Esophageal Cancer stage 2

TMTOMA · New User Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Hi all - this is my first post. I am wondering if anyone else is in my same situation and how you're doing. My husband was disgnosed 6/1/06 with esophageal cancer. He is 41. Doesn't drink and has never smoked. After all the tests were complete they staged him at stage 2. He had surgery to remove part of his esophagus and 1/4 of his stomach. They also removed all the local lymph nodes (22 in all of which 4 had cancer). No distant disease was found on any scans or during surgery. He recouped great. He then did 2 cycles of Chemo (Cisplatin/5FU) followed by 5 1/2 weeks of radiation/chemo (also took Xeloda). Had a short break and then did 1 more cycle of chemo. The Dr.'s felt they got it all but recommended the treatment as a precaution which we agreed with. My husband is feeling very well and is back to work full time with very few eating issues. I am thrilled except I'm having a very hard time with the upcoming scans. Can anyone help me with how to deal with these? I am terrified. I start getting anxious a couple weeks before he has one scheduled and simply can't get it out of my mind. It's difficult as we have no family here with us for support, so I'm always worrying, especially since we have a 2 year old too. I need to deal with these upcoming scans in a healthy way. Any help?

mama2twingles · Regular Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 18

I am a caregiver for my mom who is 64 with ec of the ge junction which is believed to be caused by chronic reflux. I completely understand your anxiety before scans. I don't know if it's something you ever get over but.... I have tried a stress management class which involves breathing exercises and visualization and it has helped alot (when I remember to use it LOL) I would highly recommend the esophagus forum at cathys ec cafe. They also have a caregivers board at ACOR. the ec forum has been invaluable to me although sometimes depressing when someone loses the fight. It is very supportive. I think someitimes it helps to talk about our worries, sometimes it lessens the load once they're out. It's a job to stay positive but essential for living life and not letting it pass us by. Someone told me in their oncology office there was a sign that read "Don't let cancer take your good days" It's something I remind myself of daily. That truly none of us knows what tomorrow will hold for any of us so to accept the gift of today. Now I will tell you that I'm not this upbeat everyday but you happened to get me on a good day! LOL Know you're not alone in your worry and feel free to email me anytime you need a boost!
Blessings, Debi

TMTOMA · New User Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks Debi! I appreciate the boost of confidence! I have to say the waiting is the hardest. What treatment did your mom have and how is she currently doing?

mama2twingles · Regular Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 18

My mom had cisplatin and ironetecan 3 rounds and then 1 more round with 28 radiation treatment. Then removal of celiac lymph nodes. Unfortunately not even 3 months later it is back in lymph nodes, liver and 1 lung. She just started Taxotere and will rescan after 2 months to see if it is effective. Life goes on and every day is a gift. Hope things are going well for you and your family.

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