Esophageal Cancer: Anyone else?

Posted by puprluvr @puprluvr, Jan 29, 2019

I’ve completed 15 chemo treatments and 1/25 proton radiation treatments for my stage 2 esophageal cancer. I’m jst looking for helpful advice from anyone going thru this past or present. I’m a bit frightened wondering how this treatment will affect me.

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@mikesokol

Haven’t met with the speech therapist yet but found exercises on YouTube that are helping. My problem I think is I try to eat to fast before food gets cold. I hate eating cold food. It just takes so long chewing the food up small enough to swallow. But I’m learning 😂

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I, too, like my food hot. I'm probably saying the obvious, but what about serving smaller amounts to eat while the food is still hot and then going back for more? Also, heat the plate before serving to help keep the food warm longer.

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@colleenyoung

Mike, have you had your appointment with the speech pathologist? How are you doing?

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Haven’t met with the speech therapist yet but found exercises on YouTube that are helping. My problem I think is I try to eat to fast before food gets cold. I hate eating cold food. It just takes so long chewing the food up small enough to swallow. But I’m learning 😂

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@deenasue

My husband is in CRT now with surgery discussed as next step. We’d love to talk with you. Deena

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Welcome @deenasue. How is husband doing with radiation treatment?

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@mikesokol

I am at the same place you are and I’m having the same problems that you are with not being able to eat bridge or meats I keep getting stuck. I am now getting ready to have an appointment with a speech therapist for exercises I’ve heard like you have that this could help immensely, so I’ll keep you updated as to my progress with the speech therapist

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Mike, have you had your appointment with the speech pathologist? How are you doing?

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@chardele

I had Stage X did aggressive chemo & radiation. No feeding tube. No surgery. Quite frankly I feel the Dr.s push surgery & no guarantee. Keep your cancer team close & get 2nd opinions. Very, very few surgeons can do this surgery successfully- just my personal opinion& research… 2 1/2 years NED & lost many along the way. Stay positive, have faith & lifestyle changes.

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My husband is in CRT now with surgery discussed as next step. We’d love to talk with you. Deena

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I had Stage X did aggressive chemo & radiation. No feeding tube. No surgery. Quite frankly I feel the Dr.s push surgery & no guarantee. Keep your cancer team close & get 2nd opinions. Very, very few surgeons can do this surgery successfully- just my personal opinion& research… 2 1/2 years NED & lost many along the way. Stay positive, have faith & lifestyle changes.

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Make sure have a strong support team .Get as much knowledge about your cancer.. look for the best doctor in your area.Most important get as many prayer partners as possible God will guide you thru.I just got done with my surgery about 30 percent of esophagus gone I didn’t even use my feeding tube now that is God carrying me thru fire.Blessings your in my prayers Rik Lakeland Fl.

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I was stage X – no feeding tube no surgery. Did aggressive radiation & chemo. NED 2+ years. Many, many success stories out there …. Always hope & have faith. ✝️💜

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@mikesokol

I’m just now ending my first year after chemo, radiation and surgery. I’ve had a problem with swallowing all year seems I have no problem with vegetables but meat and breads constantly form a clog and stop me from eating. I’ve had 2 stretching s and Botox treatments seem to work but do not last. Is this what I can expect from here on out or will my swallowing eventually get better? I’ve been told to to seek out a speech therapist to strengthen esophagus muscles. Has anyone else had success going in this direction

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I am at the same place you are and I’m having the same problems that you are with not being able to eat bridge or meats I keep getting stuck. I am now getting ready to have an appointment with a speech therapist for exercises I’ve heard like you have that this could help immensely, so I’ll keep you updated as to my progress with the speech therapist

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@puprluvr

I’ve had one chemo out of 5 and will have my 3 of 25 proton radiation treatments this am. I will have an esophagectomy 6 weeks after these treatments end.

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Just had esophagus surgery this operation is not for the for the faint of heart but don’t let me scare you.You will need a skilled surgeon and then as many prayer partners as you can get to help you thru .My only big problem was horrible roommates in the hospital .Don’t be afraid of feeding tube really is easy My prayers are with God Bless Rik Lakeland Fl.

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