Update on my good friend with esophogeal cancer

Just a quick note. A few months ago, I mentioned that a good friend of mine (we have known each other since we met as math majors at our University in 1964) was dx. with esophogeal cancer.

He has been going through hell. He had chemo and radiation. He suffered greatly, including many falls at home due to lowered BP due to morphine due to extreme burning/pain from the treatments. Anyway, the continued plan was that if the above works, he would then have surgery. It did and he did. But the surgery was extremely difficult. He spent 12 days in the hospital (unheard of these days of in/out surgeries). He is now in a assisted living facility as he is too weak to do things on his own (he is single and lives alone -- never a good situation when you get ill). I spoke with him yesterday. He sounds good. He is getting his strength back and it sounds like he has turned the corner. Doctors seem to feel they got it all. The surgery was extensive, removing the top part of his stomach as well as the lower part of his esophagous and then reattaching stuff. But, hopefully, the rest of his recovery will be uneventful.

Mel, too lazy to see how to spell esophagus

(I think the last one looks right!)

Thanks for he update Mel.
My boss and dear friend is battling uterine cancer and is scheduled for surgery following 3 rounds of chemo. She lived the healthiest lifestyle of anyone I know. It sucks how cancer comes in one day and BAM, turns your life and everyone that loves you completely upside down.
Best wishes for your friend and mine.
Beth

My friend is not a smoker, but he had huge problems with GERD/REFLUX for probably 30-40 years. Apparently, that caused the eventual cancer.

Hoping doctors are right and he is cancer free.

Mel

Thanks Mel. I just found out today that my realtor (Joe) that helped sell my last house was just diagnosed with late stage esophageal cancer.
My cardiologist is also an esophageal cancer survivor.

I used to see Joe socially at the same events, etc. I think I'll reach out to him and maybe share your friends story - it sounds like it was hard but he's coming around. Love the stories where people are battling and also winning!

Mel, all the best for your friend. I'm sure it's helpful for him to have you to talk to. Cancer patients can talk to each other in unique ways; even with different types of cancer we still have a unique rapport.

Until I got involved in this, I never really understood the term "battling cancer". It's a war, a long war, with battle after battle along the way. Physically, mentally, emotionally, battle after battle. We really do engage in a series of skirmishes and outright battles.