need and deserve some good news and a bit of respite. I personally appreciate your continuing to post right through your pain. I have this bad habit of hiding when I'm not feeling well. YOu have our best wishes and our prayers.

Lu

Daisylin said:

Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much for thinking of us today! I feel so fortunate to have all of you in my life. Your love and kindness have really helped me keep myself together.

We arrived for our scheduled appointment today at 8:30. By about 10, the surgeon called me in to discuss how things went. She said she had quite a bit of difficulty doing the stretch, but it was successfully completed!!! She continued to say that it would only likely work for about 2 weeks, then she would either need to repeat the stretch or put in a stent. Due to how significantly closed up his esophagus is, she had a really hard time inserting the endoscopy 'wire' as she called it. She said she would be happy to continue doing bi-weekly stretches, HOWEVER, she said that there was a high chance of perforating the esophagus, since the opening is so small. The risk of severe and inoperable bleeding is there.

Lee and I have read here, as well as other web sites about the dangers of stents, and I questioned her on them. She agreed that stents are not perfect, and come with their own risks. She did say, however, that Lee's tumor is in a good location for the placement. His tumor does not enter into the stomach, which is when slipping and puncturing usually happens. She also said that if we do chose this route, and he has problems, it's easily removed.

Lee is out like a light right now, so I have no idea how he feels about stents. I know that prior to today, he was against it, but perhaps we will re-evaluate the options. I don't know if Lee will try eating, but I sure hope that he gets some relief from the constant need to spit up saliva and any thing he's tried to drink. He did try a few sips of water when we got home, and presto, down the hatch it went!!! YIPPEE!!!
I am so glad that he's finally gotten this done.

I know that several of you have had experience with this, Steve had much success and was able to eat for the last few months of his life. I also know that there are some negative experiences as well. As always, any feedback, opinion or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, my friends!
Chantal

Stents and stretches
Chantal and Lee,

I HOPE you know my feelings about stints. I am 110% against them.
I was told by three oncologists that they are nothing but a nightmare and that reputable cancer centers will NOT even do them anymore. NONE of the three centers that WE went to will do them, either. They told us so when we asked early on. So that is a BIT of a hint, to me. If it is NOT at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, IF that is what the doctor said, then MAYBE he wouldn't have the constant acid flowing up into his throat that I hear happens with ALL stints in the GE junction. No ability to EVER lay down again does not sound good to me. That again is me. I am pretty solid on this.

I am beyond grateful that Lee's stretch went so well. Sorry to hear that it may only last two weeks. It could last more. I think the risk of trouble re-stretching is less than the risk of a stint, but it is NOT me, nor my husband and one and only either.
I also have NOT ever had a stint or a stretch. I am still able to eat and swallow okay. I'm grateful. But if and WHEN I cannot, I will do a stretch as needed, but never a stint.
I think I would find another way if that were the only option.
Just MY opinion.

I will continue to pry for you both, and harass Lee as often as possible. I love the both of you immensely.

I have been having a lot more pain of late and working to get on top of that has kept me off of the board as much as I want to be here as I am rather distracted by that. I WILL be here and I WILL get on top of this pain. Just like Lee, I take a licking and keep on ticking.

-Eric

Daisylin said:

Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much for thinking of us today! I feel so fortunate to have all of you in my life. Your love and kindness have really helped me keep myself together.

We arrived for our scheduled appointment today at 8:30. By about 10, the surgeon called me in to discuss how things went. She said she had quite a bit of difficulty doing the stretch, but it was successfully completed!!! She continued to say that it would only likely work for about 2 weeks, then she would either need to repeat the stretch or put in a stent. Due to how significantly closed up his esophagus is, she had a really hard time inserting the endoscopy 'wire' as she called it. She said she would be happy to continue doing bi-weekly stretches, HOWEVER, she said that there was a high chance of perforating the esophagus, since the opening is so small. The risk of severe and inoperable bleeding is there.

Lee and I have read here, as well as other web sites about the dangers of stents, and I questioned her on them. She agreed that stents are not perfect, and come with their own risks. She did say, however, that Lee's tumor is in a good location for the placement. His tumor does not enter into the stomach, which is when slipping and puncturing usually happens. She also said that if we do chose this route, and he has problems, it's easily removed.

Lee is out like a light right now, so I have no idea how he feels about stents. I know that prior to today, he was against it, but perhaps we will re-evaluate the options. I don't know if Lee will try eating, but I sure hope that he gets some relief from the constant need to spit up saliva and any thing he's tried to drink. He did try a few sips of water when we got home, and presto, down the hatch it went!!! YIPPEE!!!
I am so glad that he's finally gotten this done.

I know that several of you have had experience with this, Steve had much success and was able to eat for the last few months of his life. I also know that there are some negative experiences as well. As always, any feedback, opinion or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, my friends!
Chantal

Hi Chantal & Lee
So pleased
Hi Chantal & Lee
So pleased that the stretch was successful, hoping it gives Lee some relief and that he may finally enjoy that cold pepsi, as for stents we too have been looking at options, no good while Mark is still on Chemo and something that I believe is really a last resort. I have read so many negatives, not being able to lie down, acid coming up more than normal and then whether or not the stent slips or becomes embedded, I know Steve was able to eat better with it in, but its not something that Mark is looking forward to and its on that still undecided list, hard hard choices.
Today celebrate Lee's success you guys deserve a break.
Thinking of you both
Ann

Daisylin said:

Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much for thinking of us today! I feel so fortunate to have all of you in my life. Your love and kindness have really helped me keep myself together.

We arrived for our scheduled appointment today at 8:30. By about 10, the surgeon called me in to discuss how things went. She said she had quite a bit of difficulty doing the stretch, but it was successfully completed!!! She continued to say that it would only likely work for about 2 weeks, then she would either need to repeat the stretch or put in a stent. Due to how significantly closed up his esophagus is, she had a really hard time inserting the endoscopy 'wire' as she called it. She said she would be happy to continue doing bi-weekly stretches, HOWEVER, she said that there was a high chance of perforating the esophagus, since the opening is so small. The risk of severe and inoperable bleeding is there.

Lee and I have read here, as well as other web sites about the dangers of stents, and I questioned her on them. She agreed that stents are not perfect, and come with their own risks. She did say, however, that Lee's tumor is in a good location for the placement. His tumor does not enter into the stomach, which is when slipping and puncturing usually happens. She also said that if we do chose this route, and he has problems, it's easily removed.

Lee is out like a light right now, so I have no idea how he feels about stents. I know that prior to today, he was against it, but perhaps we will re-evaluate the options. I don't know if Lee will try eating, but I sure hope that he gets some relief from the constant need to spit up saliva and any thing he's tried to drink. He did try a few sips of water when we got home, and presto, down the hatch it went!!! YIPPEE!!!
I am so glad that he's finally gotten this done.

I know that several of you have had experience with this, Steve had much success and was able to eat for the last few months of his life. I also know that there are some negative experiences as well. As always, any feedback, opinion or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, my friends!
Chantal

Whew!
What a relief for you to have that water go down! Boy, it really is the small victories that we need to celebrate, isn't it? I was glad to see a comment from Eric too. I've been wondering about him and I miss his CAPITAL letters. 8-) I'm so glad I found this site!
Rita

Daisylin said:

Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much for thinking of us today! I feel so fortunate to have all of you in my life. Your love and kindness have really helped me keep myself together.

We arrived for our scheduled appointment today at 8:30. By about 10, the surgeon called me in to discuss how things went. She said she had quite a bit of difficulty doing the stretch, but it was successfully completed!!! She continued to say that it would only likely work for about 2 weeks, then she would either need to repeat the stretch or put in a stent. Due to how significantly closed up his esophagus is, she had a really hard time inserting the endoscopy 'wire' as she called it. She said she would be happy to continue doing bi-weekly stretches, HOWEVER, she said that there was a high chance of perforating the esophagus, since the opening is so small. The risk of severe and inoperable bleeding is there.

Lee and I have read here, as well as other web sites about the dangers of stents, and I questioned her on them. She agreed that stents are not perfect, and come with their own risks. She did say, however, that Lee's tumor is in a good location for the placement. His tumor does not enter into the stomach, which is when slipping and puncturing usually happens. She also said that if we do chose this route, and he has problems, it's easily removed.

Lee is out like a light right now, so I have no idea how he feels about stents. I know that prior to today, he was against it, but perhaps we will re-evaluate the options. I don't know if Lee will try eating, but I sure hope that he gets some relief from the constant need to spit up saliva and any thing he's tried to drink. He did try a few sips of water when we got home, and presto, down the hatch it went!!! YIPPEE!!!
I am so glad that he's finally gotten this done.

I know that several of you have had experience with this, Steve had much success and was able to eat for the last few months of his life. I also know that there are some negative experiences as well. As always, any feedback, opinion or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, my friends!
Chantal

Great News!
Sure hope Lee gets to enjoy that ice-cold Pepsi he craves. Have one yourself, Chantal, and toast to a successful stretch!
Melinda

Daisylin said:

Pepsi??
Well Melinda, maybe a pepsi for me if it has rum in it!!!! What a week!!!

I'm Baaaaaaaak
GREAT to see EVERYONE posting AGAIN and sounding happy, too.
I have a lot of catching up to do. Lee and I talk often, late at night.
LOTS of love to EVERYONE, especially you, Chantal!
I am BACK!

-Eric

(lol)