Tumor around the esophagus at the GE junction

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jcdeaver
jcdeaver Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
My brother's cancer is carsinoma of the GE juntion stage 4,st but we were told that the tumor was on the outside of the esophagus and that the esophagus actually goes thru the tumor. I have done as much research on E.C. as possible but have not seen any information on this condition. The last CAT scan shows the tumor at 9cm at it's greatest point.
The doctor told us that surgery was not an option. He has started chemo and the doctor said radiation would be done after they see how the chemo has done.
Has anyone heard of, or had experience with this type of tumor.

Thank you all, and God bless.

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  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #2
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    no experience
    Did you find out if it was squamous or adenoma type? I dont have any experience with this type and have not heard anyone speak of that kind of situation. Hoping that the chemo works and your brother can proceed with radiation. It seems for Stage IV chemo is done alot, but there are others who are experts in stage IV treatment. I will keep you and your brother and his family in my prayers, sorry could not be of more help.
    Donna70
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • jcdeaver
    jcdeaver Member Posts: 9
    #4
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    My brother tumor is Adenocarcinoma
    We were told that the cancer is Adenocarcinoma of the GE juntion and that it was surrounding the esophagus like a donut. They didn't tell us where it startedd but his GI doctor said it was an ulserated tumor. Now that we have had time ti think we will have more questions to ask the doctor but Iwas hoping someone might be able to help.
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #5
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    jcdeaver said:

    My brother tumor is Adenocarcinoma
    We were told that the cancer is Adenocarcinoma of the GE juntion and that it was surrounding the esophagus like a donut. They didn't tell us where it startedd but his GI doctor said it was an ulserated tumor. Now that we have had time ti think we will have more questions to ask the doctor but Iwas hoping someone might be able to help.

    you can email Dr. Schraeder
    Hi,
    I am the one seeing Dr. Schraeder too and if you have some questions you can email him it is on the card: richardschraeder@catholichealth.net. He is pretty good at answering emails. Just list them. Sometimes you don't want to wait till the next visit. The nurses and staff at the Cancer Institute are really great and kind and often think of ways to alleviate some of the side effects. I wish I could be of more help but my cancer is squamous cell and started on the inside of my upper esophagus and was going thru the tissues outward, different from your brother's case. I thought Jim's case sounds more like your brothers. Good luck to your brother, prayers for all of you.
    Donna70
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #6
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    I totally relate to your
    I totally relate to your situation! My father was diagnosed in March '10 with stage IV gastroesophageal junction cancer. His tumor is also on the outside of his esophagus. He was told that surgery wasn't an option either. He went through 6 weeks of radiation and is currently doing chemo to keep the tumor under control. He has lost weight and grown weaker but says he feels really good. His scans showed that he also had several liver mets and lymph nodes that where positive. He just got new scans on Friday and they showed that the lymph nodes have shrunk to "normal" size and the liver mets are barely noticeable. The main tumor that is growing on the outside of his esophagus has not changed however.

    I'm just curious if the tumor being on the "outside" may mean a different scenerio as far as life expectancy? I guess the one blessing if he has to endure this awful journey is the fact that he has no problems whatsoever with swallowing or eating. Thus, he is eating like a horse and maintaining his weight to where it was when he was first diagnosed.

    I continue to search the web for information on his type of tumor as well, but I think I've hit a wall! Let me know if you find some new information.

    Blessing to you and your brother as well!
  • rp0507
    rp0507 Member Posts: 1
    #7
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    Carcinoma of GE Stage 4
    My father has been diagnosed with this condition on 5th July and he underwent one cycle of chemo and is scheduled another cycle on 29th July. Though he had a tough time on the 6th day after Chemo 1, he is doing well today. He has been advised 3 cycles before a scan is done. Can anybody share any similar experience of what to expect? He is 66 years old and is fighting this very bravely.
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #8
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    My Dad
    Hello and welcome to our EC family. Sorry to hear of your dad's dx. My dad, Ray was dx in Nov 08 with stage IV ec at the gi junction. He had 6 wks of chemo and radiation. After the 6 weeks of treatment, the tumor had shrunk and he went into remission. A year later the cancer had spread to his liver, and into the liver bile duct. Surgery was also not an option for my dad. Stents were put into his esophagus and his liver's bile duct. Two months later after suffering with side effects from chemo and pain meds, he peacefully passed away. Everyone is different and responds differently. Stay positive as much as possible. Ask a lot of questions. Seek a second opinion whenever you feel it is necessary.
    Keep in touch.
    Tina in Va

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