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Living life after treatment and surgery for Esophageal Cancer.
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (108)Comment receiving replies
It's been a while since I have posted, probably out of sight, out of mind. I had successful surgery at Mayo Phoenix August 2023, did a year of immunotherapy and am cancer free. Doing scans every 4 months as a follow up. I am truly bless in that I have had few side effects, lost about 10 pounds since diagnosis, never experienced dumping syndrome, a few bouts of acid reflux, sleep fairly well and can eat pretty much anything, in moderation. No matter how you slice it, cancer treatment does result in muscle loss. One of my questions to the group deals with eating. I try and eat 3-4 times a day, and try to limit the quantities. Lately, almost every time after I eat I feel like I have an elephant sitting on my chest. It usually takes about an hour for things to settle down. Am I eating too much? I try and limit it to about a cup, but maybe because most everything is back to normal, whatever that is, I just forget I had this disease. Does this feeling ever go away? What can I do to minimize it? Does the new stomach stretch out over time?
The second question deals with immunotherapy. I am, or was, built like a linebacker, lifted weights and played a lot of tennis. The Optivo has made my joints ache. Physical Therapists have told me Optivo can cause or exacerbate arthritis. I am looking at a hip replacement now, not from Optivo I am sure, but it sure didn't help. Has anyone else experienced joint pain from immunotherapy? I am not complaining, I am so grateful for all the support I've received, but I liked the old me better. Maybe it's because I am 71. Thanks to all and good luck in you journey.
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Buongiorno,
Opdivo seems to have varied side effects. For you, exacerbation of arthritis. For me it has largely affected my thyroid and put me on synthroid. Others have other side effects. At this point there isn’t enough medical data to project. But we can both say, “Hey, I’m alive.” Hopefully for you, as with me, still having a vibrant and full physical life style.
Curious how you are maintaining what seems to be an inadequate intake to maintain weight. I’ve dropped from 160 lbs prediagmosis to 150 lbs, presently. In order to maintain that weight I consume about the same amount you do, but in 5-6 meals. There was a drop in blood protein levels, which means consuming about 50% more protein every day. Although a strict vegetarian since age 14 (now 82), I do consume fish in my diet. My muscle strength has mot diminished from prediagnosis. Had been landscaping with a lot of stone, 65 tons so far, moving some as large as 225 pounds, and still able to maintain the same pace and effort. Mind you, as a 136 pound HS freshman I benched 228 lbs. Obviously, not all muscle is created equal. Have you also noted the need to increase protein intake?
You ask regarding the feeling about an elephant on the chest. Yes and also taking about 1-1.5 hours to dissipate. About a little more than a cup per meal. Avoid drinking during meals due to that space problem.
My course from diagnosis to now, 2.5 years later, seems to parallel yours, including the year of immunotherapy. Surgery couldn’t get margins, but the Opdivo worked so well that a CT three weeks after the first infusion indicated no more tumor cells present.
Hopefully, you are having no reoccurence and also enjoying a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Ciao