Connect
← Return to 365 days later after surgery to remove esophageal cancer at Mayo
Discussion
365 days later after surgery to remove esophageal cancer at Mayo
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Oct 18, 2023 | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer 3weeks ago. I had Acid reflux disease as far as I can remember. As a child m my 3 sisters and I would get up at night and meet my Dad to us the Maalox and Milk of Magnesia. My acid was coming up my throat and nose. It was a way of life. As an athlete, I would do really well until the final push, then black out due to the acid reflux. Back in the 50s, 60s and 70s it was called indigestion. I slept upright in a chair until Pepcid AC came out. That and all those other inhibiters allowed me to get more than 4 hours of sleep. Now, I under stand that those Acid Reflux pills just masked the problem and that the acid still caused damage.
I've had lesions for over 40 years. So when the doctor did a colonoscopy and an endo-scope he found lesions. I told him I've had them for a long time. Then he called me back and told me to see a Gastroenterologist. That's when the discovered he 1" tumor in my upper esophagus. I'm taking Chemo and Radiation then Surgery and Immunol therapy. My Kaiser permanente Senior advantage Medicare only covers this type of treatment. After all of the positive things I've read here, maybe I should do something else. I read yesterday that someone took strong medicine, no chemo, no radiation and no surgery and is cancer free for now.! Several have had no surgery. Surgery is very concerning, but survivable. I'm a European Dietetic Chef so diets don't scare me. In the 70s and 80s I had dietitians and nutritionist working with me in the kitchen. We mad blendorized and pureed foods for our patients. Great tasting food. We also made clear liquid diet required food that tasted great, In the States they seem to tout the liquid proteins like Ensure, and the like, and also fluids through a port in you arm. What happened to real foods? Please give me your take and support. Thanks
Replies to "I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer 3weeks ago. I had Acid reflux disease as far as..."
All I eat is real food , those protein drinks are way to sweet for me and give me dumping syndrome ….I found a protein water I like protein20 …
Connect
@l1krieger, hearing that you have cancer sends you reeling. Despite that emotional rollercoaster and the stress of that news, you are forced to learn a whole new language, move in an alien world of medicine, doctors, tests and hospitals. Not to mention sharing the news with people who you want to tell and sometimes having to comfort them and manage family communications. It's a lot and you and your wife have had little time to adjust.
I'm glad that you've come here to ask questions to help make sense of things or even to figure out what questions you can and should be asking your cancer care team.
Chemo, radiation followed by surgery and immunotherapy is a very common course of treatment for esophageal cancer as @zzonner and others can share. You can read more on Mayo Clinic's website
- Esophageal Cancer treatments https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356090
For some people, like @dsh33782 and @justtrust, surgery is not necessary or not an option. But chemo, radiation and immunotherapy are still options.
I'm concerned about your statement that someone said they took "strong medicine", no further treatment and they are cancer-free now. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true - although I wish it were. Always research what you read and make sure that it is evidence-based from a trusty medical source like Mayo Clinic.
Yes, esophageal cancer treatment is tough, but as you can read from the stories like that of @johnstawicki @dsh33782 @aheid @mrgvw @lori57216 and many others here, there is hope and healing.
Like @aheid said, I think that many members in this group would appreciate your recipes and tips for blender and pureed foods. As you experiment, I encourage you to start and new discussion where you and others could share recipes and tips for eating while on treatment and after treatment.
How are you doing today? How's treatment going?