Can anyone answer some of these questions

My husband was diagnosed with EC in April 08.  He has a round of chemo and then had a stent put in.  The cancer has now mets to his lungs and liver.  He did have radiotherapy to try and unblock the part of the tumour that was blocking the bottom of his esophagus.  He is now eating better, but has a large lump come up on the side of his face.  The specialist head and neck doc says he is almost positive the cancer has now spread to his salivary glands.  Won't know until appointment in two weeks time.  He is going to have a MRI scan.

Husband just keeps on going and doing the best he can.  I know no one has a crystal ball, but doctors are very reluctant to tell me how long he has got left.  I just want a ball park figure.  Has anyone had something similar and can give me some advice.  Would appreciate it.

 Thanks,

 Jenn

So sorry to hear of you and your husband's plight.  I have no advice because I don't know anything about when salivary glands are involved.  Maybe the doctors don't even know what to tell you.  I have heard of some very miraculous things happening for folks who had severe cancer, but then there are those who just cannot make it.  Keep hopeful.  Also, try to make the best of each and every day.  Try to find somethings to laugh at....maybe a funny movie or something and keep hoping that one of these new treatments out will be the one to give the cure.  Every day new medicine and treatments come out.  I know there are folks here who are praying.  We will remember you both.  Keep in touch.

Dear Jenn,

I believe that the doctors take their cue from the patient. If he is not asking they are not telling.

And  they are not God, so they really do not have all the answers.

However that being said, in my case I cornered my son's doctor when we were alone and INSISTED he give me some answers of his best guess on how things were going to progress so that I would be able to plan and prepare for what was ahead either good or bad. I told him I was the kind of person who was a planner and needed to get my "A Team" of support lined up as well as issues with work if needed.

You and your family will be in my prayers as well.

Live and love each day. Let your husband be your guide.

On 7/3/2009 MsJuneBug wrote:

Dear Jenn,

I believe that the doctors take their cue from the patient. If he is not asking they are not telling.

And  they are not God, so they really do not have all the answers.

However that being said, in my case I cornered my son's doctor when we were alone and INSISTED he give me some answers of his best guess on how things were going to progress so that I would be able to plan and prepare for what was ahead either good or bad. I told him I was the kind of person who was a planner and needed to get my "A Team" of support lined up as well as issues with work if needed.

You and your family will be in my prayers as well.

Live and love each day. Let your husband be your guide.

Hi June,

I think I am going to have to do that, tackle the doctors.  Thank you for your prayers.  I know it is in God's hand, but not knowing is the worst.  It is a roller coaster ride of periods when it looks like he is getting better, then he gets worse...then treatment...better for awhile...then worse again. As you say, I must live and love every day God gives us.  You take care.

Jenn

On 7/2/2009 doingfine wrote:

So sorry to hear of you and your husband's plight.  I have no advice because I don't know anything about when salivary glands are involved.  Maybe the doctors don't even know what to tell you.  I have heard of some very miraculous things happening for folks who had severe cancer, but then there are those who just cannot make it.  Keep hopeful.  Also, try to make the best of each and every day.  Try to find somethings to laugh at....maybe a funny movie or something and keep hoping that one of these new treatments out will be the one to give the cure.  Every day new medicine and treatments come out.  I know there are folks here who are praying.  We will remember you both.  Keep in touch.

Hi,

I know...it is a roller coaster ride, but I know I need to support and love Richard with whatever time he has left.  I see you are a survivor and doing fine.  Your prayers and support are very much appreciated.  One can talk to other people, but unless one has expereinced something similar, they do not truly understand.  I would like to keep in touch.  I will pray for you too.

Jenn