In a fix???

mishti
mishti Member Posts: 24
in Esophageal Cancer #1
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in Feb this year. He went through 4 rounds of chemo and 35 days of radiation. Now after the treatment, his pet scan has shown an hot spot at the place of origin but his biopsy report has come clean. Radiation guys have been suggesting that keep biopsy away as the more biopsy may rupture the esophagus as it has been damaged by the treatment. However, Chemo guys suggest we should go for another round of endoscopy with sonography as the cancer cell could exist in the muscles and biopsy may have been taken from the superficial layers. We are in a fix as on what should be done. Has anyone experienced something like this before.

Comments

  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #2
    Had the biopsy with the same worry...
    Yes. Went through the same issue. The biopsy through the throat, with the scope and ultrasound, is not as invasive or risky and I did not have any problems with a rupture or tear.
    They tell you, there is ALWAYS the risk, but it should be FINE if they go through his throat to get another biopsy. The radiation makes the tissue raw and tender, but through the esophagus, it should not be a big deal, mine wasn't. The chemo guys should talk WITH the radiation oncology team and not leave you as the go-between. MAKE THEM TALK! They put this work on us, too once. ONCE!

    Hope I understand what you asked correctly. They told me that they didn't want to disturb the tumor with another biopsy, but the Endoscopy doctor said there was little risk, so we went for it, and had NO problems. That was in late June. Never had a complication.

    Best of luck, keep us posted!
    God bless. We are praying for all of you!
    -Eric

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