Setback in my diagnosis: Stage 2 changed to stage 3

Posted by sjw6358 @sjw6358, Nov 16, 2022

yesterday i received news that my pet scan shows a small nodule in my lung and a suv3 gastrohepatic lymph node...so instead of stage 2 i guess that means i am at stage 3...i am scheduled for a cat scan on my lung tomorrow...i start radiation therapy this coming monday 11/21 and oncologist said treatment program for me still the same...i do not like surprises so i am kinda bummed

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 30, 2023

In reply to @oh4318jm "No, we have not entered hospice just yet." + (show)

Palliative care is not the same as hospice. It is symptom management or comfort care. You may be interested in reading more in this discussion:
- Palliative Care: What is it? How do I get it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-1/

It's never too early for palliative care.

oh4318jm | @oh4318jm | Jan 30, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "@oh4318jm, how are you doing? Do you have a palliative care team?" + (show)

No, we have not entered hospice just yet.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 30, 2023

In reply to @oh4318jm "Mine has returned after surgery. Stage 4 no treatment was told to me" + (show)

@oh4318jm, how are you doing? Do you have a palliative care team?

oh4318jm | @oh4318jm | Jan 17, 2023

In reply to @survivorsuz "Did you consider asking about immunotherapy? Hoping for the better options for you." + (show)

We were doing opdivo

survivorsuz | @survivorsuz | Jan 17, 2023

Did you consider asking about immunotherapy?
Hoping for the better options for you.

oh4318jm | @oh4318jm | Jan 16, 2023

In reply to @survivorsuz "Sometimes those scans can give an idea of a nodule but also an infection can appear..." + (show)

Mine has returned after surgery. Stage 4 no treatment was told to me

survivorsuz | @survivorsuz | Nov 28, 2022

Sometimes those scans can give an idea of a nodule but also an infection can appear as ground glass (weird identifier, right?). Mine was actually an infection in my lung and my esophageal stage was stage 3 because it was in lymph nodes.
But it's been almost 2 1/2 years since my treatments followed by esphogectomy and I'm doing great!! Don't focus on the labels of stage; take one day at a time, eat lots of protein and high calories with the help of an oncology dietician.
Not a piece of cake, but it's definitely worth giving it your best.

ajfromchicago | @ajfromchicago | Nov 28, 2022

Talk to your doctor. They can add additional anti-nausea medications, either intravenously or oral. Be careful as some of the drugs make you restless. Good luck and hope you feel better!