Daddy's Latest Results-Why Not Radiation?

We did not get very good news from the dr. on Thursday. There are two masses on the esophagus. The first is in the middle and blocking 50% of the tube. The 2nd is lower and is blocking more than 50%. The lymph nodes in the sub corodinal (sp?) area under the trachea are positive for EC. The pulmonologist said that when he did the bronchoscopy he could see the path the cancer took from the trachea to the tip of the right lung. ( There is a small mass at the tip of the right lung.) Therefore there was no reason to biopsy the lung. Has anyone heard of this?

The dr. said that the cancer was not curable and, because the cancer was stage IV, radiation was no longer an option. But I've read (on this board and others) about stage IV patients receiving radiation. Does any one have an explanation for this?

Daddy was admitted to the hospital after the appt. because he had not urinated for close to 24 hours. He is having a feeding tube put in tomorrow. I am actually excited about the PEG because he will finally be able to get some nourishment. If all goes well, we are scheduled to start chemo on Thursday.

This is so hard to say (or write) outloud:

One of my dad's closest friends is a cardiologist. Daddy has given his permission for the oncologist to discuss his case with "Sam." "Sam" called me Friday night after he talked with the oncologist. Along with the information that we learned about Thurs, "Sam" was also told that the chemo was to make daddy more comfortable and to give him a few more months to live. (It takes my breath every time I say that phrase to myself.) I realize that Daddy's case is bad. But is it this bad? "Sam" said he was not giving up and neither am I! He has already begun persuing other options. He had mentioned MD Anderson in Texas and the Mayo Clinic. Does anyone have any other suggestions about where to get another opinion?

I am the only one in my family that has been told about "Sam's" conversation with the oncologist. I have only told my husband and now you. Although daddy is feeling horrible he is pumped up about getting chemo and ready to fight. I told "Sam" not to breath a word of the conversation with the Dr. Did I do the right thing?

Please help! I won't give up-

George's Girl

 

   

 

Sorry about your Dad.  This is purely speculation, but I would say they aren't doing radiation because it is in several areas.  I know we had radiation with chemo, but the radiation was aimed at a single large esophageal tumor with the chemo going after everything else (small nodules in one lung).  I also don't believe we were treated with standard protocol, but due to age and the doctors previous experience, she gave us a chance.  I know there are different chemo regimens, and in our case we used particular drugs because of how they worked with radiation as well as because of their systemic effects.  The combination of radiation and chemo is very rough, and the PEG insertion is a major shock to the system (or was in our case), so it may be the doctor is trying to give him a better quality of life.  If you have questions, you should try to make a list so you cover them all when you speak to the doctor.  I have found email is a good way to communicate with the oncologist when I have questions or concerns, but they are all different.  I have no experience with MD Anderson but think if I were trying to look for a 2nd opinion outside the Boston area where we live it might be my choice since they also do some work with alternative complementary therapy.  I would also consider the medical center in Pittsburgh since they are on the cutting edge with esophageal and have been for years (can't remember name but might be University of Pennsylvania Medical Center).  Take care of yourself, and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.