1. < Esophageal Cancer
Mentor

Update on esophageal cancer treatment

Posted by Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor @dsh33782, Nov 21, 2022

Cancer treatment update #5. The good news is that on Nov. 15 my white blood cell count was above low limit, and I did receive my second round of chemo treatment along with extra anti-nausea medication. After chemo pump was removed, I received injection of Neulasta Onpro which stimulates bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. The bad news is that I have now lost 15 pounds and my grey hair is starting to fall out. But the cancerous tumor in my lower esophagus appears to have shrunk since I am now able to swallow water normally. I will start trying to eat soft food in addition to the six feedings per day via feeding tube. It is hard when you feel so tired and slightly nauseous all the time. Thank you all for the many prayers and well wishes.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

michaelfnz | @michaelfnz | Dec 23, 2022
In reply to @ajfromchicago "That’s good news on several fronts. I also get Neulasta injections when necessary, and it seems..." + (show)
@ajfromchicago

That’s good news on several fronts. I also get Neulasta injections when necessary, and it seems to do the trick. May I suggest other brands of protein shakes (Ensure or Premier Protein) to supplement your food intake to keep your weight/strength levels up, and the possibility of oral minoxidil for hair loss (it’s also blood pressure medication, so that may be a limitation). Good luck to you and enjoy your eggs Benedict!

Jump to this post

How do you find the taste of the Ensure? I've been on it for 8 months, nowadays I'm down to 3 a day as I'm back to eating solid food after my esophagectomy on the 16th of November.
I'm from New Zealand by the way.

REPLY
1 reply
ajfromchicago | @ajfromchicago | Dec 23, 2022
In reply to @michaelfnz "How do you find the taste of the Ensure? I've been on it for 8 months,..." + (show)
@michaelfnz

How do you find the taste of the Ensure? I've been on it for 8 months, nowadays I'm down to 3 a day as I'm back to eating solid food after my esophagectomy on the 16th of November.
I'm from New Zealand by the way.

Jump to this post

That’s great news regarding being able to eat solid food. I think Ensure tastes fine, although I am eating primarily solid food and occasionally supplementing with Premier Protein shakes.

REPLY
1 reply
michaelfnz | @michaelfnz | Dec 23, 2022
In reply to @ajfromchicago "That’s great news regarding being able to eat solid food. I think Ensure tastes fine, although..." + (show)
@ajfromchicago

That’s great news regarding being able to eat solid food. I think Ensure tastes fine, although I am eating primarily solid food and occasionally supplementing with Premier Protein shakes.

Jump to this post

Forgot to say I've sometimes added frozen berries to my
Ensure's and blitzed in my Nutra Bullet blender when I've got tired of the vanilla flavour.

REPLY
1 reply
ajfromchicago | @ajfromchicago | Dec 23, 2022
In reply to @michaelfnz "Forgot to say I've sometimes added frozen berries to my Ensure's and blitzed in my Nutra..." + (show)
@michaelfnz

Forgot to say I've sometimes added frozen berries to my
Ensure's and blitzed in my Nutra Bullet blender when I've got tired of the vanilla flavour.

Jump to this post

That sounds delicious.I’m fairly lazy regarding beverages, so I will likely stay with chocolate flavored protein drinks.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 18, 2023

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic Connect members. It's an opportunity to learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet.

I know many of you in the Esophageal Cancer support group have exchanged posts with Don, so I thought you'd like to see today's featured Spotlight:
– Everything is as it should be: Meet @dsh33782 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/everything-is-as-it-should-be-meet-dsh33782/

Find out what Don does in his free time, what brings him to Connect, and other fun facts.

@dsh33782, I love seeing you ring the bell. What's the latest update on your esophageal cancer journey?

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.