Hello

ChaadMN
ChaadMN Member Posts: 32
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hello.

I have been reading this board for some time now, and I figured it was time to introduce myself and tell you my story. My name is Chad, and I live in Minneapolis. This past summer I began to have issues with eating, and could not keep any food down. After loosing about 40lbs, I decided it was time to go to the Dr. After a quick endoscopy I found out on my 40th birthday that I have EC (adenocarcinoma, GE junction, T3N0M0, HER2-POS, and Stage IIB). I have NO family history of cancer of any kind, I am the first.

The day of my diagnosis I was admitted to the hospital for a CT Scan, PET Scan, EUS, and the next day was in surgery for a J-tube. The following week I had my chemo port placed. The doctors were not wasting any time.

On August 17th I started chemo. I had six weekly doses of Carboplatin and Taxol, and underwent radiation treatment at the same time. It was no picnic, but I managed to make it through. My oncologist was surprised to see that I made it through the entire 6 weeks. He told me that most people can only take 4 or 5 of the weekly doses before they get too sick to continue. After a follow up PET scan he told me that my body had a very good response to the treatment and sent me off to meet with a surgeon.

I met with a surgeon last week and spent about 2 hours with him going over the procedure and asking lots of questions. He performs over 60 of these surgeries each year and has worked/trained with Dr. Luketich. I have full confidence in his abilities. My surgery is scheduled for November 18th. I am scared, but given the circumstances of this disease, I feel grateful that I have this chance at survival.

I have decided that I will begin training for the Twin Cities Marathon (Oct 2012) on November 19th, the day after surgery. I fully expect that the first parts of my training will begin with simply getting out of bed, but you have to start somewhere. Keeping a goal in my mind will give me something to work for and achieve and help me in my recovery.

Anyway, I want to end this post with thanking everyone who posts here. I have learned so much from reading and following your stories. This site has taught me courage, how to cry, and even how to live. For that I thank you all.

Chad
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Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #2
    Welcome to our little EC family
    Chad,

    Welcome to our group. It sounds like you have made great progress so far and have a well qualified surgeon. I think we all had our share of anxiety going into surgery. The recovery process can be slow at first but suddenly one day you find yourself saying "I feel pretty good today".

    That is quite a goal you have set for yourself. We will all be thinking positive thoughts for you.

    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
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • Gatoraid
    Gatoraid Member Posts: 66
    #3
    Hello
    Hi Chad,
    For your surgery, please make sure that the surgeon performs MIE (Minimally Evasive Surgery) as apposed to the traditional Ivor Lewis method which is much more evasive and has greater risk of infection.

    Being able to get out of bed the day after surgery is definitely what you want to do. They want you to walk to start building up your strength as quickly as possible. It's not fun, but keep in mind that withing a week, it gets much better. I had MIE surgery last December so if you have any questions about surgery and post surgery feel free to ask. I was T3N1M0 and have had 3 CT scans so far with no cancer found. Keep your chin up.

    Jim
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #4
    Herceptin??
    Chad,
    Did they use HERCEPTIN with your chemo???
    It helps a lot with HER2+ with EC and ECJ.

    Eric
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #5
    Thank you!
    Chad,
    PS- YOU WILL MAKE IT..... you have a GREAT attitude and your goal is fabulous!
    YOU are an inspiration and we are glad you posted here.

    Please, keep posting!

    Eric
  • mruble
    mruble Member Posts: 174
    #6
    Welcome from a fellow Minnesotan
    Hi Chad -

    Sorry to have to welcome you here, but given the circumstances there is no better place to be. You will find much love and support here. My husband is also Chad and he was diagnosed stage 4a in October 2009 ay 43. He was also one of the fortunate ones that was able to have surgery (at Mayo) after completing chemo and radiation.

    A couple of us caregivers meet monthly to talk about everything EC related so if you have a caregiver that would like to join us, please let me know. We usually meet in St Cloud but would be happy to meet closer to the cities. While many cancer centers offer support groups, we have found that the issues faced with EC can be much different than those faced with other cancers. Our little group is no match for this wonderful forum but sometimes it's nice to have face time with others who understand.

    Best of luck with your upcoming surgery. I'll plan to be the the Twin Cities Marathon to cheer you on next year!

    Mary
  • Cora11
    Cora11 Member Posts: 173
    #7
    mruble said:

    Welcome from a fellow Minnesotan
    Hi Chad -

    Sorry to have to welcome you here, but given the circumstances there is no better place to be. You will find much love and support here. My husband is also Chad and he was diagnosed stage 4a in October 2009 ay 43. He was also one of the fortunate ones that was able to have surgery (at Mayo) after completing chemo and radiation.

    A couple of us caregivers meet monthly to talk about everything EC related so if you have a caregiver that would like to join us, please let me know. We usually meet in St Cloud but would be happy to meet closer to the cities. While many cancer centers offer support groups, we have found that the issues faced with EC can be much different than those faced with other cancers. Our little group is no match for this wonderful forum but sometimes it's nice to have face time with others who understand.

    Best of luck with your upcoming surgery. I'll plan to be the the Twin Cities Marathon to cheer you on next year!

    Mary

    Chad, another welcome and I
    Chad, another welcome and I wish you the best. My husband has his surgery on Nov. 17th. He went through the same protocol as you, he is a runner as well. He started working out again about 2 weeks after treatment- and he's bringing his running shoes with him to the hospital as suggested by Erica. :) It's a really crappy birthday present that I wish you could return, but you're on a great path to recovery.
    My best,
    Cora
    oh and we are "neighbors' in Wisconsin
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #8
    Welcome Chad! What a journey
    Welcome Chad! What a journey you have traveled so far. You sound like a courageous soul and I am going to bet you will do super with your upcoming procedure! I like the marathon attitude!
  • ChaadMN
    ChaadMN Member Posts: 32
    #9
    chemosmoker said:

    Thank you!
    Chad,
    PS- YOU WILL MAKE IT..... you have a GREAT attitude and your goal is fabulous!
    YOU are an inspiration and we are glad you posted here.

    Please, keep posting!

    Eric

    Herceptin
    Eric,

    I just want to say "thanks" to you for your involvement on this board. You have taught me a lot by your posts.

    As far as Herceptin goes, it was discussed, but they decided against using it at this point. I can't remember the exact reason for not using it right away. The oncologist said that if needed it can be used later.
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #10
    Thank your for posting
    Good luck on your surgery! With your attitude, you should do well. I do hope you get to have the MIE form of surgery. For prior surgery issues, my husband had the Ivor Lewis form. Not fun, but doable and survivable. So, go for the MIE, but don't despair if circumstances say it is not the option. [I don't think this will happen, given your seeming good health in spite of the EC and your surgeon's having trained under Dr. Luitech.] The IL takes longer to get over, but getting to have the surgery, whatever form, is the prize.

    We've also learned so much from this Board's members and they have been of so much help to us. Keep checking in an letting us know how it is going. We actually do become good friends in this battle against EC. BMGky
  • ChaadMN
    ChaadMN Member Posts: 32
    #11
    mruble said:

    Welcome from a fellow Minnesotan
    Hi Chad -

    Sorry to have to welcome you here, but given the circumstances there is no better place to be. You will find much love and support here. My husband is also Chad and he was diagnosed stage 4a in October 2009 ay 43. He was also one of the fortunate ones that was able to have surgery (at Mayo) after completing chemo and radiation.

    A couple of us caregivers meet monthly to talk about everything EC related so if you have a caregiver that would like to join us, please let me know. We usually meet in St Cloud but would be happy to meet closer to the cities. While many cancer centers offer support groups, we have found that the issues faced with EC can be much different than those faced with other cancers. Our little group is no match for this wonderful forum but sometimes it's nice to have face time with others who understand.

    Best of luck with your upcoming surgery. I'll plan to be the the Twin Cities Marathon to cheer you on next year!

    Mary

    Mary,
    Thanks for the
    Mary,

    Thanks for the welcome. I think it is great that yourhusband was able to have surgery, from what I have heard, that is pretty unusual at that stage. How is he doing now?

    As far as a caregiver, I do not really have one person that helps me. I rely on a couple family memebers and a few friends to help me out when needed. After surgery I am planning to move in with my aunt until I am well enough to head back home by myself. I will mention the group to all of my caregivers and see what they say. Most of my family is in the NW metro and it would not be a problem for them to head to St. Cloud.

    Thanks for the well wishes for my surgery!
  • ChaadMN
    ChaadMN Member Posts: 32
    #12
    Cora11 said:

    Chad, another welcome and I
    Chad, another welcome and I wish you the best. My husband has his surgery on Nov. 17th. He went through the same protocol as you, he is a runner as well. He started working out again about 2 weeks after treatment- and he's bringing his running shoes with him to the hospital as suggested by Erica. :) It's a really crappy birthday present that I wish you could return, but you're on a great path to recovery.
    My best,
    Cora
    oh and we are "neighbors' in Wisconsin

    Thanks for the welcome and
    Thanks for the welcome and Go Packers! I have not been working out since I was diagnosed, I give your husband credit for getting back to it so quick! I wish your husband the best of luck in his surgery, I will be one day behind him!
  • jim2011
    jim2011 Member Posts: 115
    #13
    Welcome
    Chad,
    I love your attitude and goals. I had my robot assisted surgery at Abbott in Minneapolis with Dr Eric Johnson on April 7, 2011. Those first few months of treatment were like a whirlwind but I am recovering nicely. We live in Oak Grove and I mow about 2 acres so I keep busy and kind of milking the not working part but soon...
    My passion is Canada fishing and my goal is to do some Lake of the Woods ice fishing this winter and spring fly-in to Trout Lake in May.
    I wish you the best.
    Jim
  • mruble
    mruble Member Posts: 174
    #14
    ChaadMN said:

    Mary,
    Thanks for the
    Mary,

    Thanks for the welcome. I think it is great that yourhusband was able to have surgery, from what I have heard, that is pretty unusual at that stage. How is he doing now?

    As far as a caregiver, I do not really have one person that helps me. I rely on a couple family memebers and a few friends to help me out when needed. After surgery I am planning to move in with my aunt until I am well enough to head back home by myself. I will mention the group to all of my caregivers and see what they say. Most of my family is in the NW metro and it would not be a problem for them to head to St. Cloud.

    Thanks for the well wishes for my surgery!

    The first surgeon we talked
    The first surgeon we talked to wasn't interested in doing surgery. We got a second opinion after Chad finished chemo and radiation and the response had been so good that the second surgeon was willing to operate. The cancer wasn't in other organs - just a distant node. We found out on Christmas Eve last year that the cancer was back. He's had lots of chemo and radiation and he continues to surprise his oncologist with his determination. In fact, we just got back from a weeklong trip to Washington, DC. We feel very blessed.

    We would be happy ro have any or all of your caregivers join us. Just let me know.

    Mary
  • ChaadMN
    ChaadMN Member Posts: 32
    #15
    jim2011 said:

    Welcome
    Chad,
    I love your attitude and goals. I had my robot assisted surgery at Abbott in Minneapolis with Dr Eric Johnson on April 7, 2011. Those first few months of treatment were like a whirlwind but I am recovering nicely. We live in Oak Grove and I mow about 2 acres so I keep busy and kind of milking the not working part but soon...
    My passion is Canada fishing and my goal is to do some Lake of the Woods ice fishing this winter and spring fly-in to Trout Lake in May.
    I wish you the best.
    Jim

    I am using Abbott as well.
    I am using Abbott as well. Dr. Eric Johnson installed my J-tube and chemo port. Dr. Dunn will be doing my surgery with the assistance of Dr. Johnson. They are both excellent doctors in my opinion.
  • ritawaite13
    ritawaite13 Member Posts: 236
    #16
    Hi Chad
    Welcome aboard! I'm happy for you that you're able to have surgery for your EC. That, in itself, is a huge step in the right direction. This discussion board is amazing as I'm sure you've already figured out. The folks on here will give you straight answers without trying to sugar coat anything. You've definately come to the right site. Best wishes to you as you go forward!
    Rita (also from MN)
  • jgwright
    jgwright Member Posts: 242
    #17
    Welcome to the crew
    I envy you. Your doctors were fast, and got you to good place quickly, and as you can see from my "About me", I've been left out to dry. So far. But this place is wonderful and a great source of information and support.

    So welcome, and tell us how things are going. My second oncologist (that I haven't met yet) is working on a clinical trial using Taxol as well...

    --Jerry
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #18
    Welcome Chad, Glad you
    Welcome Chad, Glad you decided to post, but even gladder you have been reading for a while. We have a lot of people with a lot of knowledge. It helps to read an input from someone that has experienced the different things we might be going through. Good luck on the surgery. Keep us posted, SAndra
  • jss2011
    jss2011 Member Posts: 132
    #19
    sandy1943 said:

    Welcome Chad, Glad you
    Welcome Chad, Glad you decided to post, but even gladder you have been reading for a while. We have a lot of people with a lot of knowledge. It helps to read an input from someone that has experienced the different things we might be going through. Good luck on the surgery. Keep us posted, SAndra

    Hello Chad
    Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I will be looking to you and many others here as my hubby wont be having his surgery till end Dec/early Jan. Things are sure different in canada.

    Julie
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #20
    Chad,
    Welcome and good
    Chad,

    Welcome and good luck. What a wonderful goal --- looking forward to heaaring your reports.

    Best,
    Cindy
  • GerryS
    GerryS Member Posts: 227 Member
    #21
    Welcome......
    Sounds like things have moved very fast for you. That is good, so many don.t have that experience. I had my surgery at Mayo, Rochester last March 2010. Am doing well. Best of luck and prayers for you. I am a neighbor to the south (Iowa).

    Gerry

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