Overlyaverage

My husband does not have pain with swallowing, although it is sometimes uncomfortable (a bit scratchy). His stomach does hurt though, he says it feels like someone punched him in the stomach. It just started happening one day, like a light switch went on; he couldn't swallow without drinking a lot of water. It felt like it was getting stuck. The tumor was 5 cm. and distended into his stomach with mets to his liver and lungs. He is only getting chemo. He started 7 weeks ago and that is really when most of the problems began. The swallowing got much more difficult from the mucus (the actual tumor shrunk significantly). He regurgitates at least once a day. He gets radiating pain in his trunk (it has made him collapse from it, unable to move) that lasts up to 15-20 minutes. His fatigue is debilitating. And now with this 3rd cycle, he has intense back pain that radiates to his shoulder. Each cycle is bringing its own set of horrors. His doctor moved his appointment up but I will probably have to take him in tomorrow. His temp is 99.9, but he had taken an oxycodone 15 minutes prior. He is also coughing now. So far, his blood work has been good, but he hasn't been able to go get his labs (due yesterday) because of the pain and nausea. I'm pretty worried, and will keep taking his temp tonight. We were told if it goes over 100.4, he has to go in right away.

Thanks for your post! It is my husband that has EC. He is on his 3rd cycle of EOX. There has been a lot of success, a 50% reduction in tumor size in the esophagus and liver, and lymph node improvement (lungs are stable). He just has an even harder time swallowing because of the mucus. The doctor might give him a break from chemo in a couple more cycles. He gets injected and then 14 days of chemo pills, with only a week off in between, so he is really hoping to get a break from it.

Overly, whoever the doctor was who stamped a number on your forehead should be spanked! Lol I know many stage iv 2ho are going strong 3, 4, 6 years later!

I am happy you are more at ease. I noticed that you were wondering about different protocols for EC treatment. I think there are as many different protocols as there are Dr.s for surgery alone there are three diferent approches (that I know of) I had a minimally invasive robotical assisted esophagectomy. Others here have had other types of surgery.
Still sending prayers your way

Hello and welcome, we are happy to have you with us. Please feel free to join in the conversations. Here is a link to our cancer dx page for your type of cancer. Take a look at it to get you started on some information. You will notice at the bottom of that page 4 of our active users who have had that journey already, you may wish to contact them for their experience and wisdom. Also, I encourage you to go to the questions page now by clicking on the questions tab at the top of the page and post what is the most pressing issue you have right now. This will introduce you to the community and get you started on the help you need right now.

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GregP 3X Survivor
WhatNext Community Mgr.

Welcome to a group that is full of love, knowledge, support and
Humor. May you find some peace of mind and company here! I know that I sure have!

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter

When I was going through the chemo, radiation and surgery for esophageal cancer I came up with a saying that has been embedded in me for the 14 years since my surgery and that is, "God sits on my right shoulder and there is nothing that He and I together can’t handle."

We do not have any control over the future and the past is the past but we do have control over the moment. Live that moment to the fullest. A positive attitude which is sometimes hard to have is at the core of your current moment.

Take Care

Bart