Connect
Newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESSC)
Last month my husband was admitted to the ICU after an endoscopy. The GI doctor said she found a large mass on his esophagus and biopsied it. For some reason he came out of the procedure bleeding profusely, could not swallow anything because of the bleeding. Clots had completely blocked his esophagus. They infused 4 units of blood and he stayed in ICU for 5 days losing 10lbs because he could not eat and they were not giving him any nutrition. The biopsy came back “inconclusive” but when I read the notes it said “negative”. The GI doctor said she must have missed the mass. Now how does that happen if it’s so big? We started radiation (10) to shrink the mass and stop the bleeding. A CT scan the first day in The hospital showed nodules in the lungs, so they said it had metastasized and was stage 4. This was all before any pathology reports came back (takes a week). A FNA of a lump on his cheek that was suspected parotitis showed squamous cell cancer. A biopsy of the lung was scheduled and a CT scan showed the nodules had shrunk by 50%. Seemed promising that it wasn’t cancer, but the pathology came back squamous cell carcinoma as well.
We started FolfOx6 chemo today. Does anyone have any similar experience? The day before the endoscopy we were skiing top to bottom at mammoth mountain, so this is quite shocking. He has always been an athlete & was quite healthy before this.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I don’t have anything to add but prayers for everyone.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Jennifer @jeli5585, I just wanted to check in. How are you doing? How's your dad?
I am sorry for everything you and your husband are going through. Was your husband at Cedar Sinai when he was admitted to ICU for 5 days?
Back in March and April of this year, I was having stomach issues that had originally been diagnosed as IBD. Symptoms worsened and was admitted to the hospital, with CAT scans leading to a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. I was recently made aware that I was stage 4 as I had lesions on my lungs, liver, lymph nodes as well as the esophagus. Began the Folfox regimen and subsequent CAT scan have showed significant reductions in the cancerous growths. Just stay with the regimen, eat small portions at first and stay hydrated.
I was walking four to five miles a day prior to getting sick and so believe that helped not only to persuade the oncologist to treat me (with strong persuasion from my wife) but also helped me exercise throughout the treatment cycle, which also increases the efficacy of the treatment. Good luck to you in your road to recovery.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am anxiously waiting for the pathology report on a biopsy of an esophageal tumor I have concurrent with barretts
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWaiting on tests can be worrisome but try to focus on keeping yourself active and in a positive place. Cancer is treatable even if the initial staging isn't great. New treatments & surgical procedures are continuing to advance and help us all get through this journey.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThanks
@sjw6358, did you get the results of your pathology report yet? What's next for you?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionyes. adenocarcinoma of esophagus...i consult with an oncologist this Tuesday to set up stage testing
All the best at tomorrow's appointment. I'll look for your update and any questions you might have for the group once you have a stage and treatment plan.