Posted 12/17/2015 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I am not a great writer or typer but would like to report to others that a good outcome is possible.
After reading replies on this site that outcome can seem very dim for this severe diagnosis and associated surgical and chemo procedures to follow.
Brief history:
-I had been diagnosed with Barrels esophagus in 2000 and had yearly endoscopes since then.
-I was diagnosed with acute dysplasia April 2014 and that Dr dropped me flat with no help offered.
-I and proceeded to be pro-active searched the internet and found a wonderful surgeon in Denver , Dr. Kurian.
-I then proceeded with 3 radio frequency burns on that area and had a Fundoplication(sp) surgery in Dec 2014.
That surgery went well for me with no major issues (i am 65 and in good general health prior to surgery).
-After 2 more burns I was diagnosed with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma stage II-C on May 8th 2015.
-I then had a GastroEsphogectomy surgery as soon as possible on May 28th 2015.
This was a 10 hour surgery with Dr. Kurian and a Thoratic specialist also.
-The cancer tumor was thought to be only in espoghaus but after surgery was found to have gone beyond that but not into any lymph nodes.
-Chemotherapy was recommended and I said I would do tat and see what Thought. I went thru 2 platinum based chemo treatments but then decided to stop as I felt they were doing more harm then good to my own immune system and health. This was a difficult decision but since quite a bit of tissue was removed around the esphogaus during surgery I choose that path.
- I had a CT scan Nov 23rd 2015 and was found to be clear of cancer at this time.
- I lost 35 lbs during this 1-1/2 year stint but am very healthy now and excursive regularly and have been gaining some weight back. I can eat and drink anything but limited to about 3/4 to 2/3 the usual amount at a time.
- So I am Very Blessed with this outcome and have hope to enjoy my 13 grandkids etc. for whatever time I have left.
- I wanted to report my good outcome to encourage and would summarize my result was based on the following:
1) Many Prayers and loving support form wife and family. And peace in the Lord.
2) Having caught the cancer early via many scopes [my identical twin died 2 years ago of cancer and did not do this]
3) A great pair of surgeons that took extreme care and did did no other harm = this is Critical and Dr. Kurian could not be more highly recommended , so make sure you have a skilled and caring surgeon.
4) Having good health and stamina prior to these events.
I do not know for sure if this evasive cancer will reoccur ( percentages are not in my favor) .
I only believe in doing the next right thing and control what you can and try to embrace the Lord's peace no matter what happens.
That is my story so far and I know I am a "walking miracle" according to the doctors and unfortunately this outcome is not as common as it should be.
May this datapoint be useful in anyones search during the difficult time and decisions such health issues make us face.