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Just diagnosed with esophageal cancer

Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Mar 19 8:19pm | Replies (27)

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@red77465

So consultation is really just to go over his stage, and his treatment plan options. Ex: My husbands tumor is the size of my fist, and the plan is to shrink it, then operate to remove it, then have a resection of the esophagus and possibly lift the colon, then radiation months down the road to kill any remaining cancer cells, and have his feeding tube removed at some point when he can swallow. As to what to look for, well if he ever has extreme pain associated with nausea or vomiting always seek medical help it's usually a bad sign. If he has a feeding tube placed he must never lay flat or he can aspirate in his lungs from the fluid. Bolus feeding is really done manually by a 60 Ml syringe, and continuous feeding is with a programmed pump that runs nonstop. I hate the feeding tube, but I'm thankful for it. Novilumb is Immunotherapy AKA Keytruda and it was approved by the FDA in 2022 which makes me nervous, but I'm confident in his Oncologist. He'll have labwork done regular, and it's important to keep protien levels up to help with cramping. Iron needs to stay above 7.9 because if his iron levels drop below that he is severly anemic. My husbands cancer has spread to his stomach so he gets Ascities which is greenish fluid around his stomach and has had to have a paracentisis ( draining ) done every Friday so far for the last month. Each time they drain his fluid they have gotten 4.6 liters. I log into my husbands MyChart and read the Dr's clinical notes but at times I wish I hadn't seen some of their notes. I'd say watch him for any changes. Any pain he may have take note of it, if his eyes become far away looking take note because my husband became incoherant due to malnutrition. His body was shutting down. It's gonna be a learning experience for sure. When my husband had brain cancer in 2009 it was NOTHING like this experience. This one has me worried. Good for your son! It is truly amazing the amount of good people in the world that are willing to help in these situations. You will see who your true friends really are too. I've had to learn some things from youtube too. If you have any questions and I can answer them please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best

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Replies to "So consultation is really just to go over his stage, and his treatment plan options. Ex:..."

I read and then reread all your information. I have no idea how you retained all this information. Right now you have to be going thru an extreme amount of stress. I know I will be asking you questions because reading your message it is so much to learn and you don't want to make mistakes. Thank you so much ahead of my questions. Thank you for all this and I truly wish you the best. I am so sorry you have to have all this knowledge and yet selfishly happy you do and that you are willing to share it. Talk to you soon. Probably after Rochester. Kathy