Latest Esophageal Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/esophageal-cancer/1,0,119,19.htm Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi all!It has been a while since I posted here.  My bf peter has been thru chemo and radiation, and now goes for the srgery tomorrow.  Needless to say we are both nervous.The chemo and radiation were tough, and because of mis management of j tube issues...we fired johns.  In any case, we ended up, via ambulance, at Georgetown. Thankfully, They were wlling to put in a picc line and tpn, so peter is MUCH better!Thru this ordeal, we met a surgeon and his partner, who do MIE using robotics.  The 'davinchi' equipment is at GW hospital, but we feel confident we are now in the right place.  Our prayer now is that they will be able to procede with minimally invasive, as he is on the outside of the window regarding radiation and scarring.  But at least at GW it is an option!Please do send prayers.  I will try to keep people posted.  The chemo/rad and hospital stays kept me busy crocheting...and for tomorrow I have a new knitting project!  I may have to find something else tho...as I am SO tense...my stitches are as well!! lolTCMichele/catwalk http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24040,0.htm gerette Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everybody,       Thanks for all the advise on my endoscopy. I had it done without the sedation. The Dr took biopsies because he thinks I have Barretts. Not what I wanted to hear but it could have been worse. I go back in a week to get the official results. While the procedure wasn't painful it was really uncomfortable until the tube went past where the gaging reflex is. Sedation next time I think (don't say I told you so Karen)  My mama is still improving in the hospital. I am so grateful but I am scared because when she feels better she will smoke again as always and we will be back in the hospital again. She will not remember almost dying. I am thinking of pushing for rehab just to prolong her homecoming. She really doesn't get it that smoking is not possible and still breath in her case. Prayers are appreciated.                                                        Pat http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24012,0.htm Patty5 Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband lost his battle with esophageal cancer on April 26th.  He had a vicious chemo treatment the previous Friday, and by Tuesday, he had so much blood in his urine it looked like a Beaujolais, his lungs were so wet he sounded like a coffee percolator and his vitals were way off.  By Friday night, he could no longer communicate and by Saturday evening, he finally stopped breathing and his heart gave up.  I had just finished combing his hair again, and I guess he felt neat enough to go.    He was mistreated by the medical system........no...not a long wait for cancer treatment, but delays by the gastrologist who refused to scope him for 6 months because his hemoglobin was ok, and then the hospital who delayed him for 5 months because of overbooking. When they found the cancer (at last) there was a rush to diagnosis, and then a meeting with the oncologist, a chemo class, a catscan and a chemo treatment in one day.  NEVER EVER did they mention that this cancer often spreads to the peritoneum, and they should have done a laparoscopy to see if there was any cancer there before starting treatment.   In less than a year since the diagnosis, my sweetie lost over 140 lbs, and catcans revealed it was in his lungs, kidneys and possibly his brain because of temperament changes. IF YOU EVER GET THIS DIAGNOSIS, INSIST ON THE LAPAROSCOPY.  IT WILL SAVE YOU THE CHEMO, RADIATION AND SURGERY IT TOOK THEM TO LOOK IN THE ABDOMEN, BECAUSE THAT IS THE DEATH SENTENCE.ONE MORE QUESTION TO ASK IS WHY WOMEN WHO GET THIS SECONDARY CANCER AFTER OVARIAN CANCER HAVE A HIGHER SURVIVAL RATE THAN GASTRIC PATIENTS.  I FOUND 3 TREATMENTS THAT MIGHT HAVE STOPPED OR SLOWED HIS PERITONEAL CARCINOMATOSIS, BUT HIS ONCOLOGIST WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER THEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE COMMONLY DONE IN OTHER AREAS.  I  found a triphase antibody that would have helped my hubby, and it is in wide use even in Russia, but only in clinical trials here in North America.  There is something wrong with the system.  I miss him so much. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24001,0.htm Rockiessupport Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT And still am, but learning to cope.  Just thought I'd give a little update.  I made it thru the first round of chemo (four day long sessions once a week) with little or no problems, cept of course my new hairdo.  I'm now halfway thru the second round, then we do a CT scan to see if any of the tumors have shrunk.  This is the part that scares me now.If they haven't shrunk, arrested growth, or gotten bigger, my ONC says we'll try a different combination of chemo, then there are clinical trials if that doesn't work.Three opinions later have all said the same thing, because of the mets to the liver, adrenal, and lymph nodes I am not a candidate for surgery.  Sometimes the whole thing is hard to believe, as I have absolutely no cancer symptoms at all.  I've lost about 10 pounds, and have the occasional "chemo crash" energy wise, but that's about it.  I'll keep you posted, and God bless all of you .Mark http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23953,0.htm MarkInMaryland Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT It is with the deepest sadness that I tell you that my beloved husband passed away May 7th.  Harley was in a deep coma the last 2 days.  I was able to keep him at home and I slept by his hospital bed on my recliner every night.  This is a horrible cancer - and I do not think I will continue on this forum as the past 1 year and 3 months have just about exhausted all of my body resources - in other word, I'm completely spent and I need to get away from the different forums.  I hope you understand.I do want to thank ALL OF YOU - you have been such an inspiration to me and such a huge help during Harley's illness.  All of you will still be in my prayers.Gentle hugs,Azzie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23947,0.htm Azzie21 Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everybody,             Some of you have probably read some of my past postings. My mama was diagnosed with EC in Dec 06. She is fine cancer wise but her COPD is taking a toll on her She has been in the hospital 4 times this year. That is why I just don't have as much time to devote to the board. I promise I still pray for everybody and I still check in.   I have a question. My Dr wants to do an endoscopy on me. I am a huge chicken and do not like the thoughts of anesthesia ( not sure if I spelled that right). He said he could run a thin scope through my nose and I would not have to be sedated and it would only take 5 min. I am wondering if anyone else has chosen this route and how bad is it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks and God Bless.                          Pat http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23870,0.htm Patty5 Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have had essential thrombocytosis for eight  years , i could not take hydrea, lowered by white counts too low, take agrylin now and only once weekly, i weaned myself down slowly and counts are always under 400,000 now, did have pe same time and take coumadin daily, i truely have a second lease on life and can live a normal lifespan my specialist tells me.  Its all working fine for me now eight  years, i really dont even pay much attention the labwork unless its off which it hasnt been.  Have a twin, she doesnt have it. My fiance is fighting throat cancer right now, thats becoming a real emotional strain on me., i feel like i do everything for him, no help from his family.  Hhe will soon be done radiation hopefully our lives will return to normal, im not sure, emotionally i feel very different and dont know why.  It has been a burden along with working.  He also just lost his job, family leave time used up.   Hope i have ruined this relationship.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23788,0.htm dare54 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi, i just had a endoscopy on Tues. this is my seventh one and this time they got through the scar tissue.when i woke up i had a string coming out of my nose tied to my ear and the other end tied to my peg tube now they want to start stretching has anyone have this string come out there nose? and are there any secrets on comfort?every time i breath in it tightens up and its cutting inti my nose http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23773,0.htm glennS Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT First of all thanks for all the advise, guidance, caring words, etc. that I have found on this site.  I may not of posted often but I tried to keep up by reading about all your journeys.  I surely treasured all that I read and I felt that I belonged to this group.   My Dad lost his battle on May 3, 2008.  He really went down hill on Wednesday and I started staying the night with him and Mom from there on.  He passed away Satruday morning about 4:40 am with my mother by his side.  I was talking to the hospice nurse.  We had hospice in for 4 days and they were truly the best.  I am so glad that he felt comfortable enough that he left me share this time with him  The only thing that I feel bad is the my little brother was not able to get home from Arizona to see him.  He had scheduled his flight for Monday when Dad had taken the turn for the worst on Wednesday.  I believe that my dad knew he was going to be going home to his Father in heaven and he told mom that she needed to get the kids home so he could talk to them,  My sister came out Wednesday night, the two grandchildren who had their 12th grade senior trip to Florida made it home on Thursday and my brother called daily and talked to Dad each evening.  I believe he had the closure he needed and had a very good day where he talked and had much company to get his affairs in order on Friday.  I know that he is in a better place and with out the back pain he constantly suffered from for the last three weeks.  I truly believe that the angels and Jesus led him home onSaturday morning. Shortly after Dad passed away my mom was walking out of a room and seen this shiny thing on the floor when she picked it up it was a penny, I told her it was a penny from heaven that Dad had made it to heaven and this was her sign.   Thanks for your prayers and I hope that everyone continues to fight this cancer.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23770,0.htm dads angel Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 EC with mets to liver, kidney and lung. We were told without the mets...survival of 12 months is expected but due to the mets....4-6 months. Doctor also stated "that doesn't mean I haven't seen someone at 2 1/2 years". While I am saddened by this news I am also a realist and take charge person while my spouse procrastinates by nature. I am having anxiety over what the future will bring for both of us. At this point he is talking of "going back to work next week" but it is difficult to even get off the couch or take a shower. I am trying to encourage him to get our affairs in order but he heard "2 1/2 years". I would and am looking forward to the 2 1/2 years but also feel we should get things in order now so we can enjoy those years. I am so afraid he will depart this world and no affairs will be in order. I need help and not sure where to turn.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23722,0.htm rncaregiver Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi All, have been reading for a while and just plucked up the courage to post.  Dad aged 70 was diagnosed 19th Feb with a scope (showed up a large tumour) saw the pics.  Felt very well prior, only symptom was usual food sticking.  Has had 2 rounds of chemo of cisplatin and 5FU over 5 days each, 3 weeks apart and it has knocked the stuffing out of him completely. No idea of staging, but ultra-sound and scan revealed no spread in early March.  Live on a Scottish Isle and local hosp thought it had spread to stomach muscle wall (according to radiologist), but main hosp on mainland (where chemo was given) disagreed and said scans (according to their radiologist) were clear there??? Scan was prior to chemo starting.Now awaiting word for further scan and surgery dates, so assume cancer must be stage 1 to 3??  He finished his last chemo on the 21st of April.My question to you all is how long does the extreme fatique last re this type of chemo?  Other side effects have been hair thinning (he was gutted re that as he still had a good crop!!) mouth sore (now healed well), but the fatique has been bad.  He has to go to bed after breakfast, lunch etc and has no energy whatsoever and right now can't see him being fit for surgery. Also need to mention he had an MI at the age of 60, but recovered well and is on meds for that. Weight loss through chemo has only been about 8lbs so far but he can now eat chicken, beef anything so tumour must have shrunk.Have read every message on this board several times and been in tears with many of them.God BlessMoira. p.s. Dad has a very positive faith and only been a christain for 4 yrs and strongly believes it's all in Gods hands whatever will be.   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23713,0.htm redsunset6 Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer in January, 2008.  It has been a tough road.  He had a g-tube inserted for feedings (liquid only) and an IV port for the chemo.  He has been dehydrated alot and has had to go in at least twice a week for fluids.  Everytime he complained that he felt the fluids were just "staying" in his chest.  He had a "full feeling" and told the nurses he was concerned that the fluids were not going into his vein.  Finally, three weeks later, today, he had a chest x-ray and they found that the port "shifted" and he has to go back to hospital for a "revision".  Of course, we are all upset about it and are now concerned whether the chemo went through his vein or not.  We don't know if it ever was right. No way to know.  So...I want to know if anyone knows what happens to the chemo if it doesn't go into the vein directly and just sits in his body.  His doctor told him she was concerned about the amount of naseua he was experiencing, she said it was unusual, so now Im wondering if its because it wasn't going in the way it was suppose to.  I tried to get the answer from dr today but wasnt able to reach her.  If anyone knows or has any experience with this please let me know.  Thank you so much! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23599,0.htm Hopefullone Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi I am new here and have been doing alot of reading. I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer roughly a month ago. I saw the surgeon on Monday past and they found another spot on my adrenal gland, so I am waiting for a call for an MRI to determine if it is cancer or not. The surgeon says the outcome of the MRI will determine the stage, if the spot is not cancer it means it has no spread and I am at a stage 1, however if the spot is cancer, then it is a stage 4. The hardest part is the waiting, and wondering, and at times it is pretty scary, but I am strong and I figure what is is and I will keep on keeping on. I've read at lot on this site, and it helps knowing I am not alone in this fight. Hope to be around some, I guess it all depends on the stage. Thank you for having this site. Evelyn http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23597,0.htm Ever4015 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Well, it's been 13 days now since the surgery and Dad is home and doing well. There were no complications to really speak of. Only thing is that he has to take the oxygen home for a week or so to use while walking. Pathology reports are back now, all clean. They took out a ton of nodes, some tissue from his lung that turned out to be nothing, and the piece of esoph where the tumor originally was... all gone! I am so relieved. I hope my dad will have a good recovery. Can anyone shed some light on lung capacity/shortness of breathe after surgery? Turns out dad has a touch of emphasema, which we never knew until all of this cancer stuff began. He quit smoking 14 years ago. I am nervous he is going to use the oxygen as a crutch- he is using it at night and sometimes during the day. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23466,0.htm hopeful26 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone -  My mom was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with as she told me at the time, a tumor that had a couple cancer cells in it and she was going to have the tumor removed.  It was naive of me to believe it was this simple and I learned the night before that she was actually having the Esophagus removed and really it took me still another day or 2 to realize, duh she has esophageal cancer....  So here we are now 11 days out of surgery, which went well, she seems to be recovering fantastic, some bloating, constipation and tiredness, but for what she has been thru quite fantastic.  She chose to go to a skilled nursing home temporarily to recover before coming home.  The doctor did tell her in the hospital that she was Stage II and they did find some cancer in one of her lymph nodes.  No Oncologist has come by, I don't think she even consulted an oncologist ever, just the surgeon.  I ask her and she won't talk about it to me or any of my siblings.  I realize she can't do any chemo or radiation for at least a few weeks, if she will even choose to.  With the limited facts I have I have read far to much online and have questions for doctors that don't seem to exist.  I left notes and phone messages asking questions at the hospital, checked every day to see if an oncologist had come by, but nothing. I feel like I am getting no where and asking the wrong questions to the wrong people? I am concerned that they are feeding her regular meals, like meat loaf that she barely eats and they are just feeding her 3 meals a day, not the 5-6 meals a day of soft foods that I read online she should be following?  She does get J-tube feedings at night.  She is 74, over weight (30 lbs lost before the diagnosis), stubborn and driven. How can I get more information from the doctors, I do have medical power of attorney.....  Should I go behind her back and find an oncologist to look at her pathology results and give recommendations?  I think she is just in a denial and processing, i want to let her have the time to do that, but to be prepared to move forward when she is ready. What is the general prognosis for Stage II, I am assuming B since he said they found some in 1 lymph node, but since she was on heavy pain meds when he told her, I have no idea if that is even completely correct. At her surgical consultation, she was told 3-5 years with the esophagus removed?  Is it normal to have Chemo before or after in stage II?  Anything you can send my way would be great. Thanks, June http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23462,0.htm sissummer Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Does anyone have any advice on what to do to keep up the hemoglobin count during chemo when eating red meat may be difficult? Also, what are the best ways to ward off the danger of dehydration? Gatorade?? Thanks for the help. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23428,0.htm AttorneyAnn Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My mother had her EC surgery on Jan. 29 and she is doing very well.  She had her entire esophagus removed, a scare by her clavicle and down the abdomen.  She recoverered better than we expected, didn't need the expected feeding tube after surgery.  She was taking fluids by mouth a week after surgery with no problems.  She lost weight after going home but has since gained the weight back.  I wanted to update her status because this site helped me after her diagnosis so much.  It was so informative and comforting to have a place to go as a caregiver or patient.  My mom does still struggle with worrying about her future.  She recently had a PET scan and the physician office moved up her appointment time.  They told her it was because the doctor will be out of town but she is thinking otherwise.  She made me nervous, so I called and they told me the samething.  I encourage her as much as possible but I am sure it would be nice if she had a significant other to help her through this rough time.  She's recently divorced and lives near her ex-husband (my dad), weird set-up.  I just want her to live life to it's fullest but she just want's to take it easy.  The Oncologist tells her to go and take a trip, enjoy herself because she doing great and looks good, but she doesn't want to do too much.  I know she doesn't like living alone, but she says she doesn't want to think about another man.  I know she's lonely, but I can't help her with that.  I hope that this message finds all of you blessed and if I can be of any assistance, don't hesitate leaving me a message.  Be blessed, stay encouraged and love life. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23421,0.htm jcurt Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Perhaps I should have begun posting some time ago but here's my family's story: Aug. 16, 2006:  my father received a laproscopic espophectomy at Mt. Sinai in Manhattan.  Top surgeons and all that who said everything went very well during the surgery only they didn't take a piece of his colon to replace the esophogus as was planned. They left us in the waiting room saying that a couple of weeks should see him home if all goes well. It didn't.  April 25, 2008:  My father has undergone treatment in seven different rehabs and facilities from Kingston, NY to Flushing, Queens.  Before out current dire straits, we did see some success in rehab.  In January of '07 he had completely weened off the ventilator he was on for six months. Things were moving along except for the horrific fact that we were told there was a hole (fistula) where he stomach had been pulled up to his throat and therefore we couldn't introduce food or liquids back into his body orally because he would aspirate.  While painstakingly waiting for the result of various swallowing tests (which took months) his feeding tube became severely infected and he became septic nearly going into kidney failure.  He was placed back on the respirator and brought to a hospital, undergoing a hernia operation on top of everything else. Thus began the series of several different rehab centers and 4 differently placed feeding tubes, none of which have worked to date. (we even took him back to Mt. Sinai to his surgeons who performed the initial surgery:  they basically shrugged their shoulders and said "there's nothing clinically wrong with him.")  Due to my fathers pulmonary and digestive issues NO DOCTOR will assume responsibility for him, he is at the mercy of the system. So here's our catch-22 currently.  He has been on TPN for over a month, which has been great, he's gained some weight and his head is clear.  Though no place has successfully been able to place a feeding tube in that works for some time, EVERY  physician insists that he needs a new tube. That this is the course of action we need to pursue.  My understanding is that the danger with TPN  (total  parental nutrition) is that once a patient is on it for too long the digestive system shuts down and  the patient will never  eat again. We have been unable to find a facility that will rehab him off the respirator while he is on TPN.  In short, in order to be rehabbed his body needs to accept a feeding tube.  My take is that perhaps after 1yr and a half of not eating that his digestive system has already shut down. Why else would his body consistently reject every tube he receives?   I have heard that you may live a very full life on TPN providing the patient is willing to understand they have restrictions.  How many more times do we insert a tube into this man who wants nothing more than to be home until it is said that it's not working? My father is young, 64 this year.  I am the youngest of five and about to be married in September.  He was supposed to be better by my wedding day for sure, but most days it seems like we'll be trapped in this bureaucratic medical system forever.  I just want to see him home where i know he'll be happy.  (we tried getting him home on a respirator but no place will let a patient go on a respirator and TPN).Has anyone else out there been through this many or similar complications after an Esophectomy?  Please reply if you have any related info to alternate digestive nutrition or TPN .My father is what we in our family call a Brooklyn streetfighter, he has come this far, and given the chance I know he'll make it home eventually.  We just need a good turn or helping hand, some doctor who cares enough to see him achieve his goal of 'just getting home'.  God Bless you and your families and thank you for your time. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23414,0.htm littleone Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My Mum is 67 years old and outside of the EC she has, she is a very healthy person.  She was diagnosed 7 months ago and has received the full treatment of Radiation and 3 sessions of chemo.  We looked into Cyberknife radiation, but with the doses she has already received it was decided after consultation with a few doctors that it was too dangerous.  Her Tumor has shrunk considerably and is located at the level of her voice box.    She is now at the point of deciding whether to do the Esophogectomy or to try and keep the cancer at bay with future Chemo. We have been reviewing statistics of course as would anyone of survival rates  and of course the importance of the quality of life.  she has been told her voicebox would be removed as well.    Could we hear from people who have had the surgery and also from those who have not as to what to expect with time period of pain, rehab time frame, and if they feel their quality of life was worth the surgery.  From those who did not do the surgery for whatever reason.  My Mum would be having the Surgery down at the University of Miami. I have read so many stories here and am so thankful that a site like this exists.  I know we have some excellent Doctors out there doing the best for us, but the importance to hear from those who have gone through this is as vital.  Thank you all.   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23249,0.htm BelindaBrit Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My family member (stage 4, M1) has been offered a clinical trial using cetuximab in combination with drugs used to treat EC. The drug trial groups are: 1. epirubicin, cisplatin, fouorouracil (ECF-C); 2. irinotecan, cisplatin (IC-C); and 3. leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX-C). Has anyone out there been on this clinical trial or can you offer any advice on what to expect?    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23179,0.htm AttorneyAnn Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Has anyone had, or know someone who's had, the new EMR treatment for EC?Is it good? And is it suitable for all oesophageal adenocarcinomas or just some, depending on the location? I mean if it is caught early by endo, is it suitable for everyone or would surgery still be the number 1 choice??And also PDT how good is that and reliable?? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23172,0.htm rosie78 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi my friend's mum has had problems with indigestion for years and she has recently had an endo.  My friend did not say what the results were, I don't think she knows, but said the hospital now want her mum to have an Ultrasound.  I did not know why they would do this, but now I've read that it can be for detecting early cancer.... does this mean they think she has cancer?? She is 68. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23171,0.htm rosie78 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi folks,   Just the quickest and smallest of notes to let you know that I am home at last. Thanks for the love and wishes that were sent my way and told about daily by my beautiful Jeff, who had the added burden of having to travel a 2 1/2 hour round trip every day to visit me.  I had a setback at 7 days when I developed a leak while still in ICU. As you may be able to guess, I am still a long way from recovery, but I should have a week or so to gain some strength before chemo stars. I am home with my J- tube just in case I cannot control  my weight loss and my pic line which has been left in for the chemo infusions. The pain that I am experiencing at present is from the nerve damage from the chest drains that were in-situ for 4 weeks. My poor belly is still recovering form 4+weeks of twice daily heparin shots. I have lost a total weight of around 6.5 kilos and have the "pleasure" of still being on soft foods for the next 2 weeks at least and having it over 6-8 small meals/day. I cannot praise my surgical team any higher and as for the staff at the hospital, they were fantastic, from the cleaners ... who all took and interest in me ... right through to the nurses in ICU. I still don't have the official staging, but sadly, the CTs before surgery didn't pick up that there was lymph node involvement ... 15 of the 30 removed ... but I'll just have to deal with it.     Anyhow, once again thanks for all your blessings and prayers and as I get stronger, I'll keep in touch more.   Hugs   Chrissy www.maryboroughanimalrefuge.com  (admin) www.akcos.org   (admin) http://akcos.proboards60.com/index.cgi http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23163,0.htm ChrissyN Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Last update on my beautiful, most caring, loving, mother and best friend. My mum Elizabeth died last Wednesday night 9th April 2008 after being in palliative care for 7 days. After her one month break from chemo, where she was in more agonising pain from weightloss and cancer metastisis, she had one session of radiotherapy for her protruding lump, but never came back home. She was admitted to hospital and put on a drip. Her constipation was relieved, though after a truly harsh experience with laxative meds and pain killers, she passed away peacefully. We watched her closely throughout those seven days, until her breathe deepened, her heart rate increased, and finally passed. I cant express how I and my family will miss her. I am too numb to cry now, but I know that with family, friends and your support through this forum, my brother, father and I will get by somehow.We are still in slight shock, but I know she is in a better place now. I want to thank all the people who replied to my messages on this site since August 2007. I will keep visiting once and again. Please dont loose hope with my mum's story. My prayers are with you all. Thanks again.  Charli   Hey allnot really good news down here. mums off the chemo for 3 weeks due to worstening side effects and extreme weight loss. the liver cysts increeased in number and esopahgus tumour got slightly bigger. therefore, the damn chemo didnt work. so, now they will try a trial study drug on her in 3 weeks time. for now she's still in pain and feeling not so good. any advise? thanks!charliHi guys! Just an update on my mum's condition since diagnosis in September 2007 See story below for more detials:Since diagnosis she's had 6 sessions of chemotherapy. CT scan shows decrease in size of esophagus tumour BUT one of the several cysts in her liver has doubled in size, so doctors have put her on anoth 6 weeks of chemo with breaks in between. I need some advice, she is having so much pain on her liver side of her stomach. There is a small lump almost like a pimple and also another lump that you can feel on her upper abdomen. Its very painful for her and we dont know how to get rid of the pain. The pain meds are not working. I'm so so worried for her. Is anyone experiencing the same thing? Your advice would be very much appreciated.  sydoz Subject: New to Esophagel Cancer------------------------Date: 09/09/2007Hi All, My mum (aged 59) has had reflux and chest pains over the past few months and for about 1.5 years she has been burping and taking antacids after eating. She has only recently had a biopsy, endoscopy, CT scans, ultrasounds, and blood tests. She was diagnosed with a MODERATELY DIFFERENTIATED ADENOCARCINOMA found at the bottom of her esophagus, and her liver scan found a cyst (bubble) also. We are still waiting to have a PET scan and endo-ultrasound of the cyst next week. Her specialist spoke about the consequences if we do not do anything to cure the cyst found in her esophagus, and mentioned chemo/radiotherapy and surgery. For now, we still do not know what stage her cancer is at.  We are all really worried about what will happen from now on end. Could someone shed some light on what to expect?  Many thanks!Sydoz... http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23104,0.htm sydoz Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello: 9:30 A.M.Dad and I met with Dr. Anderson on day 64 since dad's EC surgery.  Dr. Anderson took out the feeding tube and told dad to continue to try different types of foods and keep everything in moderation.  He told dad he could start swimming in two weeks.  He even told dad to have a cold beer.  His answer to our chemotherapy questions was that his recommendation was that dad not have the therapy.  He felt he got all the cancer and at 83 dad has been through enough.  We return in one month to see Dr. Anderson.1:15 P.M.We met with dad's oncolgist Dr. Jeong.  The news was once again very good.  Dr. Jeong told dad that based on the report of the surgeon and the pathology report that he felt that a chemotherapy program was not needed.  We are to see Dr. Jeong July 15th.  At that time Dr. Jeong will set a date for a PET scan.Dad had a great day today.  We have started the process of having dad administer his own medications.  He told me today that when he is comfortable in giving himself his meds he is going back to his home and mom.  He said the target date for going home is this Friday.  He is so independent.  It seems that Feb 12th was yesterday.Everyone at this site has been great.  This site has been a source of strength, support and knowledge. Dad and I thank all of you.  I will do my best to give back in someway to others at this site like so many of you have done for dad and me.  Steve ,I continue to tell dad to KEEP MOVING.  Pat, dad has experienced the power of prayer.  Thank you and I will keep you posted.Steve in Illinois http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23095,0.htm Barkley Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT