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Esophageal cancer: How do you manage gastro and swallowing effects?
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Sep 8, 2023 | Replies (49)Comment receiving replies
For what it's worth, when I was first diagnosed with esophageal cancer this past March, I was told that chemo, radiation, and surgery would be necessary, However within a couple of weeks and 2 additional consultations with other surgeons and oncologists within the Mayo System, surgery was ruled OUT, due to my age and possible heart issues. I went through the chemo and 5 weeks of radiation (daily), as well as my at home Hydrogen Therapy. In mid August, after another scheduled endoscopy and biopsy, I was told that the tumor was totally gone, and at least for now, I was cancer free. In this first week of September, I am now able to eat and swallow almost as well as I could before the tumor existed. My tumor was at the junction of my esophagus and top of my stomach, totally blocking the passage of any food or liquid. I attribute the success that I have had thus far to the combination of Chemo, Radiation, and Hydrogen Therapy, with NO surgery.
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Thank you,
Hydrogen Therapy? Who does that? Mayo Clinic? It would be worth checking into.
After 2 weeks of Chemo and radiation I feel fine. Eating normal no swallowing problems.
I heard of proton therapy and one person used a holistic approach, No chemo, No radiation, No surgery.
I would like to hear more about that as well .
Thank you
Larry Krieger
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As a follow up to my previous post, Here is a letter I sent to Family and Friends that I would like to share with you.
Hello to All of You
I must first apologize for not staying in touch with all of you during my ordeal. I was not able to, nor did I want to, find a way to share with you, the pain and agony I was going through since early January. As some of you know, I was diagnosed with a Cancerous (malignant) tumor at the base of my esophagus, that was totally blocking anything from entering into my stomach. They installed a feeding tube through my nose, through which all of my liquid food and water was pumped into my duodenum.
I began receiving Chemotherapy and Radiation in late April for 6 weeks. The effects of which, I pray that none of you will ever have to experience. tThe Only good effect was that I lost 80 lbs. The others were not pleasant or beneficial at all.
Now for the good news. In very late July, shortly after my birthday, I was able to very slowly, sip and swallow small amounts of water. With each passing day I was able to swallow slightly thicker concentrations of liquid. By the 1st of August, I was able to swallow my concentrated liquid food. On the 9th of August I pulled the over 3 foot long feeding tube out of my nose, and began drinking all of my liquid food from a glass with a straw. I was also able to let hard candy dissolve in my mouth and swallow it. A few days later I was able to puree real food and slowly swallow it. With each passing day, I attempted to swallow foods that were a bit more solid. On the 20th of August, I was able to eat 2 poached eggs, hash browns, and 2 boiled sausage links.
On August 21st. I went back into the hospital for an endoscopy and biopsy of the tumor. When I awoke from the anesthesia after the procedure, the Doctor was waiting there to talk to me. The first thing he said was that he was Not able to do the biopsy on the tumor, because the tumor was GONE. He stated that there was still a good deal of swelling at the junction of my esophagus and stomach, but the tumor itself was totally gone. They then scheduled an appointment with my Oncologist for the 24th. On the 24th after viewing the results of the Scope, P.E.T scan, CT, scan, and blood work. My Oncologist confirmed that as of right now, I am Cancer Free. I will be required to have Bloodwork, PET and CT scans done every 3 months, indefinitely, to deal with the cancer should it ever return.
Now begins the long process of trying to build back my strength and stamina, that all seemed to disappear during the past 8 months. I want so desperately to not have to depend on my electric wheelchair or walker to be mobile. The lower lumbar region of my back is a major problem, but I am attempting to build up the muscles and supporting tendons through a series of exercises. I am scheduled to be fitted for a custom designed back brace on Tuesday. Hopefully this will allow me to once again walk and/or stand for more than 3 or 4 minutes at a time.
God Bless You All
Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Friend
Darol
God Bless
"The Grumpy Pragmatic Old Man"