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suspected reoccurance- had PET and CT, waiting on biopsy....
The last few months have been confusing to say the least.....I've posted here and there about some of the things- but most recently had an EGD because symptoms and my history led MD's to suspect stricture. During the dilation, realized things were still fairly open at the stenosis site compared to past dilations. Afterwards- was still having issues and breathing felt like it was "through a filter". My voice was also becoming more and more hoarse. MD's suspected LPR reflux- but did CT scan to rule out lung issues...turns out there were concerning nodes in lung...they were thinking 50/50 chance that this was aspiration or reoccurance. Did PET scan and while the lungs point to aspiration being more likely there - they found 3 nodes that all lit up and are suspected to be a reoccurance- one in a place that would also explain what is happening to my voice. So now we are moving forward to get a biopsy this week to confirm this (or possibly rule it out though being realistic that seems unlikely). One of the nodes would also be considered a distant metastasis. so, yeah..... that's what is happening here.
On a positive.....I had just figured out how to control the late dumping / blood sugar issues....so at least that was a win.
Dana
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@deemold, oh that must come as a gut punch. How did the biospy go? Any update?
Unfortunately- nothing positive. All three are confirmed. I get my port put back in on Monday and begin systemic chemo and immunotherapy on 8/10. Right now they are thinking Folflox and Keytruda- but still awaiting some genetic tests to see if there is a better chemo drug. The plan is to do 6 rounds then do chemo / radiation then back to systemic. The new complication though is that one of the nodes is in the prior radiation field from my treatment last year this time. I have second opinions later this month to see if there are additional ideas.
I am numb. That is the only word for it- Dana
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1 ReactionHow far out are you from treatment completion? I go for the 15 month PET/CT on Monday. However, at around 6 months, I showed a small, 8mm, nodule in my upper left lung lobe. The oncologists differed on whether it could be biopsied safely, but the treatment is the same. I'm too old for surgery (they think - I had hip replacement last December.) So the indicated treatment is SBRT, five sessions of extremely high radiation in a very narrow beam. From that, I developed pneumonitis, as about 40% do. I went on three weeks of high-dose prednisone, with all the joys that brings. A CT at the end of June showed good progress, but nothing shows what PET does except biopsy. I hope and pray the best for you. We all fear for ourselves what has happened to you...
Hi Earle- As for treatment completion, I am guessing you are talking about the initial treatment. One year. I was initially diagnosed T3N1M0 squamous cell in late July / early August 2025. Started chemoradiation Aug and Sept- let it rest a month then had esophagectomy Nov 3 2025. Did some immunotherapy Jan-April- but stopped due to side effects. Hoping the Keytruda sits better than the Opdivo, as it is part of the systemic chemo plan.
I hope your prognosis continues to show improvement. I imagine 3 weeks of prednisone had you crawling out of your skin!
All I can say for my situation, (other than being numb about it all AND allllll the swear words, is "game on". I will not lose to this son of a bitch. 🙂