GOOD PETSCAN RESULTS

linda1120
linda1120 Member Posts: 389
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Jim and I have spent the last week in Portland, Oregon seeing cardiologists and surgeons regarding his possible surgery. The lymph nodes (4) have all shrunk and the tumor has shrunk considerably. There is no metastasis to any organs or bones. The surgeon says it is a great petscan and he can remove all cancer with the surgery; the chemotherapy and radiation did their job. Jim has a heart condition that is going to put him at a higher risk in the surgery, but without the surgery the cancer will takeover, so we are moving forward. The cardiologist we saw does not believe a valvuloplasty will increase the opening of the aortic valve enough to make it worthwhile. He will be monitoring him during surgery and with using medication and keeping the blood pressure down he can help Jim through the surgery. They will be doing a MIE the beginning of January. I feel numb and wonder why I am not jumping through hoops with joy, but I have so many doubts and concerns and know too much after perusing this website! I guess I know what he is facing and have such concern about his heart and surviving the surgery. Thank you all for your prayers and posts the last month.

Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #2
    Glad to hear to you got "Good News".
    Linda,

    I know the idea of surgery is frightening, particularly with Jim’s cardiac issues. But as my oncologist once told me; “thank God, he is a candidate for surgery”.

    We will be praying that the surgery is totally successful and you and Jim can get back to enjoying life to the fullest!!!

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    6/21/2010 CT Scan NED

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #4
    Great News!
    Linda, I can certainly understand your fears. But thankfully he is able to do the surgery! You must trust God and go for it. You know what will happen if you don't.

    Question... why are they waiting until January? As we all know, keeping one step ahead of the
    "beast" is so important. I would have wanted the surgery yesterday. January seems like a much too long of a wait!

    My prayers continue for you both.

    Blessings,

    Sally
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #5
    Go for the surgery
    Great he is getting the MIE. Don't be afraid of dealing with post-op needs. If I can figure out what to do with many trials and errors, anyone can. My husband had the Ivor Lewis so already you have an opportunity for less problems. He, too, had a history of 4 bypass heart operation and had to undergo all of this with torn rotator cuffs. Yes, both of them. A lot of his digestive problems came from having been a big eater and wanting to eat too much and even though it was less than he used to eat, old patterns had to adjust. Likewise, chewing, chewing, chewing. He finally got the picture and has stopped losing weight and gaining somewhat. Ups and downs but now, more ups than downs. Don't be in a hurry. It takes at least six months for your body to stop punishing you for what it's been through. My husband has gone from a pale, ashen grey when he was at work and on a quad cane because he was hospitalized for so long that muscles atrophied to a healthy pink and walking over to the courthouse without assistance. Still working on lung expansion but it's coming along. He hates to stop working to take time to eat so he's been eating lots of Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars. Although the j-tube required attention, he liked the fact he didn't have to stop to eat. I am a klutz and spilled water, forgot to close off the tube, and whatever and he not only survived me--he thrived. I kept a log of blood pressure, sugar, weight, bodily functions, pain and fatigue levels and medicine and continue to do so. At first little change, but the numbers are much better. He's attending Sunday School. One Sunday, two men had to help him to the car. Today, he walked out with an acquaintance, never giving walking a second thought. He has a PET scan in February. I will be asking for prayers then as we pray for his continued good health. Your husband's heart is of concern but the surgeon would not attempt the surgery if he/she did not have reasonable confidence that the surgery will be successful. May your Christmas be joyful and full of blessings.
  • Bobs1wife
    Bobs1wife Member Posts: 150
    #6
    Wonderful news!
    Linda, I understand that you are scared, and now the surgery is eminent. But when I would get overwhelmed with it all, I always reminded myself that it was the best news that we could get, and that we had gone through a lot to prepare for it. It is turning the page to a new chapter, and you are now going for a peek at a chance for a happy ending. Relief, anxiety, and all goes with it, and sometimes it is conflicting. I'm sure they are all very normal emotions. Kind of a hooray, he's having surgery, and an oh no, he's having surgery!

    I also wonder why they are waiting so long for surgery. My husband had to have a final scan right before surgery, well within a couple of days. If there was anything different from the previous all clear scan they said they would cancel surgery. Linda
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #7
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    answers to questions
    Hi Sherri,

    The celiac node shrunk! I am so grateful, and the surgeon said that he is not concerned about the celiac node and will be getting it and others in the area out with the surgery. He said Jim is a stage III and that the old rating for celiac involvement was IVa. This is the stage our oncologist gave us as well. The surgeon said the number of lymph nodes involved is how they now determine the treatment for the cancer. Unfortunately Jim didn't have the EUS before treatment, so we will never know the true staging. The protocol after the surgery is to get Jim back on his feet and if he needs chemo that will be given, but hopefully not. The cardiologist told us that Jim's aortic valve is severe and needs to be replaced as soon as he recovers. He said if he didn't have cancer he would advise it being done now.

    We asked if we should have the surgery the 15th as originally planned and he told us that waiting until the 5th of January is still in the frame of time that is safe. His terminology was more technical, but I can't remember it. He also told Jim that he understands he would want a Christmas with family before facing such a serious surgery. He warned us of Jim's increased risk with his heart valve, as well as the cardiologist.

    A j-tube will be inserted when he has surgery on the 5th of January. He said it will remain in as long as Jim needs it. I wanted one now, but they didn't feel it was necessary.

    I have so many questions and concerns reeling through my brain but we are trying to take one step at a time. We are both so grateful Jim has hope for the future.

    Linda
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #8
    linda1120 said:

    answers to questions
    Hi Sherri,

    The celiac node shrunk! I am so grateful, and the surgeon said that he is not concerned about the celiac node and will be getting it and others in the area out with the surgery. He said Jim is a stage III and that the old rating for celiac involvement was IVa. This is the stage our oncologist gave us as well. The surgeon said the number of lymph nodes involved is how they now determine the treatment for the cancer. Unfortunately Jim didn't have the EUS before treatment, so we will never know the true staging. The protocol after the surgery is to get Jim back on his feet and if he needs chemo that will be given, but hopefully not. The cardiologist told us that Jim's aortic valve is severe and needs to be replaced as soon as he recovers. He said if he didn't have cancer he would advise it being done now.

    We asked if we should have the surgery the 15th as originally planned and he told us that waiting until the 5th of January is still in the frame of time that is safe. His terminology was more technical, but I can't remember it. He also told Jim that he understands he would want a Christmas with family before facing such a serious surgery. He warned us of Jim's increased risk with his heart valve, as well as the cardiologist.

    A j-tube will be inserted when he has surgery on the 5th of January. He said it will remain in as long as Jim needs it. I wanted one now, but they didn't feel it was necessary.

    I have so many questions and concerns reeling through my brain but we are trying to take one step at a time. We are both so grateful Jim has hope for the future.

    Linda

    Great News
    Hello Linda and Jim
    Thank you for your recent update! I am so so happy that you went for that second opinion! Great news. You have done the right thing, and found a great place with a great surgeon. Yes, Linda, you will be feeling overwhelmed. All normal. You are a great wife and a great caregiver. Give yourself some "me" time. You both enjoy your holidays. We will be praying for you especially on Jan. 5th. Keep us up to date. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
    Tina in Va
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #9
    Linda, Great news on the
    Linda, Great news on the recent scan. It was always such a releaf to me to get a good report and to be moving forward. I'm glad he will have the mie. I had the ivor lewis, but I did well afterwards. Just a lot of life changes.It's been 2 1/2 yrs since surgery, and I thank God for how well I am doing.
    I went thru the christmas season with chemo starting on Jan 2 and then surgery in May. I truly can say that every day held so much more meaning for me because I knew what was facing me. Enjoy this season to the fullest and make a lot of good memories. Even in our darkest hours God is so Good!
    Will be praying for you both, Sandra
  • oriontj
    oriontj Member Posts: 375
    #10
    As Tom's oncologist says
    Thank God period for any good news.

    jan

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