As if EC isn't enough--

AngieD
AngieD Member Posts: 493
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Larry is having cardiac bypass surgery tomorrow am. He has no history of cardiac issues, has had no chest pain, and periodic treadmill stress tests have been fine. He started coughing and having trouble breathing Monday afternoon and was found to have fluid in his lungs. Nothing to do with EC. He's felt fine since the fluid was eliminated, but progressive tests indicated significant cardiac artery blockage. Another whiplash-"I can't believe this is happening moment" So after many tests and consults the decision was made by cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, and his oncologist and him and our family that the surgery gives him the best chance of longer quality of life time on both fronts We're grateful they don't consider Stage IV EC patients as throw-aways.

Angie
Wife of Larry DX Stage IV June 2011

Comments

  • Cora11
    Cora11 Member Posts: 173
    #2
    Oh MY
    Gosh Angie... that is big. Ya know.. I think you asked this ? over on FB and I asked Keith about it and he thought it sounded cardiac by the symptoms you described. You two have a very full plate and this surgery thought might help in handle the load that chemo puts on him. Having a failing heart certainly would be an unwelcome extra challenge so hopefully getting this taken care of will improve Larry's quality of life. It's just so scary to juggle all these diagnoses. One is more than enough and it seems that is rarely the case these days. I wish you both great support and sounds like you have a wonderful team to get you through this speed bump
    All my best,
    Cora
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #3
    Cora11 said:

    Oh MY
    Gosh Angie... that is big. Ya know.. I think you asked this ? over on FB and I asked Keith about it and he thought it sounded cardiac by the symptoms you described. You two have a very full plate and this surgery thought might help in handle the load that chemo puts on him. Having a failing heart certainly would be an unwelcome extra challenge so hopefully getting this taken care of will improve Larry's quality of life. It's just so scary to juggle all these diagnoses. One is more than enough and it seems that is rarely the case these days. I wish you both great support and sounds like you have a wonderful team to get you through this speed bump
    All my best,
    Cora

    thoughts and prayers are with you
    Dear Angie,
    So sorry to hear about the bypass surgery and you are right EC is enough burden for sure, but I am glad that the drs will do something to help him feel better but so sad that he has to go thru bypass surgery which is one of the big ones. take care, many hugs from afar and you all will be in my prayers.
    Donna70
  • JReed
    JReed Member Posts: 428
    #4
    Oh Angie
    This is unbelievable that you two are going through all of these issues at the same time. I pray that surgery went well today, I just got on the site at 7:40ish and read your post, so by now I am hoping that you have good news on the open heart surgery.

    You must be totally exhausted and I hope that you are able to rest and recharge during this rough patch you guys are having.

    Sending strength and big hugs to you,
    Judy
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #5
    Will be praying! I also am
    Will be praying! I also am very glad that with stage iv they are doing the surgery.
    Will have you both in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
    Sandra
  • Ericalynn
    Ericalynn Member Posts: 200
    #6
    Does not seem fair
    Angie,
    WOW this is not fair first EC now heart issues. Larry and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep everyone posted on how Larry is doing and know that we are all here for you!
    Much Love
    Erica
  • AngieD
    AngieD Member Posts: 493
    #7
    Ericalynn said:

    Does not seem fair
    Angie,
    WOW this is not fair first EC now heart issues. Larry and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep everyone posted on how Larry is doing and know that we are all here for you!
    Much Love
    Erica

    Thanks so much everyone!
    Thanks so much everyone! Larry is doing great!! They did 4 bypasses and all went well. He was able to come off the respirator on the first test and the resp guy said he was "terrific" and better than most on the breathing push-the-balls-up test. He was even smiling and joking with the nurse. Maybe they're giving him happy juice, but it was so great to see. Feeling very grateful---
    Angie
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #8
    AngieD said:

    Thanks so much everyone!
    Thanks so much everyone! Larry is doing great!! They did 4 bypasses and all went well. He was able to come off the respirator on the first test and the resp guy said he was "terrific" and better than most on the breathing push-the-balls-up test. He was even smiling and joking with the nurse. Maybe they're giving him happy juice, but it was so great to see. Feeling very grateful---
    Angie

    Angie, That's wonderful
    Angie, That's wonderful news. You take care of yourself. Praying all will still go well, Sandra
  • Proactive Daughter
    Proactive Daughter Member Posts: 55
    #9
    AngieD said:

    Thanks so much everyone!
    Thanks so much everyone! Larry is doing great!! They did 4 bypasses and all went well. He was able to come off the respirator on the first test and the resp guy said he was "terrific" and better than most on the breathing push-the-balls-up test. He was even smiling and joking with the nurse. Maybe they're giving him happy juice, but it was so great to see. Feeling very grateful---
    Angie

    A sigh of relief
    Good news Angie, I read your post earlier but often the site kicks me off (not sure why). I'm on now and very happy that you got good news.

    Jennifer

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