Chemo for esophagus cancer: Any advice on things I should or not do?

Hello @neurod, Welcome to Connect. I see that you recently joined Connect and this is your first post. You will notice that we added to your post link so that other members will know where the link goes.

Are you able to share a little more about your diagnosis and treatments that have helped you?

@cobraguy223 i don’t know what MMJ is? Ohhh-duh it is legal here as well. I’m in Chicago. My doctor told me to get the card. I haven’t yet. I have also tried RSO. Powerful stuff. I can only use a rice grain size. Any other suggestions for me to try. Something not too strong but to enhance my appetite. Happy the RSO world for you. It also makes me a little paranoid, lol. Like I pay to close attention to my breathing. Soo small grain of rice:)

I use the RSO every night! 6-8 Grains of Rice, YUP it's powerful!

@cobraguy223 wow! I would sleep for a week. I’m pretty small. I have to build my tolerance I suppose. I will get there:)

Did you have complications in esophagus? I’m having to check on for Barret Esophagus

I was on esomeprazole for gerd- for many years. It worked well for me and I did not have complications. My solutions were from aspirating into my lungs which caused me very short of breath. That is what brought me to the hospital and how my cancer was found. Hope this helps. @rexsan20

Hi @pellaw, I want to add my welcome. Great to hear of the success of your treatments. When did you finish treatment? How are doing today?

Chemo & radiation was completed in June. Esophagectomy was August 10 with Dr Reisenhauer. Currently weaning off J tube.Follow up will be Sept 28 to remove J tube. I am eating Whole Foods according to the suggested menus. I won’t say it’s been easy but I have been so fortunate to have no complications or surprises. We did purchase a adjustable bed because, as I understand it, sleeping at an elevation will be forever.

Thank you all for sharing
Your positivity is inspiring for the road ahead for Michael and myself

I decided against the adjustable bed as I sleep very well on our current mattress. We just elevated the head of the bed about 5 " and that seems to work for the most part. If I need more upright position for a while I transfer to the lift chair / fancy recliner that lives in our master bedroom. Your story mirrors mine exactly. After my J tube fell out 10 days early I just left it and just consumed that nasty stuff orally ( after consulting with numerous specialists ). Added some taste enhancing stuff so it was palatable ( mint choc. chip icecream, malt powder, banana etc ). I didn't have or follow any specific diet. Just made sure I could swallow without choking and I did transition from the tube to reg. diet regarding consistency. ( J tube, clear liquids, liquids, soft / mechanical, regular ). High fiber ( for the pain pills etc. block up the back door ) and high calorie diet. Regarding the acid reflux I too take esomeprazole 2x / day. Also between I prefer Mylanta for the coating effect. I wish you the very best in your continued adventure. Your doing great!!! And such a positive attitude, your an inspiration to say the least even for those of us who have already experienced and are ahead by about a year regarding our adventure.