My Husband

My Husband was just diagnosed on 8th Feb 07 with Oesophageal Cancer

(Australian spelling ). He is now in his final staging of the cancer.

Then he may be given Chemo for 9 weeks followed by an operation.

This depends on his next test a Laproscopy which he will have on 8th February.

So we are really only just starting this journey .He has difficulty swollowing

but manages lots of blended foods.  

His cancer is T3 N1 M0.

I think I may need your support in the coming months.

Thankyou

Mary 

I am really sorry you had to join us here. I will say this site has helped me. Sometimes I feel like a few of the people here care more than some of my family and understand better. Your husband is the same exact stage as my mom. My mom wasn't having any symptoms, just a routine check up when they found it. She is in her 3rd week of treatment and her throat is getting sore now. Surgery wasn't an option so she is having radiation and chemo. I hope this site will help you. Please keeps us updated on you and your husband. God Bless You Both.

                                                                                   Pat 

I too am sorry you have to be here. I recently said goodbye here but I can't seem to stay away from this forum. Sometimes it is just so overwhelming, broken hearts and such. But, I can offer this.

Do not ever give up hope. This is a disease, that, if you let it, can take so much away from you. And the first thieves would be the doctors. Don't allow them to treat your husband as a diagnosis. He is husband, a son - a human being. No time limits - you want to know what can be done. Research, ask a million questions - go in to your appointments with him armed. You will be his advocate. From what I have read here, there are good doctors where you are. Do not settle with any doctor who gives you no hope. My husband has been fighting for 2 years, and he refuses to let go. He will not let this disease take over his spirit and will to live. It is not easy at all. But, as long as you have the right people walking beside you, this will not take anything away from him that makes him who he he is.

You make the decisions - Gos bless

Welcome to the board Mary. I wish your husband the best of luck.  Please keeps us posted as to his condition.

On 3/2/2007 Lou38s wrote:

I too am sorry you have to be here. I recently said goodbye here but I can't seem to stay away from this forum. Sometimes it is just so overwhelming, broken hearts and such. But, I can offer this.

Do not ever give up hope. This is a disease, that, if you let it, can take so much away from you. And the first thieves would be the doctors. Don't allow them to treat your husband as a diagnosis. He is husband, a son - a human being. No time limits - you want to know what can be done. Research, ask a million questions - go in to your appointments with him armed. You will be his advocate. From what I have read here, there are good doctors where you are. Do not settle with any doctor who gives you no hope. My husband has been fighting for 2 years, and he refuses to let go. He will not let this disease take over his spirit and will to live. It is not easy at all. But, as long as you have the right people walking beside you, this will not take anything away from him that makes him who he he is.

You make the decisions - Gos bless

Ciao Tutti,

I'm Mary's sister.  I live in Naples, Italy.   Thank you all for replying to her request so quickly.  I have been reading this message board since yesterday and sent it to Mary as I know she will value your help and that it will be of great support to her.   I am overwhelmed with Eddie's diagnosis and very annoyed at the surgeon for his seemingly callous opinion about how long he gave Eddie.   He turned our world upside down. But Eddie is determined to fight and we are all here for him and urging him to keep a positive attitude.   I know there are some hard times ahead BUT HE WILL GET THROUGH WITH FLYING COLOURS!   

Eddie is a singer and sings around Perth, Western Australia.  He used to sing with his group at the Cavern in Liverpool , England and kept the fans entertained before the Beatles came on to sing. I am so proud of  him. He has continued his singing "gigs" of songs from the "60s"since he was diagnosed and has gone fishing and everything else.  He is very overwhelmed with everybody who is rallying around him and has also started some "natural aborigine cures" such as Black Bush Tea which I am very positive about.   There are many other natural cures out there that the Pharmaceutical Companies would like to keep in the dark.   They would loose too much money altogether if certain natural cures were pushed too much.  People on the web have sworn by Black Bush Tea (it has its latin name too).

Lou38 - I have read some of your messages to people and know that you have helped with your very positive thinking.   I read your "goodbye" message and was going to write to say keep on going and just think of how you have been of assistance to others.   I then saw my sister had joined the Message Board and that you had come back in to help.  Lou - thank you and I am giving you ONE BIG VIRTUAL HUG.   Hang in there there are many people who are thinking of you.

Mary and Eddie I love you all and I am here for you both even though I know I am driving you crazy phoning all the time.   Hope you enjoy your trip to Garden Island with all you friends this weekend.

 To everyone on this Message Board I send you all my best wishes and please don't give up - keep on fighting ahd hoping.   I wish that for you all.

Ciao for now, Louisa

Thankyou,

I just want to let you all know. My husband Eddie goes to see the oncologist today . To discuss the type of chemo ( if any) he will have. Then on thurday he will have a laproscopy and a infusaport fitted. I am so nervous about all this , but just want Eddie to start his treatment and the job iof getting better.

Thankyou all for your kind words of encouragement.

I will keep you all posted .Mary

p.s. Thankyou to my wonderful sister Louisa who is very positive on our behalf. 

On 3/1/2007 Patty5 wrote:

I am really sorry you had to join us here. I will say this site has helped me. Sometimes I feel like a few of the people here care more than some of my family and understand better. Your husband is the same exact stage as my mom. My mom wasn't having any symptoms, just a routine check up when they found it. She is in her 3rd week of treatment and her throat is getting sore now. Surgery wasn't an option so she is having radiation and chemo. I hope this site will help you. Please keeps us updated on you and your husband. God Bless You Both.

                                                                                   Pat 

Well my husband is now on chemotherapy for about 9 weeks.

He seems to be managing Ok althought this is only his first week.

He is on chemo called ECF. Just hope it does its work.

Mary