esophageal cancer question

paullie · New User Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

Hello, My Dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December last year. Unfortunately the tumour was about 6cm and the lymph nodes were also discovered to be cancerous when they took biopsy from his aorta. They therefore decided not to operate and the Doctor said it was unlikely he would make it to Christmas 2006. He has now undergone 6 sessions of chemotherapy, using strong doses including cisplatin (?). Anyway, after 3 sessions the scan showed that there had been a reduction in the tumour by about 1cm and also slightly in the lymph nodes. I'm really just wondering what happens next and if anyone has experience with similar diagosis as I feel a bit in the dark over everything. I think they will do a ct scan in 3 weeks or so but not sure. Thanks for listening and God Bless. Paul.

jennysking · Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:59 am Post subject: Re: esophageal cancer question

Hi Paul

So sorry to hear about your dad. His good response to the chemo is very encouraging - mousa (AKA Val) husband has had great results with chemo and you might want to ask her for some more specific information.

You don't mention how old your dad is or the inital 'staging'. But if his overall health is good his doctors might reconsider him for surgery.

Regarding forth-coming scans - my experience is that they all tell a slightly different story. If following the CT they come back with a staging of T3N1M0 there are plenty of success stories for patients with this diagnosis.

Have a look at a couple of the main cancer info sites www.cancerbackup .org and http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ both of which are easy and helpful.

Keep us informed of your Dad's progress.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
_________________
Jenny

paullie · New User Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

Thanks so much for your advice Jenny. My Dad is currently 60 years old but I have no idea what stage his cancer was at before the treatment. This has been a slight frustration for me because I have not had any dialogue directly with the consultant. All I know is that the tumour was about 6cm and they'd found it to be in his lymph glands as well. My understanding was that it was not in any of his organs but just in the lymph glands within the stomach.

Every blessing to you,
Paul.

jennysking · Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:57 am Post subject: Re: esophageal cancer question

Hi Paul

I suggest you do what you can to talk to his consultant - perhaps when the results for the CT scan come back.

Do some research and talk to your Dad about what you learn - ultimately he should take an informed decision about what he wants to do going forward.

There are success stories on chemo only - but surgery is the more assured solution for the long term.

There are new surgical approaches including non-invasive. An Ivor-Lewis is a big deal but your dad is young enough to probably deal with it if necessary.

Best of luck - do keep us informed of your progress or ask more questions from regular members if there's stuff you want to know.
_________________
Jenny

mama2twingles · Regular Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 18

Hi, I'm brand new to this sad. Sorry to hear of your dad's news. My mom (63 yrs) was diagnosed 2 months ago with esophageal cancer of the ge junction with one lymph node involved at 2 cm. She is also on cisplatin. She just finished her second cycle and won't have a scan until after the third. I've been doing a lot of investigating. Everything is soo confusing and unsure. Alot of her discomfort and pain has subsided so we are encouraged that the chemo isworking. I'm very concerned about the surgery which was discussed with me by the surgeon after the endoscopy ultrasound at diagnosis. I am trying to stay encouraging and positive since I truly believe that makes a difference. I read awonderful book by Greg Anderson about staying positve. I keep reminding my mom that she is "living" with cancer not dying from it, so to keep "living" everday!! Good Luck to you and your dad.

mousa · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:34 am Post subject: Re: esophageal cancer question

Dear Paul and mama2,

I have just got back online after having my computer stolen. My husband was dx with Stage 4 gastric cancer (Linitus Plastica) 2 years ago. Today he is cancer free. He is 66. He had 10 heavy chemos of Cisplatin, 5FU, and Taxol and then went on to oral chemo - Xeloda 1500 mgs twice daily, 7 days on, 10 days off. He refuses to have his stomach removed. He is back to normal weight, eats very well, and is happy and active. Only problems he has are side effects of the Xeloda but oncologist says he has to have another clear PET-CT before he considers reducing/stopping it.
PET-CTs done Nov 05 and May 06 were clear. Hope this info helps - let me know if I can help with any other information. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Its tough but can be got through.

Love,

Val

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