diagnosed with stage 2 Esophageal Cancer

[swilton]

107. PLEASE READ

I have had (close to personal) experience with this condition in that my ex-husband was diagnosed 4 years ago with stage 2 esophageal cancer.

He had chemo and radiation first and the intensity of the toxicity (sort of trial therapy) nearly killed him. But he survived to have the surgery - removed about 8" of his esophagus (4" for the tumor and 2" on either side). That procedure was essentially two surgeries: the first to set up an alternative plumbing apparatus and the second to remove a portion of the esophagus. I have heard for some people it's a choice of between losing one's voice or losing one's ability to eat orally. He has the capacity to do both now.

Side effects - he must eat small meals and he has to watch the acid reflux. There are a lot of treatments for the acid reflux that involve life style changes watching high acid foods (i.e., tomatoes and red meat) and eating acid reducing foods (ginger comes to mind). He also has to sleep with a special pillow. He has gone through the chemo-radiation and also the surgery which also had its ups and downs. He is still alive and works (will be 60 years old in October). After going for very periodic check-ups/endoscopies, he is now considered cancer free. Where there is a will there is a way.

My ex-husband is one of my best friends and I am glad he has been around for these years. Stage two means that this is considered treatable and that the doctors and specialists can go for a cure.

Please think about this - and my best hopes are with you and your family.