my esophagial cancer - metastatic to bone

Caballero38
Caballero38 Member Posts: 35
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi Everyone,

Here is an update on what has been going on with me. During the holidays, I broke my neck, don't ask me how, but the pain was excruciating. I went to the ER with a severe neck & head pain and that's when they discovered it was broken.

I was having trouble with my neck for about 2 months before. I thought it was because of the way I was sleeping, but then the pain started getting worse I asked my doctor to send me to physical therapy. I don't know all the technical terms, but it was broken and they needed to fused my neck bones together. I had surgery on my cervical spine to stabilize my head.

I will have the brace for about eight weeks and I won’t be able to move my head from side to side more than 1/2 an inch from now on.

Okay so here is a question I have for you.

I had Esophageal Cancer and an esophagectomy. I was recovering well from that surgery and it seemed that I was cancer free for a little bit. Two months later, they did a biopsy on my rib because they saw some activity when I had a CT scan, they found it was cancer. I guess this is what is called metastasized to the bones. The treatment is chemo and radiation.

I don't know weather I should do treatment or not. I'm not sure if the treatment will extend my life all that much and if it is worth all the pain and discomfort it brings.

What are your thoughts??? Any thought would help.

Thanks,
«1

Comments

  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #2
    Go for the treatments!
    Hey Cab,
    Wow! You have been through it for sure! Unbelieveable that you were functioning with a broken neck for so long. I look at cancer this way, if there is treatment available to fight the cancer, go for it. Do not let this nasty beast be the one to win the battle. My dad survived ec. Now it has spread to his liver. Chemo is the option. My dad and I have an agreement, as long as there is treatment available, he is not terminal, he has to keep fighting. He can not give up. When the drs tell us there is nothing more they can do for him, he can give up.

    From your picture, you look young. You have a lot of life ahead of you. You might as well have the treatments, and have a good quality of life, than give up and suffer so much more.
    You have to go down fighting. There is always that chance of beating it and surviving!

    Hope this helps. Keep us posted. Prayers are being sent your way.
    Tina
  • Caballero38
    Caballero38 Member Posts: 35
    #3
    my memory is not the same
    I totaly forgot I had mentioned my neck brakage in another post. I was reading Williams post and didn't notice I had responded to it. I couldn't figure out how the bone brakage was known. LOL anyways, I think I'm just confusing myself, please excuse my babbeling...
  • Caballero38
    Caballero38 Member Posts: 35
    #4
    Tina Blondek said:

    Go for the treatments!
    Hey Cab,
    Wow! You have been through it for sure! Unbelieveable that you were functioning with a broken neck for so long. I look at cancer this way, if there is treatment available to fight the cancer, go for it. Do not let this nasty beast be the one to win the battle. My dad survived ec. Now it has spread to his liver. Chemo is the option. My dad and I have an agreement, as long as there is treatment available, he is not terminal, he has to keep fighting. He can not give up. When the drs tell us there is nothing more they can do for him, he can give up.

    From your picture, you look young. You have a lot of life ahead of you. You might as well have the treatments, and have a good quality of life, than give up and suffer so much more.
    You have to go down fighting. There is always that chance of beating it and surviving!

    Hope this helps. Keep us posted. Prayers are being sent your way.
    Tina

    Thank you Tina
    I kinda know the right thing to do is "fight". I'm just wondering when do you know when its time to throw in the towel. My Dr. Said Months with out treatment and he said maybe make it to the year with treatment. It just left me thinking, do I have it in me to fight for a few months?

    That is a question that I must search deep and pray for courage from our creator.

    For now, I do have the treatment start scheduled for next week and unless, I feel I'm really done with the fight before then, I'm planning on going through with it.

    Thanks for your post and prayers, it means a lot to me.

    Luis
  • Betty in Vegas
    Betty in Vegas Member Posts: 290 Member
    #5
    Well, I have heard of folks who had cancer in the bones...
    and had the spots radiated and went into remission. So I would probably go for the treatment. I will be praying for you!

    Betty
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #6
    Betty in Vegas said:

    Well, I have heard of folks who had cancer in the bones...
    and had the spots radiated and went into remission. So I would probably go for the treatment. I will be praying for you!

    Betty

    Hey Luis
    Have you not read any of my posts about Al. He is actually in the hospital as I am posting this with mets to his lumbar spine. He has a broken spine. Do the darn treatments. We know that so far it is the only place that he has mets and he was going to have some chemo after his surgery any way just as they say catch anything thay still may be floating around.

    Go back and read my posts. We are there and are doing it.

    Sorry I am being a little harsh. If Al can do it so can you.

    God Bless,
    Kath
  • Caballero38
    Caballero38 Member Posts: 35
    #7
    mumphy said:

    Hey Luis
    Have you not read any of my posts about Al. He is actually in the hospital as I am posting this with mets to his lumbar spine. He has a broken spine. Do the darn treatments. We know that so far it is the only place that he has mets and he was going to have some chemo after his surgery any way just as they say catch anything thay still may be floating around.

    Go back and read my posts. We are there and are doing it.

    Sorry I am being a little harsh. If Al can do it so can you.

    God Bless,
    Kath

    Thanks for the kick in the rear Kath
    Hi Kath,

    Thank you for posting while you and Al are going through this. I wasn't able to post while I was in the hospital.

    I have to give you a big THANK YOU for letting me know. I wouldn't have noticed your post because I didn't know what "mets" is/was. But, let me tell you, I did go back and read through some of your post and I can clearly see now that I should not give up. I was just a little afraid from the uncertainty of what is to come.

    I will definitely put on the gloves and fight this thing with all I have and with the help from you all here on the CSN family and my family and friends I will be able to do this thing with a high level of support.

    I will keep you all posted. I have my first Chemo on the 13th (my lucky number) and Start the radiation soon within a couple of weeks..

    Thanks again Kath, I will keep you and Al in my prayers


    Luis
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #8
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
    #9
    Hi Luis,
    What ever you
    Hi Luis,

    What ever you decide---you know you are not alone... I think you will know if there is a time to "let nature take it's course". But God gave us these great doctors and "Possibilities" ---maybe it won't be as hard as you think. Some chemo is not as hard on the body...
    you surely (as well as AL and others on this site) will be in my prayers! Take one day at a time.
    Kim
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #10
    K_ann1015 said:

    Hi Luis,
    What ever you
    Hi Luis,

    What ever you decide---you know you are not alone... I think you will know if there is a time to "let nature take it's course". But God gave us these great doctors and "Possibilities" ---maybe it won't be as hard as you think. Some chemo is not as hard on the body...
    you surely (as well as AL and others on this site) will be in my prayers! Take one day at a time.
    Kim

    Luis
    Hi Luis,
    I was really sad when I read your first post about your neck but amazed at what you have been thru and still are on the board and keeping us informed. Please do what you feel is right but I would not give up, if the drs say they have seen remissions thru treatment, give yourself that chance. I have 2 friends with Stage Iv lung cancer and colon cancer respectively, they are being treated as if they have chronic diseases. My friend with the colon cancer has had 3 set backs one including 3 mets to the liver and after treatment her liver is clear, she never gives up and the drs always seem to come up with another option. We are all here for you, hope you have good support at home and you know all of us will keep you in our daily prayers. Please take care and keep us posted.
    Donna70
  • meena1
    meena1 Member Posts: 1,003
    #11
    Donna70 said:

    Luis
    Hi Luis,
    I was really sad when I read your first post about your neck but amazed at what you have been thru and still are on the board and keeping us informed. Please do what you feel is right but I would not give up, if the drs say they have seen remissions thru treatment, give yourself that chance. I have 2 friends with Stage Iv lung cancer and colon cancer respectively, they are being treated as if they have chronic diseases. My friend with the colon cancer has had 3 set backs one including 3 mets to the liver and after treatment her liver is clear, she never gives up and the drs always seem to come up with another option. We are all here for you, hope you have good support at home and you know all of us will keep you in our daily prayers. Please take care and keep us posted.
    Donna70

    Luis, i have breast cancer.
    Luis, i have breast cancer. I usually post on the breast cancer board, however, i do read the other boards since i am stage 4 and there are not too many on the breast cancer boards who are stage 4. I just wanted to give you Hope. I was diagnosed in July 2008 with breast cancer with mets to the bones in my spine, T-10 to be exact. i had chemo, a masectomy, rad to my breast. Right now, i am in remission, the mets are stable. I do have a small amount of back pain, but very tolerable. I receive treatment of drug called Zometa every 4 weeks. It is given intravenously through my port. it does have some side effects, but not like chemo. It is supposed to strengthn my bones. So, please do not give up. This is treatable, been 1 1/2 years for me, and i am NED. i wish you luck and i will keep you in my prayers.
  • jethro-t
    jethro-t Member Posts: 20
    #12
    my husband -mets to bones too
    I am caregiver for my husband (Hal) who was diagnosed Dec. 1st with EC. It was first thought to be confined to esophagus wall, but further test reveal mets to lymphs, ribs, tailbone, chest wall and muscles throughout. Of course, we were shocked too. He is experiencing great deal of pain in his legs, not sure if this is related, but having more tests.
    But he is fighting since we can't have the surgery (stage IV), we are having both radiation and chemo at the same time. Trying to shrink the original site and help him get to eating real food again soon, and then trying to slow down and kill the other spots throughout his body. Drs even talking about hitting some other spots with radiation too.

    I hope you find the encouragement here to begin your treatment! We will pray for you too!

    Rhonda (jethro-t)
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #13
    jethro-t said:

    my husband -mets to bones too
    I am caregiver for my husband (Hal) who was diagnosed Dec. 1st with EC. It was first thought to be confined to esophagus wall, but further test reveal mets to lymphs, ribs, tailbone, chest wall and muscles throughout. Of course, we were shocked too. He is experiencing great deal of pain in his legs, not sure if this is related, but having more tests.
    But he is fighting since we can't have the surgery (stage IV), we are having both radiation and chemo at the same time. Trying to shrink the original site and help him get to eating real food again soon, and then trying to slow down and kill the other spots throughout his body. Drs even talking about hitting some other spots with radiation too.

    I hope you find the encouragement here to begin your treatment! We will pray for you too!

    Rhonda (jethro-t)

    Checking in with you Lou
    Hey Lou,
    Glad to see you took Kath's kick to your rear seriously!! Today is the 13th, your lucky # and day of your treatment. Hope it all goes well for you! Keep those boxing gloves on and knock this cancer out in the first round!! Best of luck to you, keep us posted. Praying for you.
    Tina
  • Caballero38
    Caballero38 Member Posts: 35
    #14
    Tina Blondek said:

    Checking in with you Lou
    Hey Lou,
    Glad to see you took Kath's kick to your rear seriously!! Today is the 13th, your lucky # and day of your treatment. Hope it all goes well for you! Keep those boxing gloves on and knock this cancer out in the first round!! Best of luck to you, keep us posted. Praying for you.
    Tina

    Update
    Hi All,

    Thanks for your post. Everyone of your words helps me feel that I am not alone in this fight. It is different to talk to someone going through similiar sittuations than my family and friends beause you know exactly what we are going through.

    Especially with the very important choises we must make in order to try to maintain ourselves in this wonderful world and spend a few more moments with our family and friends.

    I had my first treatment of chemo for this round, cuz I did have chemo before my esophagectomy. It only has been a couple of days since the chemo, I don't feel any different. I am actually feeling a lot more hungry than normal. Today a little more pain than normal, but all in all I feel fine.

    Thanks again for taking the time to send me your messages of insperation and support.

    Many thanks,

    Luis
  • Betty in Vegas
    Betty in Vegas Member Posts: 290 Member
    #15
    Caballero38 said:

    Update
    Hi All,

    Thanks for your post. Everyone of your words helps me feel that I am not alone in this fight. It is different to talk to someone going through similiar sittuations than my family and friends beause you know exactly what we are going through.

    Especially with the very important choises we must make in order to try to maintain ourselves in this wonderful world and spend a few more moments with our family and friends.

    I had my first treatment of chemo for this round, cuz I did have chemo before my esophagectomy. It only has been a couple of days since the chemo, I don't feel any different. I am actually feeling a lot more hungry than normal. Today a little more pain than normal, but all in all I feel fine.

    Thanks again for taking the time to send me your messages of insperation and support.

    Many thanks,

    Luis

    Luis, you are my hero
    What an amazing guy you are...

    Betty
  • Pghmomma
    Pghmomma Member Posts: 141
    #16
    Betty in Vegas said:

    Luis, you are my hero
    What an amazing guy you are...

    Betty

    Luis
    I am SO glad you buckled down and went to fight this BEAST instead of just giving up! You are a very strong person, keep your head up high and we will be thinking of you!
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #17
    Pghmomma said:

    Luis
    I am SO glad you buckled down and went to fight this BEAST instead of just giving up! You are a very strong person, keep your head up high and we will be thinking of you!

    Hi Luis
    I'm just wondereing how much did you weight right now, after your surgery what was your lowest weight. I'm not sure if they will start Al's chemo because he only weight about I'm guessing 145#. He won't let me weigh him because he doesn't want to be discouraged.

    Thanks,
    God Bless,
    Kath
  • Pghmomma
    Pghmomma Member Posts: 141
    #18
    mumphy said:

    Hi Luis
    I'm just wondereing how much did you weight right now, after your surgery what was your lowest weight. I'm not sure if they will start Al's chemo because he only weight about I'm guessing 145#. He won't let me weigh him because he doesn't want to be discouraged.

    Thanks,
    God Bless,
    Kath

    Kath
    I noticed you said you think Al is only at 145. My dad started this at 161. He is not 150. Was at 147.5 four days ago but gained some weight. Im sure that they run chemo based on body weight. But I know that DR. Gibson will not do anything risky. and if he feels hes not strong enough he will not start him. Just like he said too my dad.
  • Caballero38
    Caballero38 Member Posts: 35
    #19
    mumphy said:

    Hi Luis
    I'm just wondereing how much did you weight right now, after your surgery what was your lowest weight. I'm not sure if they will start Al's chemo because he only weight about I'm guessing 145#. He won't let me weigh him because he doesn't want to be discouraged.

    Thanks,
    God Bless,
    Kath

    Hi Kath,
    I Have maintained myself at around 140. I weighed 135 the last time I went to the doctor. and they did start chemo for me. I hope the Doctors choose what's best for your husband.

    Keeping you in prayer,

    Luis
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #20
    Pghmomma said:

    Kath
    I noticed you said you think Al is only at 145. My dad started this at 161. He is not 150. Was at 147.5 four days ago but gained some weight. Im sure that they run chemo based on body weight. But I know that DR. Gibson will not do anything risky. and if he feels hes not strong enough he will not start him. Just like he said too my dad.

    Kath
    Hi Kath,
    I am supposed to start chemo with the taxotere in a couple of weeks and I weigh 124 lbs on a good day. I am getting j tube feedings at night and eating 6 times a day. The dr gave me 8 wks to recover from the surgery before I start the chemo but did not know there was a precaution about weight for chemo??? they did make me do tube ng feedings before surgery because I weighed too little 121 and they said I would not heal. I hope the drs make the right decision for Al so he gets thru the chemo smoothly. Getting scared of mine after I found out your fingernails can fall off and you might get transfusions but glad I am around to try to beat it out of me forever, hopefully and that is what I hope for all of us here. take care,
    Donna70
  • MAE66
    MAE66 Member Posts: 66
    #21
    Caballero38 said:

    Hi Kath,
    I Have maintained myself at around 140. I weighed 135 the last time I went to the doctor. and they did start chemo for me. I hope the Doctors choose what's best for your husband.

    Keeping you in prayer,

    Luis

    I am cheering you on, and
    I am cheering you on, and hope that the rest of your treatments go as well as the first.

    Susan

Discussion Boards