Second endoscopic procedure

slydog11
slydog11 Member Posts: 40
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Eight weeks in to Stage IVb chemo with a 30% reduction in tumor size I've developed acute pain at times when eating or drinking at the location of the tumor. Oncologist has theories but has scheduled another endoscopy to confirm basis of problem. Has anyone else had similar problems? Like I said, it comes and goes and does not follow a pattern as to what I eat.

Any experience would help.

Thanks.

Paul

Comments

  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #2
    Hey Paul
    Hey Paul Slydog11
    Hmmmm....sounds to me that you may possibly be experiencing some blockage from scar tissue. My dad had this. The scar tissue comes from the chemo and radiation treatments. The next scope will determine this for you. If it is scar tissue, the dr will perform a dilation to open up the esophagus. They might also suggest putting in a stent to hold the esophagus open. My dad had a couple of dilations done, they did not work too well, then had a stent put in and it worked great. Stents get a bad rap a lot of the time, but it worked for my dad. Some things work for others, some things don't. It is a gamble you must take. Hope it all works out for you, I am sure it will. Stay in touch!
    Tina in Va
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • JimsBrother
    JimsBrother Member Posts: 94
    #4
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Very well said
    Sherri,

    I always learn something for your posts. You explain everything so well that there are no questions after reading them. Just wanted to make mention of that and give you some kudo's.

    Paul,

    Congrats on the 30% reduction. I don't know what the target percentage they hope for at this point in your treatments, but 30% sounds pretty good. Have they given you any ideas regarding surgery? I don't recall if you have mentioned this in the past.

    I hope and pray your results of the next endo are good ones and your pain issue is resolved quickly.

    Best wishes for you,
    Rob
  • slydog11
    slydog11 Member Posts: 40
    #5
    JimsBrother said:

    Very well said
    Sherri,

    I always learn something for your posts. You explain everything so well that there are no questions after reading them. Just wanted to make mention of that and give you some kudo's.

    Paul,

    Congrats on the 30% reduction. I don't know what the target percentage they hope for at this point in your treatments, but 30% sounds pretty good. Have they given you any ideas regarding surgery? I don't recall if you have mentioned this in the past.

    I hope and pray your results of the next endo are good ones and your pain issue is resolved quickly.

    Best wishes for you,
    Rob

    No surgery
    Hi Rob,

    No, I was diagnosed stage IVb, chemo only course of treatment.

    Hope Jim is doing well.

    Paul

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