Connect
Partial response after initial chemo/radiation
My husband was initially diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal cancer in July of this year. He completed 3/5 planned chemo treatments and all but 2 of his radiation treatments. He was not a candidate for surgery due to multiple other health issues. He completed the initial treatment the end of September.
When he was initially diagnosed the surgeon was not able to pass the scope due to the tumor size during the endoscopy. Follow up endoscopy a few weeks ago showed resolution of tumor. No visual evidence of tumor.
PET scan results came back Christmas Eve that showed partial response to treatment. He now has enlargement in all 4 chambers of his heart which was not seen on PET scan in August. Radiation therapist told us there could be potential damage to heart/lungs due to cancer being in the lower part of esophagus. We see the oncologist for follow up from scan next week.
Has anyone else had enlargement of heart following radiation? Is this something that is just going to be the norm now? We are not sure at this point if the doctor will take a wait and see approach to only partial response or resume additional treatment. If anyone else has had similar experiences any advice would be appreciated.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.
Connect
We were warned cardiac side effects can be a complication of RT and/or chemo. My husband was initially treated for stage 4 squamous cell EC of the distal esophagus in 2018 with chemo alone until mid-2020, achieving no evidence of disease. He has a history of heart disease and heart attack, as well as cardiomyopathy which I believe is a complication of cardiomegaly (enlarged heart). He has received close cardiology follow up since a heart attack in 2011. After a recurrence of the EC in early 2024, he was treated w/6 chemo and 26 radiation treatments. Within days of completing RT, he developed severe swelling in his legs and feet and was diagnosed with heart failure. He's now on an accelerated medication regime including Entresto and Farxiga as well as diuretics and other meds for high BP, etc. He is being followed by the cardiologist with serial visits and echo's every 4 months. Additional chemo had been discussed by the oncologist, but that is now no longer an option because of his cardiac status, so we hope and pray not to see another recurrence. He is currently stable on the cancer front with endoscopy showing no evidence of disease. So, the heart is the more pressing issue.
Does your husband have a cardiologist? You said his other health issues precluded surgery, is heart disease one of his problems? My husband was not a candidate for surgery either. Our oncologist and cardiologist are working closely together to monitor, but we are also in a wait and see pattern at this point, hoping for the best on both concerns.
I can only suggest meeting with the cardiologist and getting maximized on the best therapy proposed. I believe my husband's sudden onset of heart failure was a direct result of the cancer treatment-but without the treatment, he might not have survived to this point. It's a double edged sword.
Best wishes to you both.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsSending our best to you and your family. My husband is recovering from the (major) surgery of the esophodectemy, after five chemo and immunotherapy sessions, with three more scheduled after recovery from surgery. Thank you for posting, as I now can beware of potential cardiac issues going forward. Many blessings to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionJust so you know, we have twice-weekly free Zoom calls since May 2021. We have EC patients and caregivers from all over America and the world on our calls. Pop on if you'd like... our calls never change. They are as follows:
Sundays, 9am Eastern
Wednesdays, 6pm Eastern
The post-op journey can be a bit depressing since changes and improvements come along at a glacial pace! My esophagectomy was in July 2020... but we have some going back 15 to 25 years.
This Sunday is unusual in that we have a special guest joining us. Her name is Dr. Shanda Blackmon and she is a world renowned thoracic surgeon. And I'll tell you... she's something special! In fact, she used to be with Mayo Rochester (now with Baylor in Houston) and I've run into quite a few of her former patients. Let me know if you might like to join our Zoom calls, and I'll send you a one-touch link. Be well.
Gary, 714 900 0791
Southern California
Please send me the link. My husband has had 4 rounds of FLOT chemo and just had partial esophagectomy and partial gastrectomy on Monday 12/31. He will have 4 more rounds of FLOT post surgical recovery
Here you go...
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795?pwd=UjBHQ0J2V1pOc21SOExTR2N1UXNpQT09
If this link should not function for you, just load the free Zoom app on your phone or computer and log in using the following codes:
ID - 455 028 4795
Passcode - tuiBE5
Again, calls are always Sundays at 9am Eastern... and Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern.
Gary
Going to going through the same exact thing. Good luck and god bless. Share his experience as I have no idea what to expect .
The chemo was increasingly more intense with increased fatigue and loss of appetite. Once the chemo was finished he regained his strength and appetite . Surgery done ( 9 hours in the OR) partial esophagectomy and partial gastrectomy) presently day 4 post op. He is getting OOB and walking around the unit. Still has the NG tube and chest tube in. Continuous feedings via the Jtube. Tolerating well yet still has not had a BM. Today started having some increased pain around the chest area. Especially with movement. Blood sugar levels have been high( Hx of diabetes type 2) all in all seems to be progressing well.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction