My Dad Just Diagnosed Yesterday

Hello all, I'm new to the board. We just learned yesterday that my dad has EC. I guess about six weeks ago or so is when it all started. He just couldn't keep anything down. At first, really I thought nothing of it. I thought is was just a stomach bug or something. Finally he went to the Dr. and they discovered the H pylori. So I thought it was the bacteria. He got the antiboitics and nothing helped. It was really only about a week and half ago that cancer even first entered my mind. I was talking to my dad and he said that from what he saw online with the symtoms that he believed it was cancer. It had never even crossed my mind. Sure enough, he was right. Now we have to find what stage it is in and a treatment plan. If anyone could give me some information on what to expect it would be greatly appreciated. What happens next? When will he finally be able to eat? He's lost almost 30 lbs already.

Hi,

My brother also just got diagnosed with EC, he is 50 yrs old.  He is stage 4, it spread to his lymph nodes, stomach, and liver.  My brother has been feeling fine except for getting the hiccups sometimes when he eats.  He dosen't smoke or drink.  I can't tell you what to expect yet because he is just starting on this journey too.  He is going to start treatment next week at Sloan Kettering.  Please keep in touch.
Mary

Mary, how long was it from the diagnosis until when they ran the tests to see what stage it was in? Your brother still has no problems eating?

So sorry to hear about your dad.

My dad has stage 3 EC.  He was diagnosed after having a PET scan of his whole body.  Your dad will have to have CAT and PET scans, blood work and many tests.  THey are annoying but not invasive!  Depending on the stage, will depend on the treatment.  Advocate for an aggressive treatment as this is an aggressive cance.  But the good news---it can be cured.

My dad has lost a total of 40 pounds.  He wasn't able to eat anything either.  Try mashed potatoes and make sure he is drinking some sort of protein drink.  My dad drinks Carnation instant breakfast three times a day.  It gives him some nutrition and calories.  Try to pack as many calaries as you can into everything.  Milkshakes are an excellent source of calories and fat.  Dad was able to start eating after the first week of radiation and first round of chemo.  He is now 23 days into radiation and able to eat anything he wants.  He has gained some weight back.  It's important to keep his energy up and once he starts treatments he will be able to eat again.  I know how hard it is.  My dad was eating soup for 3 months. Please ask any questions you may have.  This is a great support group.

Tracy

 

Thank you Tracy.I can't wait until he is able to eat and I'm sure he can't either. He loves to eat! It just seems like we're just sitting around waiting and we're all ready to get the ball rolling. Keep us in your prayers and we'll do the same for you.

Hello,

He got the initial diagnosis 2 weeks ago today from the gasto doc who did his endoscopy, biopsy and ct.  That test was done about 3 weeks ago.  He then whet to Sloan last week and they did a pet scan and another ct and we got the results yesterday that it is stage 4 and it hasn't changed since the last ct a few weeks ago.  He is still feeling fine, hasn't lost any weight, but gets reflux when he eats certain foods, which is what sent him to the doctor in the first place.  What about your father?  How old is he and how is he feeling.

I know how you are feeling, we are all in shock and scared.  I already lost a brother about 20 yrs ago, and I don't want to lose another.

Mary

My dad is 51. He feels fine. He sounds normal and looks normal other than the weight he has lost. He is in good spirits. He lives in a very small town and he is very involved in the church so he has a ton of support. Not only does he have his family but everyone in town knows and loves him. He is just looking forward to getting on with everything. He said he wished that he could go have surgery today and get this behind him.

 

 

 

Hi -- I am approaching my 5th year of surviving Esophageal Cancer Stage III (T3N1M0).  Dr. James Luketich, University of Pittsburgh has pioneered a laparoscopic method called Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE).  I have nothing but words of praise for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Dr. Luketich and his associates.

After my successful operation, I entered my story on the American Cancer Society on the Survivors' page.  You can find me there listed as "William66", because I was 66 years of age when I was first diagnosed in the Fall of 2002.

You can find my story in more detail by going to GOOGLE and keying in "William66 Cancer" or going to the American Cancer Society.   

 

 

 

 

Hi,

My brother has had a hard time keeping his dinner down the last 2 nights, so I am glad treatment is going to start in a few weeks.  I am glad to hear your Dad has a support network.  My brother lives alone, has a lot of friends, but I am in FL and he is in NY.  I am going up there this week with my kids and then will be going back alone when he starts treatments so I can help him out. 

Keep me posted on you Dad.

Mary

 

I am 66 years of age and now totally free of EC. I was diagnosed with Stage 2A in June of 2006.   This was done after having CT scans, PET scans, and an ultrasound endoscope.  I underwent 6 weeks of radiation and 4 chemo treatments prior to my surgery in September, 2006. I was operated on September 20 and was out of the hospital 6 days later. They removed 75% of my esophagus (through my neck) and 20% of my stomach (through my abdomen). My stomach was reshaped to replace my esophagus. The pathology report came back saying the tumor was virtually gone as a result of the chemo and radiation. There were only a few microscopic cancer cells remaining in the area. All the lymph nodes were clear. I then underwent 4 chemo treatments over the the next 3 months as a precaution. I completed the chemo and had another set of CT scans, PET scan and another endoscope. Everything has come back clear.  I lost a total of about 35 pounds.  My meal size has been reduced in half due to the reshaping of my stomach.  I just have to have 4-5 smaller meals a day.  Keep up your spirits and good luck, Bill