Hi McTasky, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal Adenocarcinoma late January 2013. I will have a look at your blog. : ) Kathy ... View more

Hi all, It's been over a year since I started this thread. Would love to know how others are doing. I am still very well - it's now nearly two and a half years since diagnosis and I am stable. Have been on chemo non-stop during that time (a couple of cycles were delayed due to low wbc and neutraphil counts). Currently on 5FU by IV cannula every Monday. I think I should be getting some sort of 'frequent customer rewards' by now! Actually the reward is that I'm still here. Sadly Ros (above) lost her hard fought battle in April this year. We had become online friends through this and other forums and I miss her support and amazing sense of humor. Anyway, hoping you would like to share how you are going. Best wishes to all. Kathy ... View more

Hi Geoff, How are you doing? Have you had a few cycles of chemo by now? Are you coping with the side effects ok? Kathy ... View more

Hi Geoff, How are you doing? Have you had a few cycles of chemo by now? Are you coping with the side effects ok? Kathy ... View more

Hi again CC, I'm sorry to hear that Brett's cancer has spread to his liver. When I found out that I could not have surgery I was devastated. I thought I would be dead almost immediately. Chemotherapy was my only chance to buy a bit more time. (I was not offered radiation.) My oncologist told me that there was a 60% chance that chemotherapy would be effective and that I had a 40% chance of living 12 months past diagnosis. He was not more specific than that. At time of diagnosis I had very little pain, just vague aching around liver, and only needed the occasional panadol. Worse for me was the oesophageal discomfort, choking and bringing up whatever I tried to eat. Brett's pain sounds really bad - where is he feeling the pain, do you know what is causing it? Everyone has a different cancer and treatment experience. I was fortunate that the chemo worked for me, and quickly - I was able to eat a couple of weeks later. I hope that Brett's treatment is just as effective and that you have positive results soon. I think that being young is an advantage. My initial chemo was tough going and I am thankful for the support, encouragement - and sometimes nagging! - of my partner, I could not have done it without him. Cancer is hard on partners and families, so look after yourself too. I am thinking of you both and wish you all the best. Rather than say 'be positive' which frankly sometimes is impossible, I will say 'be determined'. I am happy to answer any questions you have about my cancer journey. Kathy ... View more

Hi Joffa, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis - I was also being tested for an ulcer and it turned out to be Stage IV oesophageal cancer. That was January 2013, I was 49 years old. The primary tumor is at my oesophagus/stomach junction and it has metastisized to my liver. I initially had 6 cycles of ECF, it was a gruelling regimen, but all tumors shrank. Since then there have been a few changes to the chemo drugs, and currently I'm on carboplatin 3 weekly and 5FU weekly. I'm feeling well and am enjoying life. Yours does sound like an unusual gastric cancer, I've not heard of a similar situation. I wish you all the best with your treatment. Kathy ... View more

Hi CC, I am sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. I know how devastating and terrifying such a diagnosis is. I was diagnosed with metastatic oesophageal cancer in late January 2013 at age 49. Mine is adenocarcinoma, the primary tumor at the oesophagus/stomach junction and it has spread to my liver. No surgery for me as I am Stage IV. I have been on chemo since February 2013. All tumors have shrunk and I am doing very well. I hope that you have good news from the recent scans and that your husband's cancer has not spread. Best wishes for you, your husband and family. Kathy ... View more

Hi malo1, Sadly I have at times felt the same way about this site - I think this is a great outlet for carers of cancer patients, it appears they get some comfort and a good amount of support here - as they rightly deserve, I know their lot is far from easy (I could not do it without mine). But as a cancer patient I personally get more knowledge and value from 'Daily Strength' and 'Cancer Compass' - two US cancer sites - the responses and general 'feel' of sites is very positive and uplifting and the speed at which other commenters reply to questions is great. Possibly the type of cancer I have is better represented there. 5years on - good for you! I agree that amongst the despair that a cancer diagnosis brings there are blessings also. ... View more