CancerCompass message board discussion started by Vickie M. on 8/16/2002 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,425,0.htm Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My brother is 44 years old and has recently been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The tumor has grown large and is extended into his stomach and liver. His future doesn't look good. Has anyone ever had this type cancer and survived? I forgot to mention that his cancer type is squamous cell. Vickie M. Fri, 16 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT Vicki - My husband (age59) was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the gastric/esophageal junction on May 21, 2002. He has gone through 5 weeks of radiation/chemo (Cysplatin and Xeloda). We go next Tuesday for surgery consultation and should have surgery in about 3 weeks. What stage of treatment is your brother in?? I too am searching for survivor stories of this form of cancer. There is not much out there on the internet to fall back on. Prayers to you, your brother and family. Lynne S. Thu, 22 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT My cousin had extensive surgery two years ago for this type of cancer. He went through the battle with the chemo - etc. He had a particularly hard time because his mother passed away while he was in the hospital and he could not even attend her funeral. He has had many other personal problems to deal with as well - but he is such a fighter - he would get up and do things around the house and cut the grass in small parts until he got the job done. He was ministered to by many who loved and encouraged him and he has even had a heart attack since the surgery. But he simply does not give up and as of now is in remission. I have just discovered that I have breast cancer and I am on an emotional roller coaster. Some days I am up for the mastectomy and other days I want to run away from my body. I want to just unzip it and step right out of it. I know that God is in the shadows as well as in the light and that He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He has not promised to heal everyone who says, "Lord, Lord!" But He has promised to never leave us hopeless. I believe that my cancer will be a journey - one with days of smooth roads and some with rough spots to overcome - no unlike the pioneers who went west. But their determination and their will to succeed opened up a whole new world in America and I am expecting that this cancer will open up a whole new world for me. My prayer is that I will honor God and be a good example to my children and grandchildren. I know that I am not a body - not a breast - not a piece of flesh; but a spirit born in the image of God and I know that He cares for me. I pray that your brother finds peace and serenity in the midst of the storm. Many people have been healed - not just with medicine - but also with divine intervention and personal courage. I pray that no matter the outcome of your brothers illness; that each of you will be brought closer to each other and that many joys lie ahead for each of you. Pat P. Sat, 24 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT Hit with the same type last May 2001 after I had my physical and requested an upper GI since my sister had died in Feb 2001 from this cancer...had the chemo and rad treatment last summer and the surgery in Nov. it was in stage 3...back to work im March 2002 and the six month cat scan was uneventful...have returned but will never be the same as pre cancer..each case is unique and will pray for your brother to have positive thoughts and in the words of Lance Armsrong make an obstacle an opportunity, make a negative a positive. Ralph C. Tue, 27 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT Hi. I wish you guys the the best, there is always hope. I also have gastric cancer at my esophagus junction with lesions on my liver, the treatment kept my cancer stable, it has been nine months now, three months ago I stopped taking chemo to allow my cells to get back to normal. I will be back on chemo as soon as next week, I just don't know my outcome yet. I do believe that you can beat this, have faith and be strong, I can't even find a support group with my type of cancer. K.L Khanute L. Tue, 17 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT My husband, Jim, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on July 5 this year. He is in stage 4 with squamous cell metastatic cancer - meaning that it has spread already to the lymph nodes, which isn't good. He was told it is inoperable and incurable. He has been doing chemo (cisplatin and 5FU) and the tumor (which is between the stomach and esophagus) has not grown. This is a very aggressive form of cancer and the dr. was pleasantly surprised that it hadn't spread in the past 2 months. I feel it is because of the change in diet and lifestyle that we started. We are doing the Macrobiotic Diet and have given up red meat, white sugar, white flour, and milk products and are eating whole grains, organic vegetables and fruit, beans, soy products and soon we will be trying seaweed. That sounds awful but if it means your life, it's worth it. We personally know 2 people who have been cured of their cancer with this diet. And it makes sense. I have been reading everything I can on the internet and diet and lifestyle change seems to be the answer. The body can heal itself if you give it nutrients. There are certain foods that can kill (suffocate) cancer cells. I have about 15 pages of typed notes that I have accumulated on diet and curing cancer if you are interested. You need to read the book "When Hope Never Dies" by Marlene McKenna and "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" by Patrick Quillin. I feel it can be beat! Judy T. Holland, MI Jim T. Mon, 30 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT My husband, Jim, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January of 2002. He was told it was inoperable also. It had metastasized to the liver. He has been on chemotherapy---first, cisplatin and 5-FU, now carbopatin and taxotere. We have been trying to follow the Macrobiotic diet and a healthy lifestyle. I think it is paying off. Every CAT scan he has had has shown a decrease in the size of the tumors in the liver. He can eat everything and anything, has no trouble swallowing and no pain anywhere! He is convinced he can get well. We are planning a trip out West for next summer! Many people are praying for him. I am convinced that prayers are helping. A positive attitude is so important! Please do not give up hope!! It can be beat! Patricia D. Thu, 10 Oct 2002 00:00:00 GMT Just an update on my husband who has stage 4 esophageal cancer that is "incurable and inoperable"...We have changed pretty much to a vegetarian diet (macrobiotic). In the last couple months we have had chicken a couple times and steak a couple times but it is always organic. He is doing great! He is taking chemo only but I'm not sure that that is helping at all as sometimes he gets pretty sick from it. I have been reading everything I can on it - alternative seems like our only hope with this type of cancer. We have met with 2 people who survived cancer by changing to this diet. Both were in Stage 4 but both were also melanoma. Jim is eating 5-7 fruits and veggies a day (the more colorful, the more vitamins in them.) Miso (fermented soybean paste) has been said to suffocate cancer cells so he's doing Miso soup once a day. He eats no dairy, eggs, white flour or sugar. He is juicing a pound of carrots a day (for his Vitamin A beta carotene -a cancer fighter), taking barley green, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Flaxseed, Coenzyme Q-10 and Grapeseed. He is doing visualization and breathing exercises (to relax and get oxygen into the bloodstream). Cancer hates oxygen (but loves sugar!) My advice is read, read, read and pray, pray, pray. You must read "When Hope Never Dies" (a survivor's story) and "Cancer Diagnosis-What to do Next" (alternative medicine. My husband feels great, looks great, can swallow without any problem now and can eat anything and everything. You would never know he has cancer! I don't know what part of our change in lifestyle has helped him but we're going to continue doing what we are doing! Write me if you have questions. Judy T. Jim T. Thu, 17 Oct 2002 00:00:00 GMT Good morning, It was good to hear from someone that has experience with this. My husband has it. He has had the surgery (in May) and is now suffering with the results of it. He has no stomach at all, and the dr. made a pouch out of the colon and small intestines. He is not in pain at all, but has lost 50 lbs since Feb. 2002. He is on tube feedings plus food. We just started him on nutrivent 2.0 which has 500 calories per can. I am hoping that will do something for him. He is 77 but a young 77. He is doing what he can to beat it. I am not ready to lose him and he is not ready to go yet. Any info you can give me would be greatly accepted. Sincerely, Marilyn J. marilyn j. Tue, 22 Oct 2002 00:00:00 GMT My husband has just had the surgery for this cancer. He is still in the hospital. It is a terrible surgery where they remove the esophagus and part of the stomach. They had hoped that they found it in time but found that it had spread to the lymph nodes. They have not started any type of treatment yet but are saying that he will have chemo and radiation after he recovers from this surgery. I can use any help I can get from anyone on different treatments and now I am seeing a lot about diet and nutrition also coral calcium. I am trying research as much as I can so I can help him. Anyone with advice on anything that might give him a better chance? We have all kinds of friends and family praying for us and I know that has helped to let him come thru the surgery. Sue S. Wed, 18 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT My boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx last November. (His symptoms were sore throat and in pain in his right ear.) Initially he opted to have a feeding tube put in his stomach as recommended. Dr.'s told him he would be unable to swallow for a while and the tube would keep him nourished. He underwent 2 months of radiation and chemo, concurrently, in February and March. The second round of chemo (month 2) caused renal failure and he was very sick and weak. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. Friends and relatives had prayer and prayer chains (both email and in person) and I asked for prayer requests from many Christian websites, like Dr. Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral, Pat Robertson and the 700 Club, The Trinity Broadcasting Network, Benny Hinn, and others. Local Churches were praying for his healing. I prayed many many times throughout each day of his treatment and had total faith in God for healing. The end of May, the CT scan showed no signs of tumor. Blood tests confirmed no more renal failure. Dr's told us they had never seen anyone come back so quickly from the renal failure. My boyfriend had the attitude that he was going to beat the cancer tumor and having talked to many survivors of cancer, this was their attitude as well. He had very excellent care at the Veterans hospital. Also, I gave him multivitamins and minerals as well as coral calcium in his stomach tube with his feedings. He is still having fatigue, stomach problems, very thick saliva, aches and pains and low weight, but he survived!!!!!!!!! I give the glory to God for his miracle healing and for guiding the physicians and nurses during his treatment. I also credit my boyfriend for his positive attitude concerning beating his cancer. We were told that with this type of cancer it could reoccur. We continue to pray daily for continued healing. Victoria H. Sat, 28 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT 1st, your message brought back a memory of a once upon a time for in my closet rest a pair of wooden shoes, hand carved as we watched, from 1948 while visiting family in Holland, MI. That was then and now is now... I have Emphysema and last August while trying to determine what was causing additional breathing problems a PET scan, looking for a lung problem, discovered my "E" Cancer. The first oncologist wanted to put in a stent, hinted at some chemo and told me outright I had 6 to 12 months. I went home and contacted a cancer center in Los Angeles for a second opinion. The Dr. there reviewed all of the information that was available and sent me home to San Diego with some real HOPE and the name of an oncologist in my pocket. Long story short, I began Cisplatin and Xeloda chemo on December 10th and after 5 infusion treatments on March 10th I was told I was in remission. For that I credit the chemo in part but mostly My Higher Power working overtime on my behalf as he did with my Prostate Cancer Cryosurgery in 2002 , followed up with a Suprapubuc catheter sticking out of my belly for 363 days, one day short of a full year, after the procedure on February 16th, 2003. So for 6 whole months I thought my cancer days were over then boom, the PET scan, and here I am today. Now the reason for my message to you...I was quite blessed in that I kept my weight, beard and head of hair during the chemo which I think leads my Dr. to tell me to not worry about a cancer fighting diet, that all is going well. I keep reading that what you put into your mouth is as important as chemo that is infused into your body. I have been unable to get any useful information, leads or input on any diet that may help me in my 'War on Cancer', that is until I read your messages tonight. You have really put a lot of time and study into working out the diet for your husband and you mentioned your willingness to share so I will be grateful for any information you might provide. You mentioned you had 15 pages so what ever you care to pass on will be put to good use right away cause what I am doing now according to what I have read in your messages is about 90 percent right for feeding cancer and wrong for fighting cancer. Lastly thank you for being there and I will include Jim and you in my prayers. Ron R. Ronald R. Wed, 26 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Judy - I'm sure I'm not the first or the last to request a copy of your 15 pages of typed notes on nutrition, etc. Thank you! Pamela5657 Wed, 23 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed last summer with esophageal cancer with metastasis to liver, lungs and spine. After 3+ months of chemo, Cisplastin, Epir. and Xeloda we were pleased to find the tumor had shrank and bone involvement resolved. Got 6 months off chemo. Attempting to change diet, juicing and vitamin, essiac and green tea. Was doing well when middle of June this year he started headaches and when they did brain MRI found many spots in brain and spine involvement. Had whole brain radiation 16 tx. then lower and upper spine radiation total of 25 more tx. He now has lost 45 lbs., needs a walker to get around the house and a w/c when we go out. We need as much help as possible with a diet that has helped and how do you fit it in your daily schedule. I am so confused and don't know where to start. Especially finding recipes and how to get enough calories for him. If you could send me what you have found I would be very grateful. We have great support from our friends but they don't understand us wanting to change our diet so drastically. I believe prayer and positive attitude is of great importance. Has anyone else had any thing that has help or any suggestions? I will keep you all in my prayers for all continuous success Donna. My husband is 56 and retired but is trying real hard to stay as active as physically possible. May God Bless. Donna H. Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT I really appreciated these words in regard to survival. We need to remember that as we go down this road of treatment for cancer that it is not just a means to an end. Everyday is a gift from God and He will never leave us or forsake us and will give us what we need for everyday that He gives us. We ar not just flesh, and bones; we are spirit, and created in His image. My father has been receiving radiation treatments for esophageal cancer now for 2 weeks everyday then off one week and is on his 3rd week on. He is having trouble now with his stomach, vomitting, and also with his breathing. He is 87 and has very bad lungs already going into this. He was going to have surgery, but he came down with pneumonia right before the sceduled surgery day and now as a result of that they have recommended no surgery and recommended radiation. I am concerned that this might be too much for his lungs to take. His days consist of being fed (by feeding tube) and going from chair to bed. He has always been a very active man. He has no energy, or breathing abiblity to do much more than that. My father is not looking to prolong death, and I do believe that God could will be the one to heal him, how I am not certain, but we do want the best quality of life that he can have. I am wondering if there is another type of treatment that would allow him to live each day with some normalacy. We are grateful for this day and what it has ahead of us, and for all those that have gone before us and been part of the learning process for us today. God bless. Hardyfuschia Fri, 17 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your words of encouragement. I was wondering if your husband has always been able to eat? My father has not been able to eat becasue of the cancer blocking the esophagus. Is there anyway we can get some of these things down his feeding tube? Hardyfuschia Hardyfuschia Fri, 17 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT Pamela: Please write to me so I can send you the nutrition information to help fight cancer. God Bless. Judy T. Jim T. Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT Hi Judy T - My father is battling with cancer right now, and I'm also interested in your 15 page notes on Microbiotic diet. Thanks, Jessi. Jessi Wed, 22 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed with 4th stafe esophageal cancer in May 2004. He is currently going through chemotherapy. It has spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes. I would appreciate any informatiojn you have. The doctors said he only has a 2% chance of survival. Thank you and God Bless You. Jeanie Jeanie Mon, 15 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT My husband also has stage 4 diagnosed April 30th and is starting his third round of chemo next week. What type of chemo is your husband on? Have you tried any other treatments? Lynne Lynne Ann Sat, 27 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT My husband's chemotherapy is cisplatin and camptosar 4 weeks on 2 off, with 1 treatkment per week. It takes 2 hours for the cisplatin and 90 minutes for the camptosar and 20 minutes for the nausea medicine. He also takes aranesp shots every 2 weeks and a shot to control diarrhea at every treatment. We are almost at the end of his fifth series. His cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The doctor said that he has a slim to 2% chance of survival past 2 years. What is your husbands prognosis? Regina Jeanie Sat, 27 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT Greetings: I am new to this site and am researching recurrent esophageal cancer and was wondering if I could get a copy of your 15 page booklet? Thank you Ron P. Tallyho Fri, 03 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT I do have a summary that I wrote of how diet and lifestyle change can improve the odds of beating cancer; however, I don't know that you beat esophageal cancer unless you are diagnosed with it before stage 4. My husband lived almost 2 years after the diagnosis. At diagnosis, the oncologist said he had 6 months maybe. I am sure the diet and lifestyle change (and lots of prayers) are what kept him alive so much longer. And it was a fairly good life - he was able to do a lot and usually felt pretty good - until he went off the diet due to stomach problems. After 15 months, we went for a second opinion and were told he needed to do radiation which the first dr. didn't want to do - "since he was going to die anyway." It was just too late in the game for him to survive the radiation. He had lost too much weight before the radiation. Once he started the radiation, he only lived 4 more months...and the last 4 months were not good. I just wonder if it would have been different if he had started the radiation (like the first radiologist wanted to do) when he was originally diagnosed.) Guess I'll never know - but I do know that a good diet with nutritious food can help to beat cancer. I feel the ONLY way to beat cancer is through pure food, pure water, sunlight, exercise, a good attitude, and supplements to boost the immunity so the body can fight it off itself. I personally feel that chemo and radiation may stop the cancer for a short time but they do not kill it. It just damages other part of the body. Cancer cells are very smart and they hide only to come out later. We have to have our bodies fight the cancer and to do that we must build up our own immunity. It can be done. I know people who beat it only with nutrition, exercise and supplements. If you want a copy of my notes, please let me know. I don't know how to attach the file to this message. Good luck to all of you cancer fighters and supporters. It's a very tough battle but never give up. Keep up the faith - and pray, pray, pray. Judy T. Jim T. Fri, 07 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT My husband went from stage 1 (Aug. 2003) to stage IV (July 2004) in 11 months. It was very unexpected because he was doing so well after the esophagectomy. He was fairly young - 53 - and went back to work after 9 weeks. After the liver mets were discovered in July 2004 he went on cisplatin and camptosar - once a week for 2 weeks and then a week off. He did this from July 29 until right before Thanksgiving. It kept the cancer in check but did not shrink the liver tumors. They were going to try liver resection this month but the cancer is now in his lung -so surgery is not feasible. The tumors grew a lot in the 3 months without chemo -about doubled in size. Now he is in a clinical trial - which means there isn't much else out there. Few survive this cancer and there is no rhyme or reason as to who does. My husband was stage 1 and will not survive. Others are at stage 2 or 3 when diagnosed and survive. I think it is the genes. Buhla Tue, 15 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT What chemotherapy have they tried for your husband? How effective do you think it has been for him? Have you changed his diet at all? Any results? Any other advice you might have for helping me with my father - also stage IV. Thanks. Kimberlyann Tue, 22 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT My husband, 40 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal CA with metastasis to lymph nodes & liver,"too numerous too count", in October 2004. He was given 6 months to 1 year to live. We were devastated. After the initial shock wore off, we put our faith in God & carried on. He has had 4 cycles of Cisplatin & Camptosar. He also takes "Essiac Tea" twice a day & vitamins. We just had our 2nd set of CT Scans. The lesions in the liver are now "barely detectable". God is so good. Do not let what the MD's say discourage you & your faith. They only tell you what the textbooks & statistics teach them. God is the only one who knows what path your life will follow. Prayer & faith is so important in this disease. You must stay strong, focused & truly believe you are going to beat this horrible beast!! God can perform miracles! It can be done! God bless. Cindyrae Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Jim, Can you please give your email/Ph # if possible so that I want to clarify some more details about the diet. Thanks Omsai Omsai Thu, 19 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Judy, Can you please be in detail about the food one has to take with type of cancer. As one of my loved one is suffering with this. Not able to eat anything and with lot of pain. You can email me at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ---- omsai Omsai Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Judy, Could I please get a copy of your notes. I would greatly apprecaite it. You may help save my Fathers life. We just found out when they bagan surgery, that he ahs 2 small tumors in his liver. They will not do anything but chemoradiation to keep him comfortable. They even stopeed the surgery and did not take the monster out becaus most likey it has spread. This is not time to give up and assume things, I say take the monster out in the esopahus and take those out of the liver. Then do chemoradiation and pray for the best. UnfortunatelyI am not a doctor and cant do it myself. I am daddys little girl and I can not bear that I cant help him and they will not do anything for him. They basically right you off when it is in the liver. It is not over till he says it is over. I wenat to do anything I can do help this amazing man that walks every day in Gods shoes and loves everyone he meets. He has lived his life helping everone he meets unselfishly and without cause. Please help me help him. We are desperate My email is --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ---- Much Love and Blessings to you and your family, Laura Laura Wetzel Sun, 22 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT I would also like a copy of the diet you chose. My husband Darryl was diagnosed on April 1. 2005. He has undergone chemo and radiation. With good results. Reducing the tumor in the esphagus and the bones. A scope and biopsy last week revealed active cells still present.The Dr. would now like us to see a surgion. But he is unsure if they will operate. Concidering the fact that even though the levels in the bones look normal, the cancer can still be present. He says my husband is young (43 years) and strong enough to go though the operation. But is afraid of the bone cancer coming back.He told us that there is no more chemo and he has had his maximun raditaion. We will tried Anderson next. I would also like him to try a new diet. What do we have to lose,that we are not already fighting for? I ask everyone to Pray for Us as i will do the same. P.S. I would like to mention that we were also diplaced August 29,2005 due to Katrina. Although we have purchase an new house it is not home. We ask for your Hope and Prayers. God Bless All, Donna Donnagal Fri, 10 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for your inspiring message and the book list. I hope all is well. I tried locating When Hope Never Dies by Marlene McKenna however it appears to be out of print. I checked bookstores, used ones, Cancer society, hospital, and the library plus Amazon with no luck. If you could let me know where I might get a copy, I would sincerely appreciate it. I ordered the book on Nutrition recommended by you. I would be very pleased, if you would share the 15 pages of notes that you have compiled so that my father can eat a nutritionally balanced diet. He was diagnosised a week ago but has been ill, losing weight since April 2006. This is a small city so he will have to go to Winnipeg, Manitoba (2 1/2 hours away) for treatments starting on the 12th. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Hayward Hayward Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Hayward M., My husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer the end of June. He had the esophagectomy on 7/10. He is doing pretty well and is still in the hospital. He will need some chemo in the future when he is strong enough. Can you tell me the name of the nutrition book you purchased and send me a copy of the 15 pages you requested? I hope all is well with you. Teemarie Teemarie Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, stage 3, squamous cell metastactic cancer(spread to the lymph nodes) in Sept. 2004. The surgery I went through removed my esophagus and a third of my stomach. After the surgery I went through three sessions of cisplatin and three of 5FU along with 5 weeks of radiation. During this time I tried reading everything I could on cancer. I have given up eating meat, any and all refined, processed, filtered etc. type of foods, fried foods and basically cooked food, along with all dairy products. My concentration is on fresh fruits and vegetables 4-5 times a day. I do eat turkey breast 100% whole wheat sandwiches. I take a number of supplements and vitamins twice a day (mostly antioxidents). I have a water machine that gives me water that is very high in alkaline (pH of 9.5, 2 quarts a day). I learned Transentental Meditation and do it twice a day for 20 minutes each time. I bought a dog, walk every day and do some stretching. My doctor has changed my visits to once every 3 months with CT Scan and bone scan every 4 months. "Knock on wood", I am determined to beat the odds of living 5 years after diagnosis. Morganalana Wed, 02 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my dad has just been diagnosed with e cancer. He starts chemo( cisplatin and 5FU) tomorrow also radiotherpy.. Any advice would be great. He cant swallow, all foods and liquid have to go via his PEG in the stomach, he does juice, what else can help Many thanks Claire UK Sadofdunmow Sun, 10 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Jodi, I am, so sorry to hear about your Dad. As you know I totally understand your grief and pain. The only thing I can tell you is but your faith that God will find him comfort. I also dont want to add to the fire but I must warn you. cisplatin is what my Dad was on. It completely wipes them out after a few treatments. Please just be prepared. My dad couldnt even ge out of bed on his own. It was absolutely horrible I speak in pasty tense only because they ahve stopped the cisplatin. His body probably would have died if they did it again. he was no lo9nger a candidate for it. he is on something less that will only try and by time. My prayers are with you. Please feel free to contact me via email any time. --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----. It helps so much to know someone is going through the same thing you are Laura Laura Wetzel Sun, 10 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hey Judy, you are truly a blessing for putting this information out here for us that are so scared and are frantically searching everywhere for information. Could you please send me your notes, too. My best friend's sister's husband, Jim was diagnosed Sept 15, 2006 with esophageal cancer adenocarcinoma stage 4. We need to get whatever info as quick as we can. He is diabetic. He starts his first chemo tuesday cisplatin and irontonin(probably mispelled). Can't operate, and his doctor wants to do just chemo. No radiation right now.If you want to email the notes my email address is --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----. And thank you so much. Sheree1313 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Judy, I too am going down the road with a husband with E cancer. Since I am a "researcher" type person I realize what we are facing. I am trying to do the diet change and would love a copy of your recommendations. Thank you Susan Susan&paul Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Can you please send me any available info on your 15 page diet plan for cancer?  I would be most grateful!!! Maryf Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/7/2006 Hayward wrote:Thanks for your inspiring message and the book list. I hope all is well. I tried locating When Hope Never Dies by Marlene McKenna however it appears to be out of print. I checked bookstores, used ones, Cancer society, hospital, and the library plus Amazon with no luck. If you could let me know where I might get a copy, I would sincerely appreciate it. I ordered the book on Nutrition recommended by you. I would be very pleased, if you would share the 15 pages of notes that you have compiled so that my father can eat a nutritionally balanced diet. He was diagnosised a week ago but has been ill, losing weight since April 2006. This is a small city so he will have to go to Winnipeg, Manitoba (2 1/2 hours away) for treatments starting on the 12th. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you HaywardThe book you were searching for is at Amazon.com :When Hope Never Dies: One Woman's Remarkable Recovery from Cancer--And the Natural Program That SavedHer Life (Paperback) by Kensington Shortym Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi My mother has been diagonised with EC . Please share the 15 page document  which you have . I will be thankful to you for my life .Regards Alok    Alokkumar Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT hi , my mum has just been diagnosed with this, i  am looking for nutritional information as she is losing alot of weight and cant swallow well and may need chemo , we find out next weekthanks in advance for any help you can offer usabby Abster Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT On 1/26/2007 Abster wrote:hi , my mum has just been diagnosed with this, i  am looking for nutritional information as she is losing alot of weight and cant swallow well and may need chemo , we find out next weekthanks in advance for any help you can offer usabby Abby......please check your private messages. I have sent you some information there. Shemay Shemay Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Dear Laura,I am writing for one of my very best friend's and her husband. In the last two weeks, he has been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer with it in his liver and bile duct as well. They have two young children, ages 9 & 11 and they are devastated. We all are. He is my husband's best friend too. Because of where the cancer is on the bile duct, it is inoperable and looks like chemo and diet will be their best way to fight this.(Along with lots of prayers!) His is 48 years old. I would love to get the 15 pages of diet information if you would not mind sharing it with me. Thank you so much. Could I email you or would you email it to us?Lisa H.  For a Friend Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/7/2007 For a Friend wrote:Dear Laura,I am writing for one of my very best friend's and her husband. In the last two weeks, he has been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer with it in his liver and bile duct as well. They have two young children, ages 9 & 11 and they are devastated. We all are. He is my husband's best friend too. Because of where the cancer is on the bile duct, it is inoperable and looks like chemo and diet will be their best way to fight this.(Along with lots of prayers!) His is 48 years old. I would love to get the 15 pages of diet information if you would not mind sharing it with me. Thank you so much. Could I email you or would you email it to us?Lisa H. my dear, I am sooo sorry.  Words can not say how devasting thisbdisease is and how quickly it takes over your body.  Without a sign till its simoly too late.  My father actually past away 3 weeks ago on January 18th.  They gave him a year on January 17th 2006, he made it a year and 1 1/2 hours.  Just like my dad to decide when and go against the odds just to show them.  I watched him through a horrific ordeal the past year.  I am sorry to say I never got the notes from the lady but my Dad wouldnt have done them anyway. I will be ahppy tp speak with you anytime and your friend as I am sure I can answer many questions and lend an ear of complete understanding to you and her and her family.  Please feel free to email me at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed.  Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----  ANYTIME for anything or just to talk for details on what to expect to help you through and to begin to process the future.  My heart aches for you it truly does, its a horrible adventure you are beginning but I know you dont believe me now but you will all grow more in love with him and feel closer to him then you ever have this year.  What is his prognosis?  What state do you live in?I would be honored to help you in anyway I can.  I watched and was with my father when he took his last 2 breathes and it was actually very peaceful. I know thats hard to understand but when the time comes you will as well.  Love to help you so I hope you write me as well as anyone in your friends and family.   Love and bLessings,LauraLisa,Oh Laura Wetzel Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 9/30/2002 Jim T. wrote:My husband, Jim, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on July 5 this year. He is in stage 4 with squamous cell metastatic cancer - meaning that it has spread already to the lymph nodes, which isn't good. He was told it is inoperable and incurable. He has been doing chemo (cisplatin and 5FU) and the tumor (which is between the stomach and esophagus) has not grown. This is a very aggressive form of cancer and the dr. was pleasantly surprised that it hadn't spread in the past 2 months. I feel it is because of the change in diet and lifestyle that we started. We are doing the Macrobiotic Diet and have given up red meat, white sugar, white flour, and milk products and are eating whole grains, organic vegetables and fruit, beans, soy products and soon we will be trying seaweed. That sounds awful but if it means your life, it's worth it. We personally know 2 people who have been cured of their cancer with this diet. And it makes sense. I have been reading everything I can on the internet and diet and lifestyle change seems to be the answer. The body can heal itself if you give it nutrients. There are certain foods that can kill (suffocate) cancer cells. I have about 15 pages of typed notes that I have accumulated on diet and curing cancer if you are interested. You need to read the book "When Hope Never Dies" by Marlene McKenna and "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" by Patrick Quillin. I feel it can be beat! Judy T. Holland, MI  I would be interested in the diet and what foods to avoid, my father has esophageal cancer. Karen123 Sat, 17 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 6/7/2005 Cindyrae wrote:My husband, 40 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal CA with metastasis to lymph nodes & liver,"too numerous too count", in October 2004. He was given 6 months to 1 year to live. We were devastated. After the initial shock wore off, we put our faith in God & carried on. He has had 4 cycles of Cisplatin & Camptosar. He also takes "Essiac Tea" twice a day & vitamins. We just had our 2nd set of CT Scans. The lesions in the liver are now "barely detectable". God is so good. Do not let what the MD's say discourage you & your faith. They only tell you what the textbooks & statistics teach them. God is the only one who knows what path your life will follow. Prayer & faith is so important in this disease. You must stay strong, focused & truly believe you are going to beat this horrible beast!! God can perform miracles! It can be done! God bless. Hello, my grandma is 70 yrs young and was diagnosed as stage IV in oct of 2006. She did not show any symptoms or signs that anything was wrong up to this point. She was on chemo and radiation for 6 wks, and had physical therapy in the home as well. We have been told by her dr that there is nothing else they can do basically. Like your husband it has spread into her liver and also into her back.  We just started today some vitamins such as B-100 complex, ph basic and noni extract capsules. She is unable to swallow almost nothing and takes all her nutrients by feeding tube, I am also looking into getting a product to try that is alternative medicine. I am so close to her and its hard to see her wasting away. You had mentioned some tea that your husband is on..can you tell me where to buy it? Also, did you have to convince the dr. to try him on cisplatin, etc?  Her dr. told her that they can do 2 more sessions of radiation therapy to help with the pain and that is it.  How is your husband doing? Is he completely well? Thanks for any advice you can give! Lvnlife26 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 10/17/2002 Jim T. wrote:Just an update on my husband who has stage 4 esophageal cancer that is "incurable and inoperable"...We have changed pretty much to a vegetarian diet (macrobiotic). In the last couple months we have had chicken a couple times and steak a couple times but it is always organic. He is doing great! He is taking chemo only but I'm not sure that that is helping at all as sometimes he gets pretty sick from it. I have been reading everything I can on it - alternative seems like our only hope with this type of cancer. We have met with 2 people who survived cancer by changing to this diet. Both were in Stage 4 but both were also melanoma. Jim is eating 5-7 fruits and veggies a day (the more colorful, the more vitamins in them.) Miso (fermented soybean paste) has been said to suffocate cancer cells so he's doing Miso soup once a day. He eats no dairy, eggs, white flour or sugar. He is juicing a pound of carrots a day (for his Vitamin A beta carotene -a cancer fighter), taking barley green, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Flaxseed, Coenzyme Q-10 and Grapeseed. He is doing visualization and breathing exercises (to relax and get oxygen into the bloodstream). Cancer hates oxygen (but loves sugar!) My advice is read, read, read and pray, pray, pray. You must read "When Hope Never Dies" (a survivor's story) and "Cancer Diagnosis-What to do Next" (alternative medicine. My husband feels great, looks great, can swallow without any problem now and can eat anything and everything. You would never know he has cancer! I don't know what part of our change in lifestyle has helped him but we're going to continue doing what we are doing! Write me if you have questions. Judy T. Hello,My grandmother also has stage IV esophageal cancer, and has pretty much been deemed terminal by her dr. I was wondering if we could switch her to the macrobiotic diet, she currently takes a product called glucerna that is given to her 3 times daily through her feeding tube since she is unable to swallow.  Any advice? Thanks! Lvnlife26 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hello,My grandmother also has stage IV esophageal cancer, and has pretty much been deemed terminal by her dr. I was wondering if we could switch her to the macrobiotic diet, she currently takes a product called glucerna that is given to her 3 times daily through her feeding tube since she is unable to swallow. I tried to put her on ph Basic, which I found in a natural foods store, because from what I have been reading it is important to balance the ph, also noni capsules which are broken up and put into a drink along with vitamin b complex into her nutritional drink that is put into her feeding tube. But she has been getting a bad stomach ache, which she did not have before we started her on the medication.  Any advice? Thanks! Lvnlife26 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT please send me a copy of diet...my husband is stage4 esophageal cancer which has spread to his liver and bones and colon......but i am praying and have a whole lot of people praying.....we just had our second chemo treatment......all of you pray as well as i will pray for all Ladycordelia Sun, 08 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hello Judy,  My name is Vonda and I am very new to this site.  My father was daignosed with esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma) back in June 2005.  He underwent Chemo, radiation and finally surgery to remove the cancerous part of his esophageous as well as respositioning his stomach.  He faired well through all, but the cancer came back this past Jan. 2007.  He has just finished his fourth chemo treatment (5fu) a week ago.  As you probably know, the side effects are horrendous.  I am desperately looking for any info. that I can get my hands on from other patients as well as any kind of diet/lifetsyle changes.  I firmly believe that food can heal, but feel overwhelmed at times with where to start.  My father is a true southern boy and loves his fatty meat and foods.  I believe that if I can get him on some sort of diet that produces positive results, then he will be more open to change.  I obviously want to extend my fathers life as long as I can and that is why I have ended up at this site, just searching for any info that I might find.  I read your messages and was wondering how your husband is doing now, 5 years later and was hoping for some direction.Thank you in advance, for your time and any info that you could pass along.  Again I hope your husband is doing well and I would love to know his current status. Sincerely, Vonda Vonda Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 12/3/2004 Tallyho wrote:Greetings: I am new to this site and am researching recurrent esophageal cancer and was wondering if I could get a copy of your 15 page booklet? Thank you Ron P.Hello, I am also new to this site and would love to get a copy of the booklet.  How do I go about doing that?  Thank you, Vonda. Vonda Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 1/7/2005 Jim T. wrote:I do have a summary that I wrote of how diet and lifestyle change can improve the odds of beating cancer; however, I don't know that you beat esophageal cancer unless you are diagnosed with it before stage 4. My husband lived almost 2 years after the diagnosis. At diagnosis, the oncologist said he had 6 months maybe. I am sure the diet and lifestyle change (and lots of prayers) are what kept him alive so much longer. And it was a fairly good life - he was able to do a lot and usually felt pretty good - until he went off the diet due to stomach problems. After 15 months, we went for a second opinion and were told he needed to do radiation which the first dr. didn't want to do - "since he was going to die anyway." It was just too late in the game for him to survive the radiation. He had lost too much weight before the radiation. Once he started the radiation, he only lived 4 more months...and the last 4 months were not good. I just wonder if it would have been different if he had started the radiation (like the first radiologist wanted to do) when he was originally diagnosed.) Guess I'll never know - but I do know that a good diet with nutritious food can help to beat cancer. I feel the ONLY way to beat cancer is through pure food, pure water, sunlight, exercise, a good attitude, and supplements to boost the immunity so the body can fight it off itself. I personally feel that chemo and radiation may stop the cancer for a short time but they do not kill it. It just damages other part of the body. Cancer cells are very smart and they hide only to come out later. We have to have our bodies fight the cancer and to do that we must build up our own immunity. It can be done. I know people who beat it only with nutrition, exercise and supplements. If you want a copy of my notes, please let me know. I don't know how to attach the file to this message. Good luck to all of you cancer fighters and supporters. It's a very tough battle but never give up. Keep up the faith - and pray, pray, pray. Judy T.Dear Judy,I don't know whether or not you are still reading this message board.  If you are, my heart goes out to you on the loss of your husband after such a brave battle. Unfortunately I know what you went through, because I am going through it now. My husband was diagnosed stage 4 Jan 2006. His dr. never gave him exact statistics.  My grown kids and I knew from what we had read he had only months.  My husband didn't know it and didn't want to know it.(he didn't realiz there was no stage 5 til Nov.)  It took all the energy he had to get through each day of cisplatin, 5fu and taxotere.Surgery was not an option since there was lymph node involvement. But from the chemo, The tumor was then gone and we were then given the choice of radiation of no radiation.  Since we had been agressive all the way we choose radiation.  He was doing great til this month when they found metastisis to the brain.  After gamma knife, we are now beginning radfiation and probably that dreaded chemo.  I want to help him build up his imune system. If this reaches you, I would appreciate your notes on the diet.  I also want to thank you for your inspiration for other caregivers like myself who have found some amount of faith in your care for your husband.  It certainly isns't an easy task and I hope you have been able to find some peace for yourself knowing that you did all that you could have humanly possible to fight "the beast". Plus you have encouraged others to continue to do so.  Maybe someday they will find a cure for this or at least someway of alerting people so it can be detected way before it gets to stage 4.Dee Ps. If anyone else is reading this that got the booklet from Judy, I'd appreciate your help in getting it.  Martys Wife Sat, 12 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT Judy, I have a 20 year old nephew that is now going through chemo, and is not doing well, Matt was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer and it has metastisized to the Liver. As you would expect we are devastated and are looking for a cure. I would appreciate it if you could direct me how I could get your 15 pages on diet. This kid is the core to our family and anything that would help would be appreciated. Uncleal Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/12/2007 Martys Wife wrote: On 1/7/2005 Jim T. wrote:I do have a summary that I wrote of how diet and lifestyle change can improve the odds of beating cancer; however, I don't know that you beat esophageal cancer unless you are diagnosed with it before stage 4. My husband lived almost 2 years after the diagnosis. At diagnosis, the oncologist said he had 6 months maybe. I am sure the diet and lifestyle change (and lots of prayers) are what kept him alive so much longer. And it was a fairly good life - he was able to do a lot and usually felt pretty good - until he went off the diet due to stomach problems. After 15 months, we went for a second opinion and were told he needed to do radiation which the first dr. didn't want to do - "since he was going to die anyway." It was just too late in the game for him to survive the radiation. He had lost too much weight before the radiation. Once he started the radiation, he only lived 4 more months...and the last 4 months were not good. I just wonder if it would have been different if he had started the radiation (like the first radiologist wanted to do) when he was originally diagnosed.) Guess I'll never know - but I do know that a good diet with nutritious food can help to beat cancer. I feel the ONLY way to beat cancer is through pure food, pure water, sunlight, exercise, a good attitude, and supplements to boost the immunity so the body can fight it off itself. I personally feel that chemo and radiation may stop the cancer for a short time but they do not kill it. It just damages other part of the body. Cancer cells are very smart and they hide only to come out later. We have to have our bodies fight the cancer and to do that we must build up our own immunity. It can be done. I know people who beat it only with nutrition, exercise and supplements. If you want a copy of my notes, please let me know. I don't know how to attach the file to this message. Good luck to all of you cancer fighters and supporters. It's a very tough battle but never give up. Keep up the faith - and pray, pray, pray. Judy T.Dear Judy,I don't know whether or not you are still reading this message board.  If you are, my heart goes out to you on the loss of your husband after such a brave battle. Unfortunately I know what you went through, because I am going through it now. My husband was diagnosed stage 4 Jan 2006. His dr. never gave him exact statistics.  My grown kids and I knew from what we had read he had only months.  My husband didn't know it and didn't want to know it.(he didn't realiz there was no stage 5 til Nov.)  It took all the energy he had to get through each day of cisplatin, 5fu and taxotere.Surgery was not an option since there was lymph node involvement. But from the chemo, The tumor was then gone and we were then given the choice of radiation of no radiation.  Since we had been agressive all the way we choose radiation.  He was doing great til this month when they found metastisis to the brain.  After gamma knife, we are now beginning radfiation and probably that dreaded chemo.  I want to help him build up his imune system. If this reaches you, I would appreciate your notes on the diet.  I also want to thank you for your inspiration for other caregivers like myself who have found some amount of faith in your care for your husband.  It certainly isns't an easy task and I hope you have been able to find some peace for yourself knowing that you did all that you could have humanly possible to fight "the beast". Plus you have encouraged others to continue to do so.  Maybe someday they will find a cure for this or at least someway of alerting people so it can be detected way before it gets to stage 4.Dee Ps. If anyone else is reading this that got the booklet from Judy, I'd appreciate your help in getting it. Dear Judy or Dee or anyone that would have information on this horrible disease,My husband, also named Jim, age 48, ( we have a 15 year old son) was also diaganosed with stage 4 "head and neck" or "esophagus cancer" back in Aug 06.  He has had all the radiation his body can stand.  He finished his radiation and chemo in Dec.06, had a PET scan in early March and was told that they didn't see anymore cancer.  2 weeks later the his lymph nodes started swelling again.  He told the drs. that the cancer was returning, the drs told him "no" that was just muscle spasms.  Finally the last part of May the drs. conceaded that the cancer had returned.  My husband and I spent 6 weeks in 3 different hospitals and they have sent him home to die.  It's so gut wrenching to see someone that was so strong and full of life, get so sick so quickly.  His work was very hard and physical and he loved it, now it is a struggle just to get to the bedside commode.  Judy, you worried that early radiation might have made a difference, in our case it did not.  I think the radiation did so much more damage than good.  My husband ended up with a feeding tube 2 months after he started radiation and chemo.  Then had to have a trache tube put in to breathe in April.  While in the hospital his sugar became so high he had to take insulin shots, he now takes a pill instead of the shots. This cancer literally chokes it's victims to death.  It closed his esophagus and airway and is still growing.I haven't used juices but would greatly appreciate some advice on which ones would be best to use. Linda Linda 51 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT Dear Judy...I would really appreciate a copy of your notes and will gladly pay for the shipping of such valuable information.  Please contact me...Anne helpplease Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/7/2007 Laura Wetzel wrote: On 2/7/2007 For a Friend wrote:Dear Laura,I am writing for one of my very best friend's and her husband. In the last two weeks, he has been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer with it in his liver and bile duct as well. They have two young children, ages 9 & 11 and they are devastated. We all are. He is my husband's best friend too. Because of where the cancer is on the bile duct, it is inoperable and looks like chemo and diet will be their best way to fight this.(Along with lots of prayers!) His is 48 years old. I would love to get the 15 pages of diet information if you would not mind sharing it with me. Thank you so much. Could I email you or would you email it to us?Lisa H. my dear, I am sooo sorry.  Words can not say how devasting thisbdisease is and how quickly it takes over your body.  Without a sign till its simoly too late.  My father actually past away 3 weeks ago on January 18th.  They gave him a year on January 17th 2006, he made it a year and 1 1/2 hours.  Just like my dad to decide when and go against the odds just to show them.  I watched him through a horrific ordeal the past year.  I am sorry to say I never got the notes from the lady but my Dad wouldnt have done them anyway. I will be ahppy tp speak with you anytime and your friend as I am sure I can answer many questions and lend an ear of complete understanding to you and her and her family.  Please feel free to email me at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed.  Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----  ANYTIME for anything or just to talk for details on what to expect to help you through and to begin to process the future.  My heart aches for you it truly does, its a horrible adventure you are beginning but I know you dont believe me now but you will all grow more in love with him and feel closer to him then you ever have this year.  What is his prognosis?  What state do you live in?I would be honored to help you in anyway I can.  I watched and was with my father when he took his last 2 breathes and it was actually very peaceful. I know thats hard to understand but when the time comes you will as well.  Love to help you so I hope you write me as well as anyone in your friends and family.   Love and bLessings,LauraLisa,Oh hi Laura,hopefully you can read my message. i was moved by your message here and hope to contact with u, since i am suffering,cause my father is struggling with EC, 4th stage and i can do nothing. i am studying in Europe and i am an asian, i took 3-day trip back home to visit my family and watching my dad struggling and can not help, i am desperate, and feeling useless.but at least from my midnight search i got the hope that there are still survivors from stage 4,and also the importances of the diet. tomorrow morning i will tell my father and give him some hope. since i can not take the burdens of his pains every word is pain and useless to me, but still i will try. please help me out and any emotional support would be appreciated....many thanks,one mongolian girl  hi Laura,hopefully you can read my message. i was moved by your message here and hope to contact with u, since i am suffering,cause my father is struggling with EC, 4th stage and i can do nothing. i am studying in Europe and i am an asian, i took 3-day trip back home to visit my family and watching my dad struggling and can not help, i am desperate, and feeling useless.but at least from my midnight search i got the hope that there are still survivors from stage 4,and also the importances of the diet. tomorrow morning i will tell my father and give him some hope. since i can not take the burdens of his pains every word is pain and useless to me, but still i will try. please help me out and any emotional support would be appreciated....many thanks,one mongolian girl   for my father Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 10/17/2002 Jim T. wrote:Just an update on my husband who has stage 4 esophageal cancer that is "incurable and inoperable"...We have changed pretty much to a vegetarian diet (macrobiotic). In the last couple months we have had chicken a couple times and steak a couple times but it is always organic. He is doing great! He is taking chemo only but I'm not sure that that is helping at all as sometimes he gets pretty sick from it. I have been reading everything I can on it - alternative seems like our only hope with this type of cancer. We have met with 2 people who survived cancer by changing to this diet. Both were in Stage 4 but both were also melanoma. Jim is eating 5-7 fruits and veggies a day (the more colorful, the more vitamins in them.) Miso (fermented soybean paste) has been said to suffocate cancer cells so he's doing Miso soup once a day. He eats no dairy, eggs, white flour or sugar. He is juicing a pound of carrots a day (for his Vitamin A beta carotene -a cancer fighter), taking barley green, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Flaxseed, Coenzyme Q-10 and Grapeseed. He is doing visualization and breathing exercises (to relax and get oxygen into the bloodstream). Cancer hates oxygen (but loves sugar!) My advice is read, read, read and pray, pray, pray. You must read "When Hope Never Dies" (a survivor's story) and "Cancer Diagnosis-What to do Next" (alternative medicine. My husband feels great, looks great, can swallow without any problem now and can eat anything and everything. You would never know he has cancer! I don't know what part of our change in lifestyle has helped him but we're going to continue doing what we are doing! Write me if you have questions.Judy T.Hello Judy T,Recently a very good family friend has been diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer. He is in NY at the moment he has had Chemo & the results were not positive, He will return to his home in LasVegas in a few weeks, He has decided when he returns to go to hospice.I want to share with him any helpful info that may be considered before committing to hospice.I have look all over the internet and I thought your information was something I wanted to seek.What is the update on your husband since you posted this message in 2002?I look forward to hearing from you soon. Be Well,Share    NewsICanUse Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 8/24/2002 Pat P. wrote:My cousin had extensive surgery two years ago for this type of cancer. He went through the battle with the chemo - etc. He had a particularly hard time because his mother passed away while he was in the hospital and he could not even attend her funeral. He has had many other personal problems to deal with as well - but he is such a fighter - he would get up and do things around the house and cut the grass in small parts until he got the job done. He was ministered to by many who loved and encouraged him and he has even had a heart attack since the surgery. But he simply does not give up and as of now is in remission. I have just discovered that I have breast cancer and I am on an emotional roller coaster. Some days I am up for the mastectomy and other days I want to run away from my body. I want to just unzip it and step right out of it. I know that God is in the shadows as well as in the light and that He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He has not promised to heal everyone who says, "Lord, Lord!" But He has promised to never leave us hopeless. I believe that my cancer will be a journey - one with days of smooth roads and some with rough spots to overcome - no unlike the pioneers who went west. But their determination and their will to succeed opened up a whole new world in America and I am expecting that this cancer will open up a whole new world for me. My prayer is that I will honor God and be a good example to my children and grandchildren. I know that I am not a body - not a breast - not a piece of flesh; but a spirit born in the image of God and I know that He cares for me. I pray that your brother finds peace and serenity in the midst of the storm. Many people have been healed - not just with medicine - but also with divine intervention and personal courage. I pray that no matter the outcome of your brothers illness; that each of you will be brought closer to each other and that many joys lie ahead for each of you.  Wow your message inspired me my dear.  I was just told that my favorite uncle has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer.  My heart is broken - do you think there is any hope?  I mean he just went to the doctor !!  sniff sniff. God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through:God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.  God hath not promised we shall not know Toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He hath not told us we shall not bear,  Many a burden, many a care.  But God hath promised strength for the day,  Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.  CheriMTecumseh Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 9/30/2002 Jim T. wrote:My husband, Jim, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on July 5 this year. He is in stage 4 with squamous cell metastatic cancer - meaning that it has spread already to the lymph nodes, which isn't good. He was told it is inoperable and incurable. He has been doing chemo (cisplatin and 5FU) and the tumor (which is between the stomach and esophagus) has not grown. This is a very aggressive form of cancer and the dr. was pleasantly surprised that it hadn't spread in the past 2 months. I feel it is because of the change in diet and lifestyle that we started. We are doing the Macrobiotic Diet and have given up red meat, white sugar, white flour, and milk products and are eating whole grains, organic vegetables and fruit, beans, soy products and soon we will be trying seaweed. That sounds awful but if it means your life, it's worth it. We personally know 2 people who have been cured of their cancer with this diet. And it makes sense. I have been reading everything I can on the internet and diet and lifestyle change seems to be the answer. The body can heal itself if you give it nutrients. There are certain foods that can kill (suffocate) cancer cells. I have about 15 pages of typed notes that I have accumulated on diet and curing cancer if you are interested. You need to read the book "When Hope Never Dies" by Marlene McKenna and "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" by Patrick Quillin. I feel it can be beat! Judy T. Holland, MI  I have a friend who had surgery, radiation and chemo for esophageal cancer.  I am on a mission to help her nutritionally and would appreciate if you would send me your 15 pages of notes.  I will head for the library and get the two books.  My son-in-law has survived brain cancer for two years and pretty much follows a vegetarian diet. In exchange, I'm including his recipe for  a smoothie that he dinks daily.Mark's cancer fighting smoothie8 oz green tea, 1T organic wheat grass powder (brand Amazing Grass), 6 grams (1 scoop) Kidz SuperFood (brand Amazing Grass), 1tsp or to taste organic cinnamon, 1 T organic ground flax seed, 1T organic flaxoil filtered (brand Spectrum), 1/4 to 1/2 cup organic plain whole milk yogurt (brand Strus European style), 2/3 c organic blueberries (usually frozen, 1/3 c organic raspberries (usually frozen, If on Chemo, I put in Miralax powder for constipation.  Blend until mix is smooth. Lastly, turn off blender and add" 1 scoop-20 grams of whey protein powder.  Whey To Go is the best whey I have found.  It contains 16 grams of protein per 1 gram of sugar. If you need a sweetener use Stevia or organic liquid blue agave nectar.   cockatiel Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Judy T.My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 EC in Dec 2007.He had surgery in mid January and did very well. He is now on chemo (radiation could not be done). He is doing OK but very tired and of course doesn't want to eat much. Please let me know what to do to receive your 15 page diet information. Thank you so much for your help.Fran K. Fran K Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT