1. < Esophageal Cancer

First Surgery Day

Posted by emersonmoon @emersonmoon, Apr 4 6:38am

Today they put in my husband’s chemo port, j-tube, radiation markers, and do laparoscopic exploration. I’m glad we’re moving forward but also very nervous. The results of today will most likely give us staging and I’m horribly nervous. I’m praying the surgeon doesn’t find any spread. I’m imagining he’s going to be very tired and sore after all the prodding and poking. The oncologist has given him a course of action based on the scans and I’m praying he can move forward with that. I know he’s freaked out about the feeding tube but I’m more worried about him losing weight because the radiation oncologist said too much weight loss for him could delay treatment (he’s currently at his normal weight and not overweight). So, I’m thankful he’ll at least have the tube to help. I don’t know how anyone is supposed to stay sane when on this hell gondola. I’m so anxious and worried all the time I hardly want to eat, and we’re just beginning the treatment! And my hubby is acting pretty stoic but I know he’s afraid and freaked out and it hurts my heart watching him go through this. We talk about it a little but mostly neither he nor our daughter want to discuss what’s happening.

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Mentor
Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor | @dsh33782 | Apr 4 8:38am

Emerson
Hang in there. Things will get better. I was on feeding tube for several months and was not interested in eating during chemo and radiation. But the feeding tube did help me from losing more weight. I lost about 15 pounds.
The really good news is the EC is gone now. Please let us know how its going.
Don

REPLY
stever1 | @stever1 | Apr 5 6:44am

It seems like a lot, but all part of a normal treatment. You will all learn how to deal with the port and feeding tube. Will pray for a good result and no mets. Nerves are always the worst at the beginning. As Don says, "Hang in there". Please keep us updated.

REPLY
gdj | @gdj | Apr 5 9:36am

I agree.

All part of the process. I had all that as did many many others.

For me, it was helpful because I knew then we were then after the cancer. Implementing a plan.

Waiting for scan results is scary. I bet they're "good."

I had a feeding tube for 8 months. Helped save my life. Kept weight loss of 50 pounds from being even worse.

I'm soon two years out from surgery, clean scans so far.

Being the caregiver is really hard. Perhaps harder than being the patient some days. You're an angel. Be kind to yourself.

It's all very daunting, ups and downs. But, very doable.

You will both do whatever it takes and come out on the other side. Different human beings. Better, really, as hard as that is to believe.

You're both tougher than you might think today.

With all the "bad," there will also be "good" as hard as that is to believe. You will look at life differently.

We are all with you!! You will get it done!!

REPLY
1 reply
lionsfan | @lionsfan | Apr 5 2:14pm

It's a really tough situation to face but as others have said, you will get through it. As you go through treatment, I felt better because we were taking specific actions to address the cancer. I felt more in control. My wife as caretaker is amazing. But, I told her she needs to take time for herself. If you don't, you won't be able to stay strong for your husband. I'm six months post surgery and doing well. First scan was clean and I'm back to my two hours workouts. You're gonna hit some bumps in the road, but stay strong and you guys will be ok.

REPLY
stever1 | @stever1 | Apr 6 7:19am
In reply to @gdj "I agree. All part of the process. I had all that as did many many others...." + (show)
@gdj

I agree.

All part of the process. I had all that as did many many others.

For me, it was helpful because I knew then we were then after the cancer. Implementing a plan.

Waiting for scan results is scary. I bet they're "good."

I had a feeding tube for 8 months. Helped save my life. Kept weight loss of 50 pounds from being even worse.

I'm soon two years out from surgery, clean scans so far.

Being the caregiver is really hard. Perhaps harder than being the patient some days. You're an angel. Be kind to yourself.

It's all very daunting, ups and downs. But, very doable.

You will both do whatever it takes and come out on the other side. Different human beings. Better, really, as hard as that is to believe.

You're both tougher than you might think today.

With all the "bad," there will also be "good" as hard as that is to believe. You will look at life differently.

We are all with you!! You will get it done!!

Jump to this post

GDJ, your words are so true. You poetically put into words what I have experienced. There are definately silver linings in these black clouds and couples will get through it together and find out how much you mean to eachother. Awesome that you mentioned how hard the caregiver's role is. My wife IS an angel. I always prayed for a better relationship with my wife and God has showed me that I already have a perfect relationship with her. My eyes were opened.

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1 reply
emersonmoon | @emersonmoon | Apr 6 12:09pm
In reply to @stever1 "GDJ, your words are so true. You poetically put into words what I have experienced. There..." + (show)
@stever1

GDJ, your words are so true. You poetically put into words what I have experienced. There are definately silver linings in these black clouds and couples will get through it together and find out how much you mean to eachother. Awesome that you mentioned how hard the caregiver's role is. My wife IS an angel. I always prayed for a better relationship with my wife and God has showed me that I already have a perfect relationship with her. My eyes were opened.

Jump to this post

I feel like I love and value him more than I ever have before, if that was possible. I feel a fierce protectiveness too. It feels like a deeper level love. So many things in life that felt like a big deal aren’t anymore too.

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