early stage esophageal cancer

Hi,

My husbsnd is a three year survivor. He had the HER test, but did not have the gene.

He had three rounds if chemo followed by the Ivor Lewis. No radiotheraphy.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards

Marci

I never heard of that test. My oncologist didn't mention it to me. I have esophgeal junction tumor cancer. I've had 3 chemotherapies. I am scared to death of the radiation? What do they give you for pain?

scoot108 said:

Hi,
I was Stage 3 and went
Hi,

I was Stage 3 and went through 6 rounds of chemo and 25 radiation treatments ( daily five times a week for five weeks ) prior to Transhiatal surgery in September 2012. Speaking only from my experience the chemo was way harder on me than the radiation. The radiation treatments were painless and only lasted a few minutes. Hard to say if they caused any fatigue because the chemo really had me down to start with. Food through the whole period basically all tasted the same. ( Not great I hate to say ) While I am still dealing with the side effects of some complications the best news is there is still no signs of any reoccurence! Feel sorry for you and anyone going through this. Wish you the best. Take care.

Scott

HI, Stage 4 here and in "partial remission right now after 15 cycles of folfox, followed up with Capecitabine.  The primary tumor at the junction is gone completely and that was without surgery.  Mets to the liver with two hepatic lesions that are barely visible now in PET scan and the Oncologist thinks they are Cavernous hemangioma.  She will not use the term remission she says that I have responded incredibly well to the chemotherapy.

I was blessed with few side effects from the folfox that consisted of the typical cold sensativity issue; incredible jaw pain when first starting to eat; fatigue; and chest poains that radiated through to the back in the upper right part of my chest.  Those pains resulted in my oncologist taking me off of 5FU, and starting Capecitabine (Oral version of 5FU).  The issues with the Capecitabine were few as well but much more impacting to me.  After 5 cycles of the oral version, the skin started peeling from my fingers and I lost feeling in my fingertips and the soles of my feet.  Right now, I am completely off of any form of Chemotherapy and we are hopeful this will remain this way for a while.  I do  know that being stage IV, that battle isn't over.

Hang in there and keep a strong and positive attitude.  That is incredibly important.  Fighting the side effects is minor compared to what it could be and what it was originally given as a prognosis.  God Bless my Oncology Team, family, and friends.

Leo