Diagnosed with esophageal cancer Most scared of the Feeding Tube

Posted by ddunavin @ddunavin, Dec 9, 2022

Going to Duke Medical in a few days to:
1. PET scan results to determine if it's metastasized.
2. Determine Stage and Treatment Plan
3. Feed Tube Install in Abdomen? (this scares me more than the cancer)

Any words of advice?
What are chances this large mass has spread to other places, is it common?
My #1 goal right now is to stay positive for my wife.
Thank you,
David

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

In reply to @naomicanada "How are you ?" + (show)
Profile picture for naomicanada @naomicanada

How are you ?

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I am ok, had a CT scan yesterday. I have an appointment on the 27th with the oncologist. I am staying positive and just ready to find out the next steps.

REPLY
Profile picture for lalaluv @lalaluv

Hello,
I had an EGD on Wednesday. The doctor found a tumor at the bottom of my esophagus and the top of my stomach. It was confirmed, the tumor is cancer. I am scheduled for a CT scan on Wednesday 1/18. I have to schedule an appointment with an oncologist after the CT appointment. Is there anyone out there that has had a similar experience and can share what to expect? I am at a loss for words and I don't know what to expect.

Jump to this post

We did (I’m writing under my mom name) - you have to be fast - choose the top surgeon and start treatments fast. Don’t be afraid it’s a journey but focus and the other side and it will go fast.
Careful with any symptoms…
Start treatments asap !
We are here to share !

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Profile picture for susank60 @susank60

Hi I was diagnosed the same. After the CT I met with Oncologist and just had a PET scan. Also meeting With the radiation oncologist and a chemo class this week. Having a port put in next week then hopefully the treatments can start. I’ve been told chemo once a week and radiation 5 days. Kind of a whirlwind but ready to get started and kick cancers butt.

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Hi. Just want to say good luck and stay positive. You'll get through it with ease.

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

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>

Jump to this post

We are waiting for the results of the PET and also he is scheduled for an MRI today as they think there may be cancer in his liver as well. Treatment will start as soon as the results are in 25 radiation and chemo once a week with the radiation. Surgery can happen as long as cancer is not found in the liver… so for now it is more waiting …

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Profile picture for lalaluv @lalaluv

Hello,
I had an EGD on Wednesday. The doctor found a tumor at the bottom of my esophagus and the top of my stomach. It was confirmed, the tumor is cancer. I am scheduled for a CT scan on Wednesday 1/18. I have to schedule an appointment with an oncologist after the CT appointment. Is there anyone out there that has had a similar experience and can share what to expect? I am at a loss for words and I don't know what to expect.

Jump to this post

Hi I was diagnosed the same. After the CT I met with Oncologist and just had a PET scan. Also meeting With the radiation oncologist and a chemo class this week. Having a port put in next week then hopefully the treatments can start. I’ve been told chemo once a week and radiation 5 days. Kind of a whirlwind but ready to get started and kick cancers butt.

REPLY
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

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>

Jump to this post

No, I have not been referred to a surgeon or an oncologist as of yet.

REPLY
Profile picture for jp2023 @jp2023

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

Jump to this post

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>

REPLY

Hello,
I had an EGD on Wednesday. The doctor found a tumor at the bottom of my esophagus and the top of my stomach. It was confirmed, the tumor is cancer. I am scheduled for a CT scan on Wednesday 1/18. I have to schedule an appointment with an oncologist after the CT appointment. Is there anyone out there that has had a similar experience and can share what to expect? I am at a loss for words and I don't know what to expect.

REPLY
Profile picture for jp2023 @jp2023

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

Jump to this post

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.

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