GE Junction Tumor continues to bleed, what is normal to expect?

My husband also has cancer at the GE Junction. When he was first diagnosed they were unable to complete the endoscopy because the tumor blocked the passage. After 28 rounds of radiation and 6 weeks of chemo the tumor had shrunk. He started a new regimen of FOLFOX, Keytruda, and Herceptin and the tumor shrank even more. Recently he had a UTI that led to sespsis and he started passing blood; he was throwing up, it was in his tube, and in his stools. After GI doctor performed a GED they were able to spray the tumor and several ulcers that had developed as a result of the chemo. The bleeding stopped but we were told that this was only a temporary fix and that in the future he would likely continue to need blood transfusions on an outpatient basis .

Congratulations to mom for such a long life. Since she's had this EC tumor at the GEJ for almost a year now, it appears we know what's coming, and I assume you are both prepared to make use of hospice care when the time comes.

Radiation is usually quite successful at controlling tumor bleeds. If the could enter the blood supply to the tumor, chemoembolization might work as well. Has the use of ramucirumab immuno been discussed, with taxol? I know many on this regimen as well since ramucirumab starves the tumor's blood supply. I'm shocked she actually got a stent as well as a feeding tube... at her age... she must be one strong healthy woman to tolerate all she's going thru. I assume she has a G tube installed. Well done mom!

Gary

@darlener, how is your mom doing? Has her cancer team suggested further options to avoid having to go to ER? That is so exhausting.

@psjones, I can imagine that this was and is quite frightening for you and your husband. I'm glad his doctors were able to stop the bleeding. Knowing this is a temporary fix, what were you told to watch out for and what to do if you see signs of bleeding again? How are YOU doing?

Unfortunately, I am sad to report, mom passed away. The tumor continued to bleed and there were limited options to control or know the severity. Thank you all for our kind words.

I am heartbroken... and just so sorry to hear that our EC has taken another. I am pleased that mom had such an incredibly long life. I know you must have so many wonderful memories. Please accept our sincere condolences... be well.

Gary

Truly sorry for the loss of your mom. Take comfort in the knowledge that she is no longer suffering. I wish you the best as you grieve.
Bob

We were told nothing useful🥹 During his entire hospitalization the only thing they wanted to discuss was Hospice. He was discharged to a nursing/rehab center that I chose based on hospital recommendations. After he was there for 72 hours I began making calls to complain & get him discharged from a facility that I would not allow to care for stray animals😡 His oncologist was extremely uncooperative and I reached and eventually called his insurer and explained our needs and situation. He needed a hospital bed and a feeding pump in order to be discharged and I calmly explained to his case manager that if those things were made available I was able to give much better and consistent care at home than what he was receiving in a subpar facility. I received approval for the equipment within 24 hours. The insurance also denied further rehab coverage so he was discharged as soon as the rehab facility connected us to a provider for the needed equipment which was delivered the same day.
Since he has been home his recovery has progressed extremely well despite a few hiccups. He has regained weight and his kidney function (he has only 1) has improved dramatically. Post discharge his chemo was paused for 3 months for him to recover. It was paused again because of a good CT scan last month but another sudden onset of symptoms has us scheduled for another endoscopy Dec31.

The entire episode from the bleeding, sepsis, tube replacement, Hospice discussions, and insistence by hospital admins that I make decisions on the spot was overwhemingly traumatic. The recent recurrence of symptoms left me almost breathless. (The GI specialist who will perform the procedure had a very different and positive outlook than his oncologist and offered both a positive attitude and hopes for further improvement- but also acknowledging that his case was not curable, only treatable. I’m trying hard to do all the right things but the demands of being a 24/7 caregiver and assuming all the tasks we used to share is difficult. A lack of any social connection and lack of sleep is taking a toll. I also lost health insurance when he was separated from his job due to long term disability and age. I guess from my long and rambling reply it’s a bit obvious my loneliness is obvious . I apologize for my long post but if you were able to read all of it I offer my sincerest gratitude.