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What happens during radiation for esophageal cancer?
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: May 23 5:50pm | Replies (63)Comment receiving replies
Saw the radiation doctor yesterday. My husband will get 27 radiation treatments beginning on the 23rd. I know it will get worse before it gets better, but I am hoping for a good outcome after it all.
Replies to "Saw the radiation doctor yesterday. My husband will get 27 radiation treatments beginning on the 23rd...."
@cottonsunflower, thinking of you as you and your husband prepare for radiation starting on Monday. What foods have you stocked up with in the pantry? How are you feeling?
@cottonsunflower
Hi
Your husband may have started his treatment now, but just thought id add my experience.
I did 6 weeks of daily radiation, after initial chemotherapy and then esophagus surgery.
My situation was a bit different to many, as my tumour had broken up a bit, so the "new infrastructure " ie-the stomach pulled up to previous esophagus join, is behind the heart, not in front.
Most side effects from this radiotherapy would be a slight itch or burning sensation where it is directed, and fatigue, worsening over time. I didnt get the soreness, but got the fatigue. Its manageable if you expect it. It builds over time, so I didnt notice untill later on when I was really knackered!
Radiotherapy is much less invasive than chemotherapy, as its on the outside of the body. It was definitely the easiest treatment for me, having had the full works, so to speak.
It can affect your heart long-term, and other things,but these are less common, and worth it in comparison to not having it. In his case, sounds like primary treatment so is needed.
Keep talking to the medical team, any side effects etc they can look at and should help where possible.
Best of luck, I wish you and husband all the best x
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@cottonsunflower Hoping for the best that is possible for you and your husband during this treatment. I hope that one day medical science will be able to detect this nefarious disease at Stage 1.
As I replied to another member in this thread, a diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus 11 years ago (difficulty swallowing) resulted in periodic endoscopies of my esophagus that showed no change for most of the time, but recently a Tissue Cypher test showed that I was at a high risk of dysplasia and potential cancer in the future. My GI guy jumped on this and gave me a Radio Frequency Ablation just 2 weeks ago, not very pleasant but I’m OK now.
Did your husband suffer acid reflux, and consequently possible Barrett’s prior to this diagnosis? Acid Reflux (GERD) is often seen as unpleasant but harmless, as the real consequences are asymptomatic until it becomes an emergency. Somehow we need to get patients and medical staff more aware of the potential dangers of GERD.
Wishing you all the best, you and hubby are in my thoughts.