CancerCompass message board discussion started by cncguy on 1/26/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20340,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ hi everyone.im new to this forum.my dad had trouble eating,he said it seemed as though it felt like food would get stuck in his throat.he had lost a lot of weight but he thought it was due to his new style of eating habits.when he was at my house for thanksgiving he didnt eat much.when we got together at christmas,and he spent most of the time in the bathroom vomiting.he looked like a different person because of the weight loss and it was at that point i was scared and afraid of what news was down the road.he had an appointment for a CT scan the following week which revealed a tumor in his esophogus.it was later revealed where spots were seen on his liver as well as his lymphnoids (please excuse my spelling errors).the main part of this tumor is where the esophogus meets the stomach,its in both places.as a precaution he had a feeding tube put in 4 days ago and he is having problems with mucous,and is in a lot of pain.we met with his oncologist to discuss chemo treatment which begins next week once every other week,there is this other drug which he needs as well which i believe is a 1 time thing where he has this drip for 48 hours has to wear this thing on his side and a nurse will turn this off after 48 hours.im very concerned.its been 4 days since the feeding tube installation and hasnt met with a nutrionist to begin the feedings.2 days ago he had blood work done which revealed he is anemic and dehydrated.im praying that once these chemo treatments start that it will shrink the tumor and allow him to at least eat.he needs to put weight back on and get some of his strength back.there are so many questions one of which i asked my dad why something wasnt discovered earlier?he said he dint know and in fact he had a complete physical in september.is there anyone else on this board who is or has experienced anything similar?its my dad's 70th birthday on sunday the 27th.looks like the big bash is put on hold until the cancer is in remission.thanks everyone. cncguy Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT It is tough to tell you that everything will be ok since everyones treatment and condition is so individualized.  However, there are some success stories and here is ours.My wife (only 43 years old) was diagnosed with Stage IV in March of 07.  We caught it very early due to NOT accepting that the pain in her abdomen was simply an ulcer and DEMANDING an endoscopy which identified the stomach cancer.  Although we were dealing with just two small tumors (one at the top of her stomach and one in her liver) she began an aggressive chemo treatment referred to as ECF which included: Epirubicin, Cisplatin, and 5FU - the 5FU was delivered continously using a pump that she had to carry around with her.  Each of the chemo treatments were three weeks in length (she received the E and C only once every three weeks).  Post 4 rounds (12 weeks) her tumors were no longer visable on a CTScan and she was classified in remission.  During these treatments she was in good spirits and remained dedicated to beating the cancer.  She did however, lose her hair but not her appetite and remained well hydrated and in good health.  She received two more rounds of ECF and then we took a month off.  This brought us to late September when she was placed on another 6 month chemo program including Oxaliplatin and Xeloda (the Oxaliplatin she received once every three weeks and the Xeloda she took orally on a daily basis for the first two weeks and none in week three).  She has been on this regimen since October and completes it in March 08.  She remains in remission based on rescans taken in December 07.  She has experienced increased pain and is worn out at this point due to being on treatments for so long (almost 8 months now).She does however, remain in remission.  The doctors did initially suggest a surgical intervention but we declined this option due to the opinion of other oncologists that the only was to beat it (since it had spread to the liver) was through chemo therapy and they did not agree on the drugs so we had to research and make our best guess on what we wanted to use.  So far our decisions have been good ones but it remains the health teams guess as to which will work.Please, do all the research you can and obtain alternate opinions.  Be aggressive and motivate your dad the best you can by providing support and encouragement.  The goal is to beat it as the alternative is not acceptable.Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your dad, and your entire family.Keep us posted.SteveHartford, CT momwithkids Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT steve in hartford?small world,im in wethersfield.thanks for the reply.its very toguh now as my dad has not been able to eat just drink a little here and there.we have not been instructed how to use the feeding tube as we are waiting to hear form a nutritionist.he had  PET scan on friday and we are awaiting the results.today is his 70th b-day and i think he is going to be treated this AM with an IV because he has been dehydrated for the past few days.thanks,cncguy  cncguy Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Are they saying it is esophageal cancer with mets. or stomach cancer? I can't tell what board you're posted on for, but I don't see you on esophageal board which is what it sounds like to me from experience.  He will probably feel appreciably better after hydration, but hasn't he had anyone from VNA or anywhere come to show how to use feeding tube and get set up with supply of food.  That was how it worked for us.  I would call VNA if you have one providing for you and raise holy hell to find out why this hasn't been addressed and to make sure someone didn't drop the ball.  They prescribed food for us and started setting up services before we left surgcal day care.  You need to be nutritionally viable if you are going to have a shot at all. I also practice tongren healing which is a form of energy healing and it has made a huge difference in quality of life for my husband through treatments.  I'm mentioning it because I know there is a group which meets for guinea pig class in the Hartford area, so if you were interested in reading about it you can find info online by googling tongren healing.  My huband was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal with mung mets over two years ago.  Although it has been a struggle at times along the way, it has been over 26 months since diagnosis, so there is clearly a reason for hope if you're all willing to put in alot of hard work to push through it.  Will keep you in my prayers.   tongrenhealer Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT I reread your post again, and would advise you to look at esophageal board.  My husband presented with exact same symptoms, and cancer was at base of esophagus.  It used to be considered stomach cancer frequently when it was located there, but I believe at this point it is mostly considered a separate cancer.  It is frequently stage 4 before symptoms present themselves, so often misdiagnosed as GERD until it has presented with more specific symptoms such as difficulty swallowing.  We begged for an endoscope for months only to have primary care keep saying it was only an ulcer or GERD.  He was very wrong! tongrenhealer Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi tongren-  thankyou for the reply.at 1st i thought it was esophagus but after meeting with the oncologist on thursday much to our suprise it is at the bottom of the esophagus and where it meets the stomach so both places.its unvelievable,seems as though the tube was installed on tuesday with no mention of how or when to use it,just shown how to clense it.its 8:40 here now and im going to be speaking with my dad shortly,i believe he is going in this AM for an IV to treat the dehydation and im going to see if there is any new news regarding the tube.ill update this post shortly.thankyou,cncguy cncguy Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT i just visited with him today and he is feeling a little better.he is able to drink but not eat.when we suggest he eat something he thinks we are forcing him to eat.hes been drinking soup,chicken broth just to name a few.i asked him that after a few treatments if tests show that your tumor has shrunk,will you be trying to eat more?he said yes,he would even go buy a steak and cook it on the grill.the problems is right now when he tries to eat ,whatever he eats gets stuck as the tumor is right where the esophagus meets the stomach and its blocking it so to speak.during the week when i was visiting he was eating eggs and had a hard time with those.tomorrow he is getting treated for dehydration via an IV,tuesday he is getting a port installed to get ready for the 1st chemo on wednesday or thursday.i did get a list of the drugs and they are as follows: folfox,oxaliplatin,5 fluorourncial,folinic acid,and avastin. thankyou, cncguy cncguy Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT You'll know if the tumor is shrinking without a test because swallowing gets easier.  We did liquid diet for a while, then progressed to soft food and back to well chewed regular food.  As we went through radiation it got easier to eat, until the throat got sensitive near the end.  I made a fresh organic soup every morning, (didn't want any chemicals or pesticides moving through his esophagus) so I came up with a few interesting soup recipes until we moved back towards regular food, then we went into things like applesauce and mashed potatos.  Cream of wheat has been a morning staple in my house ever since (tried cream of rice for variety but he didn't like it).  You'll get the hang of it and learn to adjust.  tongrenhealer Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi-  my dad had a busy day today.i thought he was just going in for an IV to treat his dehydration,but along with that ,he (and his girlfriend) met with a social worker and discussed many things.he was at the hospital today from 11 to 5,and when i called at 5:30 he was in bed.he gets the port put in tomorrow which sounds like a 5 hour visit,and he will be instructed how to use the feeding tube as well where it is being used while he sleeps.this is going to be a long road and from what i hear,and things will get worse before they get better.talk soon,cncguy cncguy Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT My father was diagnosed in March 2007 with the same exact cancer as your father. Started at the esophagus, and infected the upper portion of the stomach. He was also Stage 4, and was inoperable due to lymph node involvement, and malignancies in the perionatal cavity. My father was 63 years old, in great health, and took good care of himself. He also presented the same symptoms. Eating and feeling like the food was getting stuck in his chest. Even liquid was a chore for him, he would vomit everything and anything right back up. He was given a feeding tube for nutrition also. Is your father a candidate for surgery? As I said, my father was not because the cancer was just too far gone. He was resistant to chemotherapy and passed away a short 7 months after diagnosis. I hope and pray that the chemo will work for your father. I am not trying to be a downer by any means, and I am sorry if my story frightens you in any way, but I indentify with exactly what you are going through and wanted to let you know about my Dad. Have the doctors given a time frame? Did they mention that he may have a chance if being cured? My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kristennyc Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi kristenn-         im sorry to hear about your dad.my dad was generally in good health too.today he had the port installed and there were a few things delivered to the house to get ready for the feeding tube.what my dad has in inoperable but i just thought is was because of its size.he is going to be treated with kemo,no radiation.they did not give him a time frame and i (we) didnt ask.thursday we have an appointment with the oncologist to review his PET scan and he could quite possibly have his 1st kemo treatment that same day.1 day at a time.\thankyou for having my dad in your prayers :)cnc guy cncguy Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 1/29/2008 Kristennyc wrote:My father was diagnosed in March 2007 with the same exact cancer as your father. Started at the esophagus, and infected the upper portion of the stomach. He was also Stage 4, and was inoperable due to lymph node involvement, and malignancies in the perionatal cavity. My father was 63 years old, in great health, and took good care of himself. He also presented the same symptoms. Eating and feeling like the food was getting stuck in his chest. Even liquid was a chore for him, he would vomit everything and anything right back up. He was given a feeding tube for nutrition also. Is your father a candidate for surgery? As I said, my father was not because the cancer was just too far gone. He was resistant to chemotherapy and passed away a short 7 months after diagnosis. I hope and pray that the chemo will work for your father. I am not trying to be a downer by any means, and I am sorry if my story frightens you in any way, but I indentify with exactly what you are going through and wanted to let you know about my Dad. Have the doctors given a time frame? Did they mention that he may have a chance if being cured? My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hello,  I was a regular on this message board in the latter part of 2006.  Sadly our experience was similar to Kristennyc...My husband ( a phys ed teacher, non smoker, healthy eater) was diagnosed May 31 with stage IV gastric cancer.  (the usual story...misdiagnosed for over two years with GERD)  He seemed to do well on chemo, which started for him on July 28.  We were hoping for a gastrectomy when we were told on October 31 that the cancer had spread to his lungs and his bones.  Two short weeks later he passed away, at home, as he wished.It has been a long hard journey, and I wish you and your father success.  It is a tough monster to beat...Darlene Darlene Anne Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Honestly everyone's situation is different.  My 65 yr old father was experiencing pains for about 3 months, finally went in and was diagnosed with stomach cancer this past July 2007.  The tumor was huge and had went through his stomach causing a bleeding ulcer.  The CAT scan showed that it was localized to his stomach so they opened him up and operated.  They removed pretty much all of the tumor with about 70% of his stomach.  They also removed about 17 lympnodes, most of which were cancerous.Upon recovery from surgery he started chemo in Sept 2007.   He finished up a very aggressive 6 rounds of 5FU, Cisplatinum, and Taxotere.  Jan 2008 CAT scan came up clean.  PET scan also clean.  So far he has put on 20lbs and returned back to work.   I pray that he will continue to beat it.  So far the Oncoligist said everything is going amzingly well and he is done with chemo for now.  He'll give him another scan in March just to monitor this.  I know that will come up clean too.  Never give up hope, and keep thinking positively. Steeda Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi steeda- thanks for the good read.i hope my dad is as lucky as yours.it's been 1 heck of a week.i was with him yesterday with the oncologist and we discussed his pet scan which along with the tumor showed spots on his lungs,liver and there were also spots on his upper backbone.they suggested he get a bonescan done.he has been fed via a feeding tube for 2 nights in a row now and so far so good.while i was with him yesterday we were ready to start his 1st kemo treatment but before that it was discovered from a blood test that his platlet count was dwon therefore he needed a blood transfusion.he was at the cancer center from 8am to 5pm.today he went back where he indeed had his 1st kemo treatment yand went ok.just had issues getting a few prescriptions.thankyou,cncguy cncguy Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT well,my dad had his 1st treatment of chemo which he went home with a 48 hour program.i was with him yesterday when the 48 hours were up.the feeding tube was going well too.that brings us to today,monday,my dad has not been drinking anything,his girlfriend offered to hook up the feeding tube and he said no,not until 6pm which is the time he has started the previous nights feedings (6pm to 6am)question.even if my dad elects not to drink anything during the day,will his nighttime feeding via the tube be enough?i think i read the can where it said 1 can = 300 calories.im afraid he will get dehydrated again.he was up today at 8am and back in bed at noon.my dad knows we have to fight this thing and the last thing i want is for my dad to give up.i know he is very tired from the chemo,and he has appointments tomorrow and his girlfriend is afraid he wont be strong enough to even get in the car.anyone care to chime in?any comments much appreciated.thanks everyone!cncguy cncguy Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT i just found out my dad's doctor said he would like him to have 3 of the cans in 1 day and so far he has only been able to take 2.i feel a little better about the 2 cans versus 1.my dad has lost a lot of weight,so im sure starting off with just 2 is ok. cncguy Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/4/2008 cncguy wrote:i just found out my dad's doctor said he would like him to have 3 of the cans in 1 day and so far he has only been able to take 2.i feel a little better about the 2 cans versus 1.my dad has lost a lot of weight,so im sure starting off with just 2 is ok.   When you begin feeding with a j-tube, doctors always recommend "building up" the number of cans you feed the patient. "Dumping syndrome" can occur if you feed too much too soon! Cramping and diarrhea result. When my father first started using his j-tube, we started off with 2 cans and then gradually increased the dosage as well as the rate. At the most, he was being given 5 cans in 24 hours. *also, he was being fed Ensure plus, which is 350 calories   Just be sure to rinse the tube!!!! If you don't, it will become clogged! I was told several different methods.....rinse every 3 - 4 hours with 60 mL of room temperature water or rinse every 6-8 hours with 150mL of room temperature water. The doctor/nurse should have told you about correct maintenance! If you google j-tube, you'll find a lot of info! Or, ask to be instructed on how to rinse the tube properly.Good luck. ladyboom Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT update 2/7/08what a day today.......... my dad is up to 5 cans a day for his feeding tube,that part we are greatful for,he gained 2 pounds in 1 week.got a call last night that he needs a blood transfusion today so i pick him up and we are on our way.spoke with the oncologist and after discussing a few things she said that my dad's condition is considered dangerous and he should be brought to the hospital (from the cancer center) via ambulance.we were told that they would be a better place for him to get the care he needs and they would be able to do more testing and find out what is going on with his blood.we get to the hospital,place is a zoo,very busy,people everywhere (this is the ER),he has a chest xray done and a rectal exam was done and my dad is bleeding from where they think is his stomach.doc says he has a few calls to make (this is 11am) 2pm rolls around and my dad hasnt even got a room of his own yet.4pm rolls around and im told he might get a room late tinight or early tomorrow morning.UNBELIEVEABLE!.at this point we still have not met with any doctors to discuss anything.he has been getting blood transfusions while waiting.im praying that the bleeding is related to the feeding tube.if you read my previous posts you will see my dad has only had 1 kemo treatment which was the 5FU.should know more tomorrow.i hopecncguy cncguy Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello.  I too have had the role of caring for a parent battling this awful disease.  A lot of what you write is similar to certain things we encountered.  My mother was on the j- tube as well and there always seem to be something happening each day that would leave you guessing.  I never imagined how busy someone so ill could be?  It doesn't seem right. I just wanted to let you know I am rooting for your Dad and your family.My prayers are with you.  Keep Smiling... Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi Keep Smiling-thanks for your kind words.my dad has only had 1 round of kemo (the 48 hour pack)then he returned home after 4+ days in the hospital.he was doing fine while at home,until he went back last week for round 2 of kemo and his white blood count was off.1 week his red count is off,the next his white is off.this has been 1 heck of an experience.so since his blood was off,he couldnt have kemo.instead he had a shot(s) both thursday and friday of last week.tomorrow he goes in again to try for round 2 of kemo.we are crossing our fingers that its a go!.as of late my dad has been depressed,he really doesnt want to talk on the phone.as far as the feeding tube goes i believe he is still doing 5 cans a day.thanks for your prayerscncguy cncguy Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I remember the waiting is the hardest.  You want so bad to tackle the cancer and it seems that you do more waiting than actually battling.I know my mom was discouraged by her feeding tube experience.  She couldn't get up to 5 cans so, your Dad is doing well on that front.  She could not eat or drink orally.  She also was impeccable at keeping her tube flushed regularly and she still had problems at times with clogging.  The nurses say it has no rhyme nor reason because they have seen some patients never properly clean them and never have an issue and yet others like my mom seem prone to problems with theirs.  I remember my mom feeling dependant on it and it was an adjustment for her.  She had always been self sufficient.  She never admitted to it but, I can only imagine how scary it must be to know that your life depends on a apparatus.  My mom stayed extremely strong through her experience but, she did need the help of antidepressants to help with the tremendous load she was carrying.Take careKeep Smilin  Keep Smiling... Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT caregiver-my dad is up to 7 cans thru a 24 hour period now so im kind of glad about that.he still is not eating any solids via mouth,just a little soup evry now and them.i think he gained a pound or 2,he is up to 139 lbs.he was able to have his 2nd round of kemo on thursday,another thing im happy about.the only thing now is we dont know if when his scheduled kemo is supposed to happen,whether or not he will indeed be getting it.it depends on his blood.thankyou for your prayerscncguy cncguy Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT update 2/24/08 8:35 pm seems as though we take 1 step forward and then 2 steps back.my dad had to go to the bathroom,so he unhooked himself from his feeding tube,and after the bathroom visit he noticed his tube fell out.he stepped on the line accidently and it pulled out.he wanted to wait until tomorrow to get things fixed but needless to say he is at emergency room now as we speak.the doc who looked at him said that it's an easy fix as long as they have the correct size tube.after that it's off for xrays to make sure evrything is ok.thats all for now.cncguy cncguy Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT what a week this has been.on sunday my dad accidently stepped on his feedingtube line and it pulled out of his stomach.he didnt want to go to the hospital after it happened,instead he wanted to wait until the next morning.well,he didnt have a choice,he was brought to the ER.at the ER we were told that the replacement of the tube should be an easy fix,providing they have the correct size tube available.wel,not available which meant minor surgery to install.after the surgery my dad had a breathing problem and they were going to sedate him and put a tube down his throat.my brother wanted to visit with the doctors and find out first hand what was going on.on his way to the hospital,my dad's girlfriend gets a call from the hospital asking her who the next of kin is.she in turned told them my brother is actually on his way down there and gave them his number.2 minutes later the phone rings,its my brother,he tells me that after surgery our dad was not stable and we had to discuss a few things (otions)and one of them being the doctors wanted to put lines in him to get him stable.well of course we were all for that.there was mention too that my dad might have developed pneumonia.last night was a very critical night so i left the house to be with my brother and our dad.when i arrived the lines were put in my dad and he was breathing via a machine.because the were pumping all kinds of meds into my dad,his face swelled up.that there was a shocker,didnt even look like my dad.i wasnt expecting that at all.we left a few hours later,left all phones on all night,said a few prayers,and before i knew it it was time to get up and go to work.i called the hospital in the AM and was told that the xrays taken last night were to find out if the lines that were put in were ok,which they were.few hours later i call and find out my dad is responding to all meds very well,although still sedated,he is alert from time to time but only for a few seconds.i went to visit him tonight,and he looks much better,still sedated,but is breathing on his own and he doesnt have pneumonia.my dad opened his eyes and tried to talk,but couldnt understand him.i didnt want him to talk,i told him to not be afraid,we will get you through this.they are looking to move him out of ICU to a different room for recovery and im hoping that they will start the feedings with the tube again.one of the things i was able to understand my dad saying was that he was hungry,but figured that out when he was making a chewing movement with his mouth.well thats about it for now. cncguy Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Oh my gosh!!!  I am so sorry for what your family has had to go through or rather your father has had to endure.  It sure can all change at a moments notice.  I hope the next big change for him will be for the better :)I think I have mentioned before my mother had some issues with her j-tube as well and one time too she had to have hers replaced in the ER.  Luckily it went well though as they did have the correct tube on hand but, I remember the disappointment and worry when we had to go to the ER because it was not functioning.I want to say I can't believe the drastic change in your Dad's condition but, that is how it happened with my mom as well.  I guess that is why every moment has to be the best moment possible when you are with him.  I was relieved to read the latter part of your message, that he was showing signs of improvement.  Its so amazing how the human body can work.  It almost sounds as if your Dad's body decided to shut down in order to reserve all of his inner strength.  When things calmed down some, he began to emerge.  I truly hope that is what happens for him.You know one thing you mentioned at the very end of your message was that he was possibly hungry.  I can not speak for him but, I know when my mom was heavily sedated and hooked up to the oxygen she got very dry in the mouth and wanted me to keep her mouth and lips moist with sponge swabs whenever possible (the hospital supplied them).  Just a thought?Thankyou for keeping us posted of your father's condition.  He will remain in our prayers.Take care  Keep Smiling... Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Keep Smiling-thanks for the reply.i guess there stiill is hope.i called the hospital at lunch today and was told my dad was watching tv,his condition improved overnight and was going to be transferred out of surgical ICU into a different room forrecovery.i called when i got out of work i called and indeed he was transferred to a different room and the nurse asked if i wanted to talk to him?talk to him?? my reply was he can talk?then i said im on my way to see him anyway and just in case he has trouble talking i dont want him to do so.i arrive at the hospital and as im walkingin i hear someone talking and it wasy my dad.he was talking to the other patient in his room.my dad actually looked like my dad!i actaully couldnt believe what was happening.my dad improved so much in the past 2 days its unbelievable.spoke with a few doctors,one of which actually gave me the entire scoop of what happened.the fact that my dad needed a J-tube replacement was actually a 5 minute procedure.it was what happened after that.since my dad was in the lying down position,they think he aspirated therefore fluid ended up in his lungs.it was then that my dads condition was dangerous as his blood pressure dropped as well.he is currently on oxygen,but not using a mask,just using the clear tube around his face and nostrils.he is also getting a IV drip to help things and is getting fed thru his feedin tube.one thing that makes sense is if he was in the lying down position when he asprated,and he has had prolems at home in the past with his low blood pressure,this makes me think that maybe he should be a little more alert on how his sleeps.maybe he shouldnt lye flat.im going to mention it to him tomorrow.there was word that he might go home tomorrow,he wants out of the hospital too,claiming its too cold and claustrophobic (sp).my dad hasnt gotten up and walked around yet.i dont think is a good idea if he is discharged tomorrow.im supposed to apeak with the doctors tomorrow morning and see what they say.overall i feel a little better about things.oh yeah,i did see my dad had a cup of water with what looked like a toothbrush with a sponge on the end.he was using this on his lips and toungue.so long for now  cncguy Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer stage 4 in Jan of 08, he has a chemo port put in so he has chem 24-7 he had a feeding tube put in which has helped wonders, he has radiation everyday for 6 weeks, then after radiation they will change the chemo drug to a stronger drug, this has been so hard, the doctors said it will get worse before it gets better, well the doctor who put in his feeding tube left the tube in too far and he vomited for 5 days and lost 11 pounds, he had to get hydrated for 3 days 2 hours each time, he got the feeding tube pulled out some and now is doing so much better, he cant eat food hardly it tears his stomach up but he can have liquids, he uses his feeding tube 6 times a day with no problems, his chemo hasnt caused any side effects the doctors says it is a light  dose and that after radiation he will have a stronger dose, his cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and liver too but their is always hope never ever give up, the doctors says they have good chances now even if he gets to live another year that will be ok by all of us, at least he got that year of course my dad wants 10 and I pray to god to keep him from suffering I cant stand the suffering that is the hardest part to see a parent go thru this, My father is so brave and strong all of you people who have been affected by this cancer keep your heads up and pray and never ever lose faith and hope it whats gets you thru the day,Take care of yourself also Jennifer jennymack Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi jennifer-   thanks for your reply.my dad has been home from the hospital since monday evening and today he went for his 3rd round of kemo.when i last visited him sunday evening,he needed help walking with a walker.i found out today my adad didnt want to bring the walker and actually walked today on his own without it.this entire thing has been a tough battle and i hope that my dad is able to eat through his mouth very soon.when we speak on the phone he tells me about all the meals he wants to eat when he is able to do so.my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family throughout this difficult time.god blesscncguy cncguy Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed with this exact same cancer 3 years ago.  Gastroesophageal junction cancer, stage IV.  Food felt like it was getting stuck in his throat.  Weight loss.  After surgery, chemo and radiation and palliative chemo, after two years, they said he was doing very well - didn't say cured but were very optimistic.  Around Christmas 2007, the same symptoms, food getting stuck, weight loss.  They inserted a J tube but at that point they found that the cancer has spread into his mesentery and was again in his stomach.  He passed away February 22, 2008.  Please don't let this depress you, every patient is different.  For my husband to live with stage IV cancer for three years is a miracle.  He fought like a warrior.  I hear Gleevac (spelling?) is a good drug for advanced stomach cancer.  My prayers are with you.Diane Anniedips Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi All,I pray and hope all is going good with your family members, My dad is up too 6 cans they doctors said eight but he can only do six yes each person is different their size depends on how many cans they can take, my dad was over 230 pounds he is now down too 196 pounds he is very weak and tired most days he lays in bed and sleeps he has 2 more radiation treatments lots of pain in his stomach, he tried soup twice but it burned too much too do a third time, he stops chemo today for a month, he can walk but barely he is so tired all the time but he is in good spirits and never complains, he is extremely strong, He has gained some weight back which is good, he drinks slurpees alot to ease the burning and popsicles, they help him and he takes Tums which help and also vicodin for the pain he hates too take it but will when it gets bad, i  just hope everyone is doing better on this message board, also remember caretakers to also take care of yourselves too, i will pray for all of you. Take care Jennifer jennymack Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT