Has anyone survived esophageal Cancer?

My boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx last November. (His symptoms were sore throat and in pain in his right ear.) Initially he opted to have a feeding tube put in his stomach as recommended. Dr.'s told him he would be unable to swallow for a while and the tube would keep him nourished. He underwent 2 months of radiation and chemo, concurrently, in February and March. The second round of chemo (month 2) caused renal failure and he was very sick and weak. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. Friends and relatives had prayer and prayer chains (both email and in person) and I asked for prayer requests from many Christian websites, like Dr. Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral, Pat Robertson and the 700 Club, The Trinity Broadcasting Network, Benny Hinn, and others. Local Churches were praying for his healing. I prayed many many times throughout each day of his treatment and had total faith in God for healing. The end of May, the CT scan showed no signs of tumor. Blood tests confirmed no more renal failure. Dr's told us they had never seen anyone come back so quickly from the renal failure. My boyfriend had the attitude that he was going to beat the cancer tumor and having talked to many survivors of cancer, this was their attitude as well. He had very excellent care at the Veterans hospital. Also, I gave him multivitamins and minerals as well as coral calcium in his stomach tube with his feedings. He is still having fatigue, stomach problems, very thick saliva, aches and pains and low weight, but he survived!!!!!!!!! I give the glory to God for his miracle healing and for guiding the physicians and nurses during his treatment. I also credit my boyfriend for his positive attitude concerning beating his cancer. We were told that with this type of cancer it could reoccur. We continue to pray daily for continued healing.

1st, your message brought back a memory of a once upon a time for in my closet rest a pair of wooden shoes, hand carved as we watched, from 1948 while visiting family in Holland, MI. That was then and now is now... I have Emphysema and last August while trying to determine what was causing additional breathing problems a PET scan, looking for a lung problem, discovered my "E" Cancer. The first oncologist wanted to put in a stent, hinted at some chemo and told me outright I had 6 to 12 months. I went home and contacted a cancer center in Los Angeles for a second opinion. The Dr. there reviewed all of the information that was available and sent me home to San Diego with some real HOPE and the name of an oncologist in my pocket. Long story short, I began Cisplatin and Xeloda chemo on December 10th and after 5 infusion treatments on March 10th I was told I was in remission. For that I credit the chemo in part but mostly My Higher Power working overtime on my behalf as he did with my Prostate Cancer Cryosurgery in 2002 , followed up with a Suprapubuc catheter sticking out of my belly for 363 days, one day short of a full year, after the procedure on February 16th, 2003. So for 6 whole months I thought my cancer days were over then boom, the PET scan, and here I am today. Now the reason for my message to you...I was quite blessed in that I kept my weight, beard and head of hair during the chemo which I think leads my Dr. to tell me to not worry about a cancer fighting diet, that all is going well. I keep reading that what you put into your mouth is as important as chemo that is infused into your body. I have been unable to get any useful information, leads or input on any diet that may help me in my 'War on Cancer', that is until I read your messages tonight. You have really put a lot of time and study into working out the diet for your husband and you mentioned your willingness to share so I will be grateful for any information you might provide. You mentioned you had 15 pages so what ever you care to pass on will be put to good use right away cause what I am doing now according to what I have read in your messages is about 90 percent right for feeding cancer and wrong for fighting cancer. Lastly thank you for being there and I will include Jim and you in my prayers. Ron R.

Hi, Judy - I'm sure I'm not the first or the last to request a copy of your 15 pages of typed notes on nutrition, etc. Thank you!

My husband was diagnosed last summer with esophageal cancer with metastasis to liver, lungs and spine. After 3+ months of chemo, Cisplastin, Epir. and Xeloda we were pleased to find the tumor had shrank and bone involvement resolved. Got 6 months off chemo. Attempting to change diet, juicing and vitamin, essiac and green tea. Was doing well when middle of June this year he started headaches and when they did brain MRI found many spots in brain and spine involvement. Had whole brain radiation 16 tx. then lower and upper spine radiation total of 25 more tx. He now has lost 45 lbs., needs a walker to get around the house and a w/c when we go out. We need as much help as possible with a diet that has helped and how do you fit it in your daily schedule. I am so confused and don't know where to start. Especially finding recipes and how to get enough calories for him. If you could send me what you have found I would be very grateful. We have great support from our friends but they don't understand us wanting to change our diet so drastically. I believe prayer and positive attitude is of great importance. Has anyone else had any thing that has help or any suggestions? I will keep you all in my prayers for all continuous success Donna. My husband is 56 and retired but is trying real hard to stay as active as physically possible. May God Bless.

I really appreciated these words in regard to survival. We need to remember that as we go down this road of treatment for cancer that it is not just a means to an end. Everyday is a gift from God and He will never leave us or forsake us and will give us what we need for everyday that He gives us. We ar not just flesh, and bones; we are spirit, and created in His image. My father has been receiving radiation treatments for esophageal cancer now for 2 weeks everyday then off one week and is on his 3rd week on. He is having trouble now with his stomach, vomitting, and also with his breathing. He is 87 and has very bad lungs already going into this. He was going to have surgery, but he came down with pneumonia right before the sceduled surgery day and now as a result of that they have recommended no surgery and recommended radiation. I am concerned that this might be too much for his lungs to take. His days consist of being fed (by feeding tube) and going from chair to bed. He has always been a very active man. He has no energy, or breathing abiblity to do much more than that. My father is not looking to prolong death, and I do believe that God could will be the one to heal him, how I am not certain, but we do want the best quality of life that he can have. I am wondering if there is another type of treatment that would allow him to live each day with some normalacy. We are grateful for this day and what it has ahead of us, and for all those that have gone before us and been part of the learning process for us today. God bless.

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I was wondering if your husband has always been able to eat? My father has not been able to eat becasue of the cancer blocking the esophagus. Is there anyway we can get some of these things down his feeding tube? Hardyfuschia

Pamela: Please write to me so I can send you the nutrition information to help fight cancer. God Bless. Judy T.

Hi Judy T - My father is battling with cancer right now, and I'm also interested in your 15 page notes on Microbiotic diet. Thanks, Jessi.

My husband was diagnosed with 4th stafe esophageal cancer in May 2004. He is currently going through chemotherapy. It has spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes. I would appreciate any informatiojn you have. The doctors said he only has a 2% chance of survival. Thank you and God Bless You. Jeanie

My husband also has stage 4 diagnosed April 30th and is starting his third round of chemo next week. What type of chemo is your husband on? Have you tried any other treatments? Lynne