Plz Help .....

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sham81
sham81 Member Posts: 41
in Esophageal Cancer #1
HI,

My dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer almost 2 months back. After pet scan the finding were tht cancer hasnt spread to any other organ or lymp nodes , but they found a mildy fdg avid rounded enhancing lesion on left adernal gland , but the doctor said its a unlikely site for cancer to spread. The Pet SCan opinion was as follows

"In this Known case of carcinoma esophagus, Pet ct findings are suggestive of intensely FDG avid heterogeneously enhancing circumferential wall thickening involving lower thoracic esophagus with significant luminal compromise, as describe above.

Mildly FDG avid rounded enhancing lesion in lateral limb of left adenal gland, ? adenoma ? Metastases .

FDG avid bilateral axillary , internal and external iliacs and inguinal lymph nodes, likely inflamatory "


Other than this the detail given which might be useful
"Intensely FDG avid (suv max 22.0) heterogeneously enhancing circumferential wall thickening is noted in lower thoracic esophagus, measuring approximately 2.3 cm in maximal thickness and approximately 6 cm in length with significant luminal compromise "

endoscopy has revealed the mass lesion from 28 cm to 38 cm in esophagus.

The doctors have decided to give dad 25 session radio therapy which includes 5 chemotherapy, than after that they plan to give him radiation while doing endoscopy and than perform surgery if needed ..



Plz can anyone tell me tht how can we beat this cancer and improve my dad's chances to fight and survive .....

plzzzzzz

A humble request

Comments

  • NGC1514
    NGC1514 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #2
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    No magic bullets
    Sham,

    Everyone I know who has survived esophageal cancer has done so by doing what the doctors recommend. You didn't state where your father was being seen, but for his, and your, peace of mind, a second opinion at a major cancer center (MD Anderson, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic..etc) may be in order. If the second opinion counters the first, you might consider a third opinion.

    There is no magic bullet for EC. Most of us go through the same chemo, radiation and surgery regimen. My only objection to the plan put forth by the doctors is the "surgery if needed." Surgery is the cure for esophageal cancer. Radiation and chemo are used to help insure a successful resection of the tumor. Low stage cancer patients usually ONLY get surgery. I have read far too many stories by people who decided not to have surgery because chemo and radiation seemed to have eliminated the cancer and then had the disease return soon afterwards.

    Surgery should be your father's goal.

    Eric in Atlanta
    11 year EC survivor
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #3
    Options
    Other with more experience
    Other with more experience will soon reply.

    Much of the medical report was way over my head; however, if they are thinking he can have surgery, he has a fighting chance. So much depends on outcomes of treatment and just what else is going on.

    So, come back to this site as often as possible and tell the group the Stage of his cancer, where he is being treated, what type of surgery is anticipated, how he's doing right now, and whatever else comes to mind.

    There are many participants in this group who have had surgery and are living full lives. The treatment is challenging but doable. There are many who cannot have surgery, but are learning to make the best of a bad situation.

    Please keep us informed. BMGky
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #4
    Options
    NGC1514 said:

    No magic bullets
    Sham,

    Everyone I know who has survived esophageal cancer has done so by doing what the doctors recommend. You didn't state where your father was being seen, but for his, and your, peace of mind, a second opinion at a major cancer center (MD Anderson, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic..etc) may be in order. If the second opinion counters the first, you might consider a third opinion.

    There is no magic bullet for EC. Most of us go through the same chemo, radiation and surgery regimen. My only objection to the plan put forth by the doctors is the "surgery if needed." Surgery is the cure for esophageal cancer. Radiation and chemo are used to help insure a successful resection of the tumor. Low stage cancer patients usually ONLY get surgery. I have read far too many stories by people who decided not to have surgery because chemo and radiation seemed to have eliminated the cancer and then had the disease return soon afterwards.

    Surgery should be your father's goal.

    Eric in Atlanta
    11 year EC survivor

    I'm glad you are posting.
    I'm glad you are posting. Your information is so helpful, and your health status is encouraging. It keeps us having positive thoughts. My husband had surgery in April, 2010, and is soon approaching his two year anniversary. We are very humble and thankful for the opportunity he had to have the surgery.

    Please continue to post as it is such a positive addition. BMGky
  • sham81
    sham81 Member Posts: 41
    #5
    Options
    NGC1514 said:

    No magic bullets
    Sham,

    Everyone I know who has survived esophageal cancer has done so by doing what the doctors recommend. You didn't state where your father was being seen, but for his, and your, peace of mind, a second opinion at a major cancer center (MD Anderson, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic..etc) may be in order. If the second opinion counters the first, you might consider a third opinion.

    There is no magic bullet for EC. Most of us go through the same chemo, radiation and surgery regimen. My only objection to the plan put forth by the doctors is the "surgery if needed." Surgery is the cure for esophageal cancer. Radiation and chemo are used to help insure a successful resection of the tumor. Low stage cancer patients usually ONLY get surgery. I have read far too many stories by people who decided not to have surgery because chemo and radiation seemed to have eliminated the cancer and then had the disease return soon afterwards.

    Surgery should be your father's goal.

    Eric in Atlanta
    11 year EC survivor

    Hi Eric
    Thxs for u r advise ...i am located in India and my dad is getting his treatment done from New Delhi ....i have taken opinions of three different Doctors frm usa and australia other than one treating my dad all say the ongoing treatment is the best as of now.....my aunt and my uncle both are doctors as well (general physician) they are looking after my dad ....even they want a surgery but as the tumor was to big to operate the doctor suggested chemo n radiation n than surgery (here the opinion varies of all the doctors abt the surgery) ....

    Which stage were u diagnosed at ? how long did it take for u to recover ....?
  • sham81
    sham81 Member Posts: 41
    #6
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    BMGky said:

    Other with more experience
    Other with more experience will soon reply.

    Much of the medical report was way over my head; however, if they are thinking he can have surgery, he has a fighting chance. So much depends on outcomes of treatment and just what else is going on.

    So, come back to this site as often as possible and tell the group the Stage of his cancer, where he is being treated, what type of surgery is anticipated, how he's doing right now, and whatever else comes to mind.

    There are many participants in this group who have had surgery and are living full lives. The treatment is challenging but doable. There are many who cannot have surgery, but are learning to make the best of a bad situation.

    Please keep us informed. BMGky

    Hi BmGky
    I think it's a stage 2 .....according to doctors but there is a small tumor on left adernal gland which the doctors think is probably not malign ......keeping my finger crossed
  • NGC1514
    NGC1514 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #7
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    sham81 said:

    Hi Eric
    Thxs for u r advise ...i am located in India and my dad is getting his treatment done from New Delhi ....i have taken opinions of three different Doctors frm usa and australia other than one treating my dad all say the ongoing treatment is the best as of now.....my aunt and my uncle both are doctors as well (general physician) they are looking after my dad ....even they want a surgery but as the tumor was to big to operate the doctor suggested chemo n radiation n than surgery (here the opinion varies of all the doctors abt the surgery) ....

    Which stage were u diagnosed at ? how long did it take for u to recover ....?

    Staging
    Sham,

    I was initially diagnosed Stage IIb - large tumor with possibly hot lymph nodes. Was downstaged after surgery to IIa with no cancer found in any nodes.

    My surgery took place 2 months before my 55th birthday and it took a year to really feel recovered and 18 months before I felt better than I did before diagnosis. A lot of that was weight loss - went from 220 pounds when diagnosed to 146 lbs. 2 weeks after surgery. I've been holding at 167 or so for most of the last 10 years.

    Not sure how big your father's tumor is, but mine was 7 cm when diagnosed.

    My best to your dad, you and the rest of your family.

    Eric in Atlanta
  • sham81
    sham81 Member Posts: 41
    #8
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    NGC1514 said:

    Staging
    Sham,

    I was initially diagnosed Stage IIb - large tumor with possibly hot lymph nodes. Was downstaged after surgery to IIa with no cancer found in any nodes.

    My surgery took place 2 months before my 55th birthday and it took a year to really feel recovered and 18 months before I felt better than I did before diagnosis. A lot of that was weight loss - went from 220 pounds when diagnosed to 146 lbs. 2 weeks after surgery. I've been holding at 167 or so for most of the last 10 years.

    Not sure how big your father's tumor is, but mine was 7 cm when diagnosed.

    My best to your dad, you and the rest of your family.

    Eric in Atlanta

    Hi Eric
    My father tumor is 10 cm big .....no lymph nodes ...no metasis as per the doctor .....it was too big thts why they went for chemo and radio therapy before surgery his therapy will be over on in a week a now
  • Joel C
    Joel C Member Posts: 174
    #9
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    sham81 said:

    Hi BmGky
    I think it's a stage 2 .....according to doctors but there is a small tumor on left adernal gland which the doctors think is probably not malign ......keeping my finger crossed

    Hi sham81,
    My clinical stage was 2B (T2N1M0). During the staging process the PET/CT showed a 2.1x1.1 cm nodule in the limb of the left adrenal gland (SUVmax 3.6). Like your dad we were concerned that this was metastatic disease. Also like your dad I was told it was unlikely malignant as this would be an unusual place for the EC to spread. We followed up the PET/CT with an MRI of the left kidney and adrenal gland. The MRI verified the nodule was a benign adrenal adenoma. I believe in your dad’s case this could also well be the situation. I hope this information helps ease your anxiety until you get the report on the scan of the adrenal gland.
    Good luck,
    Joel
  • sham81
    sham81 Member Posts: 41
    #10
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    Joel C said:

    Hi sham81,
    My clinical stage was 2B (T2N1M0). During the staging process the PET/CT showed a 2.1x1.1 cm nodule in the limb of the left adrenal gland (SUVmax 3.6). Like your dad we were concerned that this was metastatic disease. Also like your dad I was told it was unlikely malignant as this would be an unusual place for the EC to spread. We followed up the PET/CT with an MRI of the left kidney and adrenal gland. The MRI verified the nodule was a benign adrenal adenoma. I believe in your dad’s case this could also well be the situation. I hope this information helps ease your anxiety until you get the report on the scan of the adrenal gland.
    Good luck,
    Joel

    Thanks Joel
    Thanks a lot Joel u r reply does relieve my anxiety ...in my dad's case it is 1.2 x 1.2 cm on the left adrenal gland (suv max 2.8). .
    Thanks a lot for ur reply Joel. ....God bless....
  • Benbrauer
    Benbrauer Member Posts: 5
    #11
    Options
    Same diagnosis for me
    Your story sounds exactly like me. I have stage four with metastasized cancer in the left adrenal gland and lymph nodes. I had four rounds of chemo, cisplatin and 5fu drugs and 28 radiation treatments. I did not have the surgery and mine is in remission now. I know each case is individule but keep a good attitude and prayers coming and do everything that the doc says. Email me if you want at doyouido@gmail.com. Ben
  • Benbrauer
    Benbrauer Member Posts: 5
    #12
    Options
    Same diagnosis for me
    Your story sounds exactly like me. I have stage four with metastasized cancer in the left adrenal gland and lymph nodes. I had four rounds of chemo, cisplatin and 5fu drugs and 28 radiation treatments. I did not have the surgery and mine is in remission now. I know each case is individule but keep a good attitude and prayers coming and do everything that the doc says. Email me if you want at doyouido@gmail.com. Ben
  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    #13
    Options
    Benbrauer said:

    Same diagnosis for me
    Your story sounds exactly like me. I have stage four with metastasized cancer in the left adrenal gland and lymph nodes. I had four rounds of chemo, cisplatin and 5fu drugs and 28 radiation treatments. I did not have the surgery and mine is in remission now. I know each case is individule but keep a good attitude and prayers coming and do everything that the doc says. Email me if you want at doyouido@gmail.com. Ben

    Joel and Ben
    I would like to know more about how they determined your adrenal gland involvement. My husband has been having low potassium for several months. From what I read this could be from the adrenal gland not working properly. He is going for his second blood test tomorrow. We will not find out the results until after Thanksgiving, that may be followed by a CT. I have questioned Dr. Google about metastasized EC to the adrenal gland and found it is uncommon but does occur. There have been case studies sited that they have done surgery on both the esophagus and the adrenal gland and had some positive results....i.e. longer than 18 month survival at time of case study being published and patient was still alive with good quality per report. My husband has already had the THE surgery.

    Ben & Sham, glad you posted and welcome to our board. Joel, good to hear from you again. I alway enjoy your post, but didn't recall hearing about your adrenal gland before.
  • sham81
    sham81 Member Posts: 41
    #14
    Options
    birdiequeen said:

    Joel and Ben
    I would like to know more about how they determined your adrenal gland involvement. My husband has been having low potassium for several months. From what I read this could be from the adrenal gland not working properly. He is going for his second blood test tomorrow. We will not find out the results until after Thanksgiving, that may be followed by a CT. I have questioned Dr. Google about metastasized EC to the adrenal gland and found it is uncommon but does occur. There have been case studies sited that they have done surgery on both the esophagus and the adrenal gland and had some positive results....i.e. longer than 18 month survival at time of case study being published and patient was still alive with good quality per report. My husband has already had the THE surgery.

    Ben & Sham, glad you posted and welcome to our board. Joel, good to hear from you again. I alway enjoy your post, but didn't recall hearing about your adrenal gland before.

    Hi
    The only way which I know to determine of metasis on the left adrenal gland is through pet scan but than as it is an unlikely site for esophagus cancer to metasis the only sure shot way of conforming is to take it out while having surgery and send it to lab for testing........
    And this Ben for u r reply. But I think my dad is stage 2 ......at least that's wat is I am hoping for ...
  • sham81
    sham81 Member Posts: 41
    #15
    Options
    birdiequeen said:

    Joel and Ben
    I would like to know more about how they determined your adrenal gland involvement. My husband has been having low potassium for several months. From what I read this could be from the adrenal gland not working properly. He is going for his second blood test tomorrow. We will not find out the results until after Thanksgiving, that may be followed by a CT. I have questioned Dr. Google about metastasized EC to the adrenal gland and found it is uncommon but does occur. There have been case studies sited that they have done surgery on both the esophagus and the adrenal gland and had some positive results....i.e. longer than 18 month survival at time of case study being published and patient was still alive with good quality per report. My husband has already had the THE surgery.

    Ben & Sham, glad you posted and welcome to our board. Joel, good to hear from you again. I alway enjoy your post, but didn't recall hearing about your adrenal gland before.

    Hi
    The only way which I know to determine of metasis on the left adrenal gland is through pet scan but than as it is an unlikely site for esophagus cancer to metasis the only sure shot way of conforming is to take it out while having surgery and send it to lab for testing........
    And this Ben for u r reply. But I think my dad is stage 2 ......at least that's wat is I am hoping for ...

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