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Diagnosed with esophageal cancer Most scared of the Feeding Tube
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Jan 19, 2023 | Replies (57)Comment receiving replies
Hello I am new to the group and my partner was diagnosed on December 23,2022 with esophageal cancer. It has been a nightmare trying to get referrals after he was diagnosed. It was not until January 9 that we finally got to see a surgeon and thank goodness he started the ball rolling. I have no idea what to expect and would absolutely appreciate any comments to help us get thru this.
Thank you and God Bless
Replies to "Hello I am new to the group and my partner was diagnosed on December 23,2022 with..."
Welcome @jp2023 and @lalaluv, you've come to the right place to get support from others who are living with esophageal cancer or caring for someone with esophageal cancer. To help you connect with others, I moved your messages to this existing discussion:
- Diagnosed with esophageal cancer Most scared of the Feeding Tube https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diagnosed-on-thanksgiving/
I did this so you can read previous helpful posts and connect with members like @ddunavin @dsh33782 @johnstawicki @kissingrhino @sjw6358 @doglover888 @survivorsuz @puprluvr @karly @davevb @margaretdv @atafitness @lori57216 @naomicanada @socalkelly and many others.
JP, I'm glad you finally got a referral to a surgeon. Have you started a list of questions to ask?
@lalaluv, I assume the CT scan is part of the diagnostic process for you to stage the cancer. Have you been referred to a surgeon>
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So sorry to hear about your partners diagnosis. Is he seeing an oncologist or a surgeon? Typically an oncologist will start with chemo/radiation as initial treatment.
My husband was diagnosed in January 2022 and did 30 rounds of radiation and 6 chemo treatments. His tumor (at the junction of his stomach/esophagus) reduced as a result of the treatment. In July 2022 he had an esophagectomy removing portions of esophagus/stomach.
After/during chemo/radiation he really struggled with getting/holding anything down. He ended up getting a feeding tube. This has been a lifesaver. He still has it and while he can eat a little, it’s not enough to sustain him.
Due to scar tissue, he periodically needs to get his esophagus “stretched”. When he needs to get this done, he struggles with nausea, vomiting and general malaise. He’s in the throes of this right now. Just waiting for the procedure to get approved/scheduled.
Hang in there, keep him hydrated and keep the calories up! Good luck, there’s lots of folks here to provide input, feedback and suggestions.