Beginning Of The End??

Hi there

My father was diagnosed in sept as a PRUNK (primary unknown) but in November his primary was found to be in the esophagus with mets to his arm. The doctors have given us very little hope from the get go, only 5 - 10 months with treatment. My dad had been doing great, never any problems swallowing or anything. You wouldn't even known he was sick other then the obvious tumor on his arm, which caused quite a bit of pain. They told us that his EC tumor was growing outward instead of in and that was why he hadn't been showing any symptoms. In Jan. he tried a very aggressive round of chemo that made him very very sick. 3 weeks later he tried another round at 50% dosage, he did much better with that round but did decided not to continue because he didn't feel he had any quality of life. This week he started having some pain in his chest, trouble swallowing, and his appetite has drastically shrunk. He was at his doctors yesterday and they have decided to do and endoscopy to see what is happening and possibly put a stent in. I have been very positive this entire time and always had hope but since yesterday I haven't been able to shake the feeling that this is the beginning of the end. That things are going to go down hill quickly. I am just wondering how common it is to have stents put in and if they help much. Any info would be great.

thanks

I had hoped someone would get to the board that had experience with stents, but since they have not responded I'll just put my two cents worth in.  I have read in the past,several folks that have had stents put in and done very well with them.  From what I have read it does make eating more comfortable for a longer period of time.  I did not have to have stents when I had EC so I can't give you first hand experience.  Of course, there are other reports that aren't nearly as positive, but hopefully your loved one will have a good experience.  I'm so sorry your family is having to go through this.  I will keep you, as I do every one on this board, on my prayer list.  Please keep us posted so that we can know how you are doing.

Gerri

On 2/27/2008 cmullen wrote:

Hi there

My father was diagnosed in sept as a PRUNK (primary unknown) but in November his primary was found to be in the esophagus with mets to his arm. The doctors have given us very little hope from the get go, only 5 - 10 months with treatment. My dad had been doing great, never any problems swallowing or anything. You wouldn't even known he was sick other then the obvious tumor on his arm, which caused quite a bit of pain. They told us that his EC tumor was growing outward instead of in and that was why he hadn't been showing any symptoms. In Jan. he tried a very aggressive round of chemo that made him very very sick. 3 weeks later he tried another round at 50% dosage, he did much better with that round but did decided not to continue because he didn't feel he had any quality of life. This week he started having some pain in his chest, trouble swallowing, and his appetite has drastically shrunk. He was at his doctors yesterday and they have decided to do and endoscopy to see what is happening and possibly put a stent in. I have been very positive this entire time and always had hope but since yesterday I haven't been able to shake the feeling that this is the beginning of the end. That things are going to go down hill quickly. I am just wondering how common it is to have stents put in and if they help much. Any info would be great.

thanks

Hi there,

I'm sorry for your fathers illness.  Putting in a stent is something they did for my husband.  It was an outpatient surgery. He was sore for a few days, probably a week.  Make sure he doesn't over do it with the foods he will eat, he will be wanting to eat again but slow intake will be better.  I remember the doctors having Joe drink pepto bismal green colored.  the mint kept his stomach calmed down.  Looking back I wish Joe would have put a feeding tube in sooner than he did,  by the time he agreed to it it was too late.  Keep the faith, this is what people call "the beast" and some do survive.  I will pray for you and your father.

God Bless,

Nancy