Esophageal Cancer

droth
droth Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My 44 yr old husband was just diagonesed with cancer. During those first two weeks we not only found that the cancer was in his esophagus and upper part of his stomach but it has spread to his liver, kidney,lymph nodes and his bones. The doctors have but him on Chemo and radiation to try to shrink the tumor around his esophagus and stomach so he can eat which after a month he finally has been able to eat real food. His diagonsis is not good.And the medicine makes him more tired then the treatment, He was lost 80lbs in the last 6 weeks. We have 5 children and I despreatly need someone to speak with who is in my shoes. Any support would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Diane

Comments

  • chantal
    chantal Member Posts: 6
    #2
    For Diane,
    My father (53yr old) was recently diagnosed
    with an advanced stage IV of the disease.
    (Generalized) and the doctors gave us also a poor prognostic-
    But i want you to keep in mind that nobody not even the doctors could predict what will happen next.I also did a few researches on the net and found a site that was created only for people with Esophageal cancer and their caregivers-you will find pictures-dialogues-similar stories and individual emotional support from over a thousand of subscribers .
    Some of them had very bad prognostic ,very advanced cancer but ended up beating the disease.There are a number of long-term survivors-And i strongly believe attitude is everything.
    The site is http://www.tznet.com/wolfgram/ec/cafe/
    Did the doctor mentionned anything about a jejunostomy (feeding tube)for your husband to stop the weight loss and control his fatigue?
    Feel free to contact me any time you want
    at :information@lexesconstruction.com
    God bless you and your family
    Best regards
    Chantal Stopponi
  • scparra38
    scparra38 Member Posts: 14
    #3
    Hello

    My husband, had part of his esophagus and all of his stomach removed. This was in Aug. of 2003. I am trying to find out some information. I was wondering if maybe you can help since you can relate. I have some ?'s My questions are about diahrea it seems that he was doing okay, between Nov. and Dec. He has had 3 dilations. The 3rd one really worked, because he has been able to eat and swallow food like normal. Since than he has had Diahrea, about 4 or 6 times a day. He is unable to leave the house. or gain any kind of weight. He has had radiation and Chemo back in May,2003 It seems that everything he eats or drinks come straight through. He is unable to gain any weight. he was at 220 when was diagnosed,which was in Jan,2003. he is now down to 124. He is very depressed, very uncomforable, unable to gain any weight or even go anywhere. Please if you or anyone can suggest anything please let us know.

    we had seen the Drs, this thursday that just passed. He basically said that he will be like this for the rest of his life. I can't believe that. I know there is someone out there that has some kind of advise, or suggestions. Can someone please respond. Thank you .

    I have read quite a few stories on this web. it seems that no One has talked about there bowel movements and how it has affected them. Is this normal, i don't think so. I just am unable to understand how anyone can live with Diahrea. I think the DRS. sometimes don't know what to do about this and just give medications to help.

    PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP. VERY VERY DESPERATE.

    MY HUSBAND IF LOSING STILL.... WE ARE IN REMISSION BUT, HE IS STILL LOSING THE BATTLE......

    THANK YOU

    I can also be reached at Chrsmtya@aol.com
  • scparra38
    scparra38 Member Posts: 14
    #4
    Hello

    My husband, had part of his esophagus and all of his stomach removed. This was in Aug. of 2003. I am trying to find out some information. I was wondering if maybe you can help since you can relate. I have some ?'s My questions are about diahrea it seems that he was doing okay, between Nov. and Dec. He has had 3 dilations. The 3rd one really worked, because he has been able to eat and swallow food like normal. Since than he has had Diahrea, about 4 or 6 times a day. He is unable to leave the house. or gain any kind of weight. He has had radiation and Chemo back in May,2003 It seems that everything he eats or drinks come straight through. He is unable to gain any weight. he was at 220 when was diagnosed,which was in Jan,2003. he is now down to 124. He is very depressed, very uncomforable, unable to gain any weight or even go anywhere. Please if you or anyone can suggest anything please let us know.

    we had seen the Drs, this thursday that just passed. He basically said that he will be like this for the rest of his life. I can't believe that. I know there is someone out there that has some kind of advise, or suggestions. Can someone please respond. Thank you .

    I have read quite a few stories on this web. it seems that no One has talked about there bowel movements and how it has affected them. Is this normal, i don't think so. I just am unable to understand how anyone can live with Diahrea. I think the DRS. sometimes don't know what to do about this and just give medications to help.

    PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP. VERY VERY DESPERATE.

    MY HUSBAND IF LOSING STILL.... WE ARE IN REMISSION BUT, HE IS STILL LOSING THE BATTLE......

    THANK YOU

    I can also be reached at Chrsmtya@aol.com
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    scparra38 said:

    Hello

    My husband, had part of his esophagus and all of his stomach removed. This was in Aug. of 2003. I am trying to find out some information. I was wondering if maybe you can help since you can relate. I have some ?'s My questions are about diahrea it seems that he was doing okay, between Nov. and Dec. He has had 3 dilations. The 3rd one really worked, because he has been able to eat and swallow food like normal. Since than he has had Diahrea, about 4 or 6 times a day. He is unable to leave the house. or gain any kind of weight. He has had radiation and Chemo back in May,2003 It seems that everything he eats or drinks come straight through. He is unable to gain any weight. he was at 220 when was diagnosed,which was in Jan,2003. he is now down to 124. He is very depressed, very uncomforable, unable to gain any weight or even go anywhere. Please if you or anyone can suggest anything please let us know.

    we had seen the Drs, this thursday that just passed. He basically said that he will be like this for the rest of his life. I can't believe that. I know there is someone out there that has some kind of advise, or suggestions. Can someone please respond. Thank you .

    I have read quite a few stories on this web. it seems that no One has talked about there bowel movements and how it has affected them. Is this normal, i don't think so. I just am unable to understand how anyone can live with Diahrea. I think the DRS. sometimes don't know what to do about this and just give medications to help.

    PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP. VERY VERY DESPERATE.

    MY HUSBAND IF LOSING STILL.... WE ARE IN REMISSION BUT, HE IS STILL LOSING THE BATTLE......

    THANK YOU

    I can also be reached at Chrsmtya@aol.com

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • marthac
    marthac Member Posts: 5
    #6
    scparra38 said:

    Hello

    My husband, had part of his esophagus and all of his stomach removed. This was in Aug. of 2003. I am trying to find out some information. I was wondering if maybe you can help since you can relate. I have some ?'s My questions are about diahrea it seems that he was doing okay, between Nov. and Dec. He has had 3 dilations. The 3rd one really worked, because he has been able to eat and swallow food like normal. Since than he has had Diahrea, about 4 or 6 times a day. He is unable to leave the house. or gain any kind of weight. He has had radiation and Chemo back in May,2003 It seems that everything he eats or drinks come straight through. He is unable to gain any weight. he was at 220 when was diagnosed,which was in Jan,2003. he is now down to 124. He is very depressed, very uncomforable, unable to gain any weight or even go anywhere. Please if you or anyone can suggest anything please let us know.

    we had seen the Drs, this thursday that just passed. He basically said that he will be like this for the rest of his life. I can't believe that. I know there is someone out there that has some kind of advise, or suggestions. Can someone please respond. Thank you .

    I have read quite a few stories on this web. it seems that no One has talked about there bowel movements and how it has affected them. Is this normal, i don't think so. I just am unable to understand how anyone can live with Diahrea. I think the DRS. sometimes don't know what to do about this and just give medications to help.

    PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP. VERY VERY DESPERATE.

    MY HUSBAND IF LOSING STILL.... WE ARE IN REMISSION BUT, HE IS STILL LOSING THE BATTLE......

    THANK YOU

    I can also be reached at Chrsmtya@aol.com

    I had my surgery in january of 2003 and lost 20lbs. I couldnt eat or drink anything without everything running out of me. I would refuse drinks and food because of this, and I only ate enough to get by. I started taking Immodiem (without my dr's permission) and it actually helped alittle. I was told to eat several small eals instead of three. The trouble is I had the worst stomach aches whenever I ate. Boost and Ensure aggravated my stomach aches and dirrareah. I stopped dring those and got better along with taking the immodeum. I then decided to eat yogurt because I heard somewhere that it gives your intestines a 'good virus'. I have never felt such a difference in my life! I have quit taking the over-the-counter medicine, and can now eat small meals and drink plenty of liquids without my stomach bothering me as much. I am still only 80lbs, which is not good, but I am on my way to getting back to normal eating again. I hope this helps.
    Take care, Martha
  • griffinherbert
    griffinherbert Member Posts: 10
    #7
    scparra38 said:

    Hello

    My husband, had part of his esophagus and all of his stomach removed. This was in Aug. of 2003. I am trying to find out some information. I was wondering if maybe you can help since you can relate. I have some ?'s My questions are about diahrea it seems that he was doing okay, between Nov. and Dec. He has had 3 dilations. The 3rd one really worked, because he has been able to eat and swallow food like normal. Since than he has had Diahrea, about 4 or 6 times a day. He is unable to leave the house. or gain any kind of weight. He has had radiation and Chemo back in May,2003 It seems that everything he eats or drinks come straight through. He is unable to gain any weight. he was at 220 when was diagnosed,which was in Jan,2003. he is now down to 124. He is very depressed, very uncomforable, unable to gain any weight or even go anywhere. Please if you or anyone can suggest anything please let us know.

    we had seen the Drs, this thursday that just passed. He basically said that he will be like this for the rest of his life. I can't believe that. I know there is someone out there that has some kind of advise, or suggestions. Can someone please respond. Thank you .

    I have read quite a few stories on this web. it seems that no One has talked about there bowel movements and how it has affected them. Is this normal, i don't think so. I just am unable to understand how anyone can live with Diahrea. I think the DRS. sometimes don't know what to do about this and just give medications to help.

    PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP. VERY VERY DESPERATE.

    MY HUSBAND IF LOSING STILL.... WE ARE IN REMISSION BUT, HE IS STILL LOSING THE BATTLE......

    THANK YOU

    I can also be reached at Chrsmtya@aol.com

    Well, I wish I had better news. Diarrhea is a chronic problem with esophagectomy patients. I am more than 2 years out of 'customization'. I have learned that there are several things that really help. Cardinal Rule: Eat small servings and eat often. I now graze much like a bovine (ha) Cardinal Rule 2: Eat slowly, very slowly; chew extremely well. Without peristalsis (the kneading action of the original stomach) all foodstuffs must be finely ground up before swallowing. Avoid spicy and greasy foods. Eventually the gastric system adapts to it's new mode of operation and the diarrhea gets less and less prevalent. I wish that there was a quick and easy cure, but I don't think there is. hang in there, it does get better with several months. During the first year it helps to keep a 'food log'; you can more easily ascertain foods that are not agreeable by keeping a simple log. Note those foods that cause problems and avoid them for awhile.....

    Lee

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