1. < Esophageal Cancer

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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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 26, 2023
In reply to @deenasue "My husband is in CRT now with surgery discussed as next step. We’d love to talk..." + (show)
@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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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 26, 2023
In reply to @mikesokol "I am at the same place you are and I’m having the same problems that you..." + (show)
@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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1 reply
deenasue | @deenasue | Feb 23, 2023
In reply to @chardele "I had Stage X did aggressive chemo & radiation. No feeding tube. No surgery. Quite frankly..." + (show)
@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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1 reply
chardele | @chardele | Feb 22, 2023

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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1 reply
rikardlykling | @rikardlykling | Feb 21, 2023

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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chardele | @chardele | Feb 21, 2023

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 | @mikesokol | Feb 19, 2023
In reply to @mikesokol "I’m just now ending my first year after chemo, radiation and surgery. I’ve had a problem..." + (show)
@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

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
1 reply
rikardlykling | @rikardlykling | Feb 10, 2023
In reply to @puprluvr "I’ve had one chemo out of 5 and will have my 3 of 25 proton radiation..." + (show)
@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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wdill | @wdill | Feb 2, 2023
In reply to @mikesokol "I’m just now ending my first year after chemo, radiation and surgery. I’ve had a problem..." + (show)
@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

Jump to this post

Can't say what the future will look like - I personally completed surgery 6 mos ago. (having completed chemo & radiation). To date still have a feeding tube in and can't eat more than 1/2-1 cup of food at a sitting.. I am completing speech therapy, which is intended to strengthen tongue and throat muscles. Having a real problem eating enough to gain wt. I'm now told I need a botox injection to relax a "flap" that won't allow the stomach to empty enough to eat more..
I wish I had a better outlook but this has been a nightmare we weren't prepared for. Unfortunately I don't believe we have been given very thorough information.. everything is coming as a set back or complete surprise..

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aekk | @aekk | Jan 31, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @aekk. Treatment for esophageal cancer is a grind to say the least. You sound like..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Welcome @aekk. Treatment for esophageal cancer is a grind to say the least. You sound like you are taking it all in stride and recovering quite well. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you offer to someone who is newly diagnosed? What do you wish you had been better prepared for?

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Let me start by saying I am Not a patient man but in a very short period of time I’ve found Esophageal cancer is a life changing event and I MUST adjust to my new normal. I am loosing weight and will continue to until I reach my new normal there which is about 190 LBS from 250 lbs. I wish I would have been more prepared for long term effect and management of this cancer. I didn’t realize how long and slowly recovery was going to be. I’ve had many surgeries in the past with relative quick recovery but this one is changing my perspective of what a real recovery is all about. I can’t spreed it up, I’m just working hard with the help of my wife and many others to live a new normal life. Lords Blessings to all others going through this recovery process, Allen

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