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Chemo every two weeks for the rest of my life?!?
Hi,
I got a Stage 4 squamous cell esophageal cancer diagnosis on October 2. The tumor is near my stomach and cannot be removed surgically, while the cancer has migrated to my shoulder bone, a lymph node in my neck, and a spot on my liver. My MD told me just yesterday that I will have to undergo chemotherapy for about 48 hours per session once every two weeks for the rest of my life, however long it may last.
He says the cancer will resurgence if they let up at all on the chemotherapy. I am in shock. In two weeks I will have finished five weeks of daily radiation and the chemotherapy sessions will ensue.
Has anyone else been told they must have chemotherapy every two weeks for the rest of their life? Can such a treatment program even be tolerable? Please reply if you have any thoughts or advice.
Thanks,
One sad lady!
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@maraca
Not Kosovo! Opdivo. The stupid spell check again...
I would get other opinions with other doctors. Also research other therapies. There are new drugs to treat cancer and you might be a good candidate for one or more therapies. Also look for alternatives. Some people have gotten cured with massive doses of vitamin C. It may sound nuts but I have seen that in more than one place and is worth investigating. Don’t settle for one opinion and keep fighting and searching.
@maraca Navigating this cancer thing is wild, I got hit with the flu but luckily bounced back, I just say my prayers with a bunch of thank you for letting me see joy in each day, even the days that are tougher. Stay strong.
@jimatgardencitybeach
I got the vaccine for the flu, RSV, and pneumonia. Maybe you can get it too but as your doc first. Good luck!
A good friend of mine was inoperable and chemo every two weeks for 5 yrs now doing great. My dad did chemo/Rad and esophagectomy surgery.....immunotherapy and cancer appeared in liver did chemo again..Feb 2024 diagnosed and Jan 8, 2026 lost his battle. It is a vicious disease I will keep you in my prayers.
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2 Reactions@rybar8
Thanks all you guys for replies here. Rbar8, sorry your dad didn't make it. Those who have survived beyond the grim stats window are hope-inspiring for "beginners" at EC like me. Somehow I have no idea what my own body aims to do with this disease, die or survive? But I am willing to try any treatment they propose for now.
Good wishes to you all, Marcia
Any suggestions on how to cope with the irregularity caused by the chemo infusion & immunotherapy?
Over the counter medications seem to add more disruption and have to spend an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom, adding to the difficulty of this disease.
I'm very sorry for your news. Here is my question: Is the 48 hour chemo that portable one that you wear home? That's what my husband does every treatment. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer Sept 9. He has had no food or drink since then as the tumor has completely blocked his esophagus. So today he finished the last chemo treatment. He will soon have a PET scan to see if it has spread anymore or if it's gone or what. (He refused radiation and surgery.) The 48 hour chemo is no big deal. It aggravates him cuz the fanny pack gets in his way. But we go let the nurses disconnect it after 48 hours and then he is free again. Don't despair. Just take it as it comes. We have met several people, even young ones, who have to take chemo weekly or monthly the rest of their lives. They just accept it and keep moving forward. We take one step at a time. We work hard at not worrying about the future. Instead we like to enjoy the sunsets, the.chickens, the grandkids, the occasional outing....life is good if you don't weaken...and if you're a Believer, it's even better! Best wishes and many blessings!
@trfb
Have you gotten help from your team? Have you tried pre and probiotics? How about Kefer?
Its a struggle. But everyone is different. It takes time to figure out what works for you. Good luck!
@billnclaire47
Hi Claire,
This is a really sweet not! Thank you. Sorry about your husband having this same cancer and not eating it drinking since September 9. If he refused both surgery and radiation, why was that? I couldn't have surgery due to metastases but 28 days of radiation completely got rid of my 5cm tumor and eating has been normal for me since.
Yes, I have the take-home chemo ball and return it after two days. I am getting used to thus routine a bit now, plus they started me on immunotherapy as well just today.
Radiation totally got rid of my tumor, and maybe could work for your husband?
Now I'm just hoping to arrest the spread in the metastases.
Does your husband have stage 4? I hope the scan shows nothing but good news.
Marcia