CancerCompass message board discussion started by MarkInMaryland on 3/21/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22213,0.htm Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I was diagnosed with esophagus cancer three days ago.  I had a PET scan, and I have an appointment with an oncologist Monday.  I have a friend who got a copy of the PET results and told me that I have 16 cells that have metastized to my liver, she said they are lesions, and are in both nodes.  I don't know what that means, but it doesn't sound good.The report also says that the cancer originated in the esophagus.  Can anyone tell me anything at all?  I'm so scared. MarkInMaryland Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 3/21/2008 MarkInMaryland wrote:I was diagnosed with esophagus cancer three days ago.  I had a PET scan, and I have an appointment with an oncologist Monday.  I have a friend who got a copy of the PET results and told me that I have 16 cells that have metastized to my liver, she said they are lesions, and are in both nodes.  I don't know what that means, but it doesn't sound good.The report also says that the cancer originated in the esophagus.  Can anyone tell me anything at all?  I'm so scared.Mark,I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Time can be your enemy when you are waiting for answers. The first question that comes to mind is-Is your friend certified to read a PET scan? If so, she should be able to tell you what it means. How does the dr. know that the cancer originated in the esophagus? The very first thing I would do is to listen to what the dr. has to say on Monday and then seek out a 2nd opinion at a larger cancer center. Even if you end up staying with the first dr. it's always good to get a 2nd opinion. I wish I had more advice for you. You have come to a great place for information and support. Please keep us posted on how you are doing and I will keep you in my prayers.  GeorgesGirl Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your kind words.  No, she is a tech, and was reading the radiologist's report.  So, maybe there are nuances to the report that she missed or doesn't understand.I'm still so worried about the appointment Monday.  I just can't imagine how I could go from perfectly healthy one week to terrified for my life the next.I know, I'm whining.  I'm sorry.  Mark. MarkInMaryland Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mark - I lost my Dad in June to the first round of chemo for Espophageal cancer stage IV.  He was otherwise healthy, but, was 77 and was first mis diagnosed with having curable papillary thyroid cancer.  Anyway, his reaction to the chemo was unusual.  With that said, I am assuming you are in Maryland?  Where are you going ?  We were at Hopkins and honestly, had a hideous experience!  I have heard more and more people saying their Hopkins experience was awful.  They are ranked 3rd in the country, but, personally, the level of disconnect and time waiting and waiting for appts. was unexcusable to me and I have heard a lot of people say the same, that they felt they fell through the cracks.  At any rate, if you are there, they are 3rd in the country, just push and advocate for yourself obnoxiously!   Second, I have hear VERY excellent things about Lombardi Cancer Center in D.C. (which is where I wish we had taken my Dad).  What stage are you Mark?  How old are you?  It sounds like you are in good health and will probably do very well!   I know it is terrifying, but, don't get too ahead of yourself.  This is a great web site to have found.  There are a lot of wonderful people and inspiring stories.  I'm sure you'll hear from "Cyclist" (Steve) at some point.  He is amazing!  there are others too.  Also, a really good site that is mostly patients is Cathy's EC Cafe.  There are SO many long term survivors that were at Stage III and IV!  You'll learn so much from there stories and they are very inspiring!  Keep us posted and we will all pray for you!  Hang in there!!  karen Worriedsick Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Dear Karen,I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.  Yes, I'm in Maryland, and I have my first appointment with Dr. Waterfield, an oncologist, at Franklin Square on Monday.I'm 48, and in otherwise good health.  I called the Cancer Treatment Centers of America but they don't accept my insurance, an HMO.Thanks for replying.Mark MarkInMaryland Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mark,I forgot to ask-Do you know if you have adenocarcinoma or sqaumous cell esophageal cancer? They are both treated the same way. I was just wondering! GeorgesGirl Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mark, I'm in Maryland,too...My cancer is NOT the same as yours; but I just completed 6 chemo treatments @ Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Center @ Sinai Hospital..Dr. Stephen Noga was my oncologist.Once you have gone to yout first appointment @ Franklin, you can still ask for a second opinion.I was impressed and very satisfied w/ the care I received there.Just a helpful hint, IF there are any studies offered consider particpating  When you are in a study, they monitor you like a hawk; this provides a bit of "extra" attention..I volunteered for 2 studies and I believe it served me well..I'm waiting for the "test of cure" CT results as I type..Channel your fear into researching all you can on line from the American Cancer Assoc. and NIH..be knowlegable about your disease as best you can. Find a friend or family member as an advocate for you, preferably someone who is not shy and will support, question and argue for your best care and outcome.God bless you on this difficult journey..cancer does not have to be a death sentence..I know of someone who had esopogeal CA 6 years ago; treated and doing well!! Take each day as it comes and KEEP THE FAITH!Lyn   Kicking Cancer Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I do know that it's adenocarcinoma.Mark MarkInMaryland Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you, Lyn.That's what I need to hear, success stories!  That, or "Hey Mark!  Guess what?  There was a bug on the machine, and you don't have cancer!"I'm guessing that's not real likely though.Mark MarkInMaryland Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mark  I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. There is a really good Esophagus Cancer site and group that has a lot of survivor stories and patients on it called Cathy's EC Cafe, just click the link for the ec group. you'll be in my thoughts and prayers cmullen Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I'll find out more today when I see the oncologist.  Are mets the liver an automatic death sentence? MarkInMaryland Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT OK, apparently so.  I met with my oncologist today.  He said surgery is not an option.  He scheduled me for a port for chemo, another CT scan, and I start chemo tomorrow.  Once a week, all day for four weeks.  He said we would take another CT then and see where we are.He said he thinks there is about a 50% chance of putting the cancer in remission with the chemo.I'm certainly going to get a 2nd opinion, and I'm really interested in a doctor that likes liver surgery as an option.  Are there any like that?  Any success stories out there?Mark MarkInMaryland Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mark-Husband was diagnosed at 49 with adenocarcinoma and lung mets. Did chemo and radiation, knocked down lung mets, shrank tumor, did surgery (Ivor Lewis/lung resection), have had several recurrences of lung mets. It's been quite a road. We practice a form of energy healing called tongren and there is a group of people in Maryland who meet for "guinea pig class". Husband has been a guinea pig over a year where we live in Massachusetts (and through conference phone calls recently) , through chemo, surgeries, good times and bad. I know it seems strange, but he has done really well with this energy work along with his traditional treatment. His oncologist frequently is baffled and surprised by the twists and turns we have taken over the past two+ years. There has been interest at Dana Farber and Harvard Medical, and I've personally seen people's cancer vanish on quite a few occasions now, with their dr.s left scratching their heads. I always say we have nothing to lose by going out on a limb with this cancer. My own experience of tongren at this point is that I feel more vitality and life force than I have in years, although I am rarely a guinea pig myself. I tell my husband it's kind of a shame because he's had cancer and it's beaten him up a lot, and I just feel like I'm getting younger and healthier at this point. Life just isn't fair. tongrenhealer Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Please tell me more about this "guinea pig class."  At this point, if you told me to stand on my head and play castenetes with my toes I might give it a try. MarkInMaryland Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I responded privately about guinea pig class, but also mentioned Lois Dickerman whose husband had liver mets I believe. You can contact her by going to ECAA (Esophageal Cancer Awareness Assoc) website. There is a section on lower right side of homepage that says they will answer questions. If you click there it takes you to page with directors, and there is a link there to contact her. She might have some good information for you because I know Dick responded very well, and I believe she said when he did Terrasphere it was as an experimental procedure. Again, good luck with it all.  tongrenhealer Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mark,  Please put on your boxing gloves..surgery is not an option NOW....My Dad has adneocarcinoma..just diagnosed in Dec.  ...Surgery is not an option for him NOW, but down the road it may be...as it could be for you...Please know you have a support group here, of people who know and understand....They have been wonderful for me...and they will be for you..Keep your chin up...and your gloves high...and throw out a few left hooks of your own...Round one... cancer gave you a blow...Round 2..My Money is on MARK.Bless you,Angie angree Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hey, how did you know I'm right handed, but a natural lefty?Seriously, thank you for your thoughts, my emotions seem to be on the biggest roller coaster in history the last week, and your words brought a tear.I'm trying to remain positive, and focused.  The first round of chemo was yesterday, so I'm waiting to see what side effects take hold.  Truth be told, I don't really care about side effects, if it's working bring it on.The Oncologist seems to think that the liver mets are the real problem, even though it's esophageal cancer, so that's where I'm focused I guess.God bless you all for your support, and please keep writing to me, it makes a ton of difference.Love to all,Mark MarkInMaryland Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 3/26/2008 MarkInMaryland wrote:Hey, how did you know I'm right handed, but a natural lefty?Seriously, thank you for your thoughts, my emotions seem to be on the biggest roller coaster in history the last week, and your words brought a tear.I'm trying to remain positive, and focused.  The first round of chemo was yesterday, so I'm waiting to see what side effects take hold.  Truth be told, I don't really care about side effects, if it's working bring it on.The Oncologist seems to think that the liver mets are the real problem, even though it's esophageal cancer, so that's where I'm focused I guess.God bless you all for your support, and please keep writing to me, it makes a ton of difference.Love to all,Mark Iam so sorry to hear of your cancer,I can remember feeling like I was in black hole when I found out I had stage 4 colon cancer.Always remember to be the captain of your own ship,DONT be afraid to ask questions or to not believe what they say! I was told I had only 3-6 months and its almost 4 years later!!!! As far as side effects they dont always show up right away,I found the best way is to have the docs tell someone else the side effects(,the mind is a powerful thing,I know the way i was feeling back then ,I would of been looking for EVERY darn side effect even if it was not there because I was so afraid of the unknown) this way you dont look for them but the person they told the side effects to can tell you if what you feel is normal.Ithink I had far less problems when I was not waiting or looking for them!!! I also found out everyone thinks they are an expert,they mean well,but only your drs and you know whats best.Listen to what others have gone through and pull from that.Keep your since of humor even when your terrified!! Ask others that have gone through it as you go into your treatment I found they, not the docs can really tell us what to expect,God bless and I wish you well. Heidirose Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Dear Mark,I had EC in 2004 and there was a guy in the room next to me that had EC with Mets to the Liver.  With my situation they did the surgery first and chemo and radiation after,  With him they did chemo and radiation first and actually removed some of his liver then did the esophagectamy later.  I don't know how he did, but the key is to get to a hospital that does a lot of these surgeries. I was at Duke Medical center in Durham NC. Good luck.     Keep us posted.  You will be in my prayers.Gerri                                                     Gerri Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mark-Make sure you take your anti-emetics even if you don't know you need them yet. You're young like my husband was, which is supposed to make CINV (chemo induced nausea and vomiting) worse. If you can stay ahead of it and not let it take hold, you will be way better off.  If you have just zofran, it works much better in combo with Emend (zofran alone never got it for us, unless it was because we lost momentum before we ever really got started.) They're very expensive, so if you don't have prescription coverage, there are programs through the drug companies for income eligible people. Suya tongrenhealer Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mark, You sound like a warrior.  Go to war on that cancer.  You obviously have a great sense of humor - that will help.  My prayers go with you. Diane Anniedips Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad has been diagonosed with small cell advanced lung cancer and is just on his second dose of chemo he had an xray yesterday and so far so good, he is still in good health and the tumor has srunk with the chemo so try not to be two scared with the thoughts of chemo.  The doctors say they are going to give him 4 rounds of chemo and then radiation to the brain once that has completed I have been looking into alternative medicines which most doctors dont belive in but what the hell anything is worth a try I lost mum 7 years ago to breast cancer so we are not new to these things.  I have been on various sites and orderd things to start dad on once his course of chemo has finished so take a look and also I hear that losts of juices are good which you can get at costo or online Noni Juice, Mangosteen Juice, Pomergranate Juice and Gogi Juice Juice.  Give them all a try and fight it hard and most of all stay positive.  Good luck. Siobhan  Siobhan1 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wow, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the support and love I feel from this group.  Thank you all so much!  I'm still terrified, of course, but I'm really going to try hard to stay alive.I'm getting a port put in today to make the chemo easier, i e, not so many IVs.I'm really hoping to put the cancer in remission so I can look into surgical alternatives.  I just know I'd feel better knowing that they took out the cancerous portions of my esophagus, liver, and adrenal.  But we'll see I guess.  I really want to look into the tongren stuff too.Thanks again, and God bless and keep you all.Mark MarkInMaryland Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT The tongren group that meets in MD is Silver Springs. Don't know if I sent you stage 4 cancer conference #, or just where to find info. In-Betweeners meet next at noon tomorrow (Friday) and I'm guessing with a port going in, you are not going to be out running around a lot, so perhaps you could take a half hour to sit with the group and receive. If you want I can send you the number. Although you may be uncomfortable after the port for a bit, they are a godsend with esophageal. For some reason esophageals tend to dehydrate more, which makes IV use much more difficult. You sound ready to put up a good fight, and that's a big part of making it. Have the best day you can have!  Suya tongrenhealer Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Yes, please...I'd like that alot. Mark MarkInMaryland Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Mark - I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  I have Stg 4 non-small lung cancer which had spread to my liver, bones and brain by the time I was diagnosed.  So I don't know much about pancreatic cancer but I can tell you that your message brought back that horrible, "Oh My God, this can't be happening" feeling.  I hope that it's not as bad as you are fearing it will be, but even if it is, don't give up hope  Forget what the docs say - I was told I had maybe 16 months - that was back in 4/05 and I'm doing very well.  The fear will diminish as time goes by which is good because you'll need all of your strength to fight this ghastly disease.  Rest assured, you can fight it and it's important that you know that!God bless you and your loved ones!   Bentley Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sorry, Mark - I meant esophogeal cancer, not pancreatic, but the concept is the same! Bentley Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hey Mark, It may be a long haul but you can beat this.  I was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in 04 and EC on 06.  Both looked grim at the onset but with radiation and chemo I have done well. I'm not done yet, but getting close.  Mine is not in my liver but had met in the nodes and kidney.  Those are clear now.   It has been a big ordeal but I almost have it licked.  Talk to your Dr.   don't let him rush in or out, ask questions, write them down before the appointments.  Get a good nurse that will answer your questions.  I wish you the best.  May God Bless.   Travisdean Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you Tavis and Bentley,Folks like you are truly an inspiration.  I still wake up feeling normal, then withing a few minutes, I think...."oh, yeah.  I have cancer."It's such a roller coaster.  I had my first chemo and just burst into tears.  Here I am a big, tough PI.  I carry a handgun, and fly airplanes, and there I was blubbering  like a schoolboy.Mark MarkInMaryland Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT It is terrible to have heard results without the benefit of being with your Dr to ask these questions.  Please direct your questions to the experts.  You really don' t need to hear the opinions of others on here right now.   It is hard enough to wait on a dr appt after having had tests... but I imagine it is worse now that you have heard results you don't understand.Best wishes to you. dcnbama Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT The Stage 4 cancer call is called the In-Betweeners call. The conference --Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection, phone number removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html-- It says you're accepted, and people will be on and ask name and what you are calling in with and any particular problems or complaints. Sit to receive energy-best to sit comfortably, feet on floor, palms up to receive. Husband does his in recliner and I have done call laying down so don't be too rigid about it (couple from Chicago with EC disagreed on how to receive-they were funny). Just enjoy the energy. People can call in past 12:00, so if you aren't on immediately someone will check in for new callers. You can just sit and receive through the whole call if you want, and they go through the list of whoever is on each day and treat each person also. Ask if you have questions. Can mute your phone with #6 to keep background noise out, or unmute with #7 to talk. Calls at 12:00-12:30 Mon-Fri-SatWeds. 6:30 PMOther calls and times not cancer specific are listed at:www.tongrenhealer.blogspot.comHope everything went well with your port. Take care. Suya tongrenhealer Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sorry-I thought I sent that # privately. Will resend you phone privately because I think it's against rules and they will delete it. Just assumed because I emailed privately that it kept posting that way. Oops! Was rushing towards the call so I could tap for the group. tongrenhealer Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My father had a Transhiatal Esphagectomy 47 days ago at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.  Dad was in the ICU for two and a half days then into a step down ICU for 5 days.  He has been at my house since leaving St. Francis.  His incisions have healed except for the J-Tube he still has.  He is on a soft diet and we follow the diet restrictions to the letter.  Dad's EC was at a stage III and it had not spread outside of the esophagus.  Dad is 83 years old.  keys to his success have been that he he wants to continue living, he listened and followed the recommendations of his doctors and he was a very active man for 83.  Dr. Richard Anderson and the entire staff at OSF Medical Center were outstanding in their care of dad.  You are in our prayers. Like everyone here, we are willing to help.Steve in Illinois. Barkley Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Dear Steve,Thanks for the words of inspiration!  I'm going to do everything the dr's tell me, and anything else I can think of.  I'm blessed having a wife that won't tolerate me sitting around whining.  So, the fight progresses.  And fight I will.Your dad sounds like an inspiration, I hope to be strong like him.Mark MarkInMaryland Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT try to just hang in there...there is so much advancement in cancer cures! I felt that terror too ...pure panic and fear.and now I am on the road to health (lung and lymph cancer)Wait to see the oncologist for a real diagnosis....and also explore all alternative treatment combinations ,i.e. combining with acupuncture,chinese med. herbs,diet and vitamins etc. Best to explore all angles..and there is HOPE.I am now traveling and enjoying my life. Sometimes this hard stuff makes us stronger..Sending you very good wishes for health...Big Hug....Jane Jane M Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 3/24/2008 MarkInMaryland wrote:OK, apparently so.  I met with my oncologist today.  He said surgery is not an option.  He scheduled me for a port for chemo, another CT scan, and I start chemo tomorrow.  Once a week, all day for four weeks.  He said we would take another CT then and see where we are.He said he thinks there is about a 50% chance of putting the cancer in remission with the chemo.I'm certainly going to get a 2nd opinion, and I'm really interested in a doctor that likes liver surgery as an option.  Are there any like that?  Any success stories out there?MarkMark,I live in NC.  My mom has linitis plastica.  A surgeon was introduced to her who is just amazing.  People come from all over the world to see him, he has pioneered a procedure where he uses microwave antennas, ? not sure of all the terminology but its amazing, he burns the tumors out of the liver, the ones that are inoperable.  I have a neighbor who is going to him in the next week, they give her no hope .  He took my mom's stomach, gallbladder out connected her escophous to her intestines and she can eat now, she did have a feeding tube. He is a very intelligent man, you maybe should see about sending him your records, there was an article a few weeks ago in the sunday newspaper it called him the "liver guy".  His name is Dr. David A. Iannitti , he is with CMC in Charlotte, NC.  E-mail me back and I will be happy to help you get in touch with him, couldn't hurt.............  we feel like he has been a total answer to prayer.. Kat  Kat777 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I think I wrote before, but I just want to reassure you.  Please wait until "all" the tests are in before you panic.  Even after the tests do come in, keep a positive attitude.  Every day they come up with new chemo therapy and people are surviving now who have had liver and pancreatic cancers.  And remember, it may not be in your liver.  They thought my cancer might have spread from the esophagus to the liver, but it turned out that when they did the "big" surgery and all the biopsys there that it had not spread.All of my doctors have told me that attitude and the willingness to fight is very important.  You will do just fine.  It will  just take a little time. doingfine Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Just came back from a second opinion appointment at Georgetown's Lombardi Cancer Instititue.  The doctor there pretty much concurred with my current course of treatment, cisplatin and another chemo who's name I forget.I completed four chemo treatments and am on a "break" week, but have an appointment tomorrow for blood work and a consult with the dr.Everyone is telling me that because of the mets to the liver and lymphnodes surgery is not an option.  Our goal appears either to place the cancer in remission or reduce it to chronic but managable.  Neither seem ideal choices to me, and all the doctors are telling me that this will eventually kill me.  Sure is hard to keep a positive attitude sometimes, huh?God bless all,Mark MarkInMaryland Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mark,I know it is hard to keep positive, but treatment and positive attitude can do wonders.  Every day they are coming up with new treatments.  I also had Cisplatin and Irinotecan.  They are very powerful chemo drugs.  I did get a lot of side effects, but they were manageable with medication.  I also had radiation every day with the chemo.  The radiation also gave me some side effects, so I don't know what came from which treatment.  I know several people who had it spread to the liver and they are getting treatment that seems to be working.  Keep your hopes up and fight.  Someone told me that I should try to think of ONE good thing each day and focus on that.  The days I went through treatment were rather difficult, but it did pay off.  Count down the days you have left.I have a good friend who had inoperable lung cancer and that spread to his lymph glands.  He had 5 tumors 4 years ago.  He now only has one inactive tumor and they are keeping the cancer at bay with a new trial chemo pill.  He is out fishing, bowling and is getting along with a good quality of life.  Get on a church prayer group.  If you like I can add you to ours.  Prayer is a tremendous help.  Try not to get discouraged.  I am believeing that you will beat this thing like I did.  I had a PET/CT scan today and trusting that it will be clean.  I am now 4 years past treatment.  Thank God.  I eat like a horse too even with only 2 " of an esophagus.  I am praying for you.Barbara doingfine Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Dear Barbara,Thank you for responding.  I'm trying so hard to keep a positive attitude, but some days it sure is difficult.  I peeked in the DR's notes (well, I am a private investigator, it's expected of us) and saw that the "average" lifespan for stage IV EC with liver mets is about 14 months.  I gotta tell you THAT particular news was not exactly encouraging.I had a third opinion, can't wait till my health insurance gets that bill, with Mercy Medical Center, and now all three have pretty much said the same thing.  This is going to kill me, but we have no idea when.I'm otherwise healthy, have no cancer symptoms other than a weight loss from 263 to 247 over a one month period.  They tell me that is very much in my favor.  What bothers me the most is the thought of death.  This really isn't how the Mark show was supposed to end.  I seriously need to come to terms with death and dying, although I'm gonna fight it every step of the way!My cancer has turned into the first thing I think of in the morning, and the last thing I think about at night, and very rarely do I think of anything else during the day.  This cannot be healthy, or even helpful to my efforts at remission or arrest of the tumors.I think I need a shrink.  Sorry for being so long winded.God bless to all.Mark MarkInMaryland Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,MarkMy husband ,45 y.o was diagnosed with EC on March,18,when we got a biopsy result from the tumor in his esophagus.Two weeks later we found out that hi has two lesions in his liver.As in your case-surgery was not an option,and we started chemo:once every 3 weeks with cisplatin,epirubicin and 5-fu,and he has 5-fu continuously(24/7).My husband  will have a CT on june,6,so we will know if tumors are shrinking.When we first found out about his diagnosis were as terrified as you are.After first shock was gone,and treatment started was surprised myself how positive my husband's thinking was,and how strong he is. I did a lot of research  on the Internet ,found people  who were  diagnosed with stage iv cancers and  were told by their doctors that they have 2 mo to live  and  10,20 years  later are well and cancer free!  We got to action.I put my husband on strict diet-no sugar in any way(juices,baked goods,processed foods,etc)no meat,no milk and milk products.He fills great,full of energy and even his symptoms(difficulty swallowing) is gone,which  is very encouraging.Please, do your homework too,don't just relay on your Dr.and conventional treatment and you will beat this beast! There are a lot of cancer survivors!Best wishes,Victoria. goaliewife Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT