Two years ago I diagnosed with Esophageal cancer T2N?1M0. Started on chemo at Sloan Kettering satellite in Tarrytown, NY(transferred to local Albany hospital for last 4 treatments). At end of 12 treatments pronounced tumor and active cancer free. 6 months later PET/Cat showed return of tumor. Two rounds of xeloda which I couldn't tolerate then a full course of radiation. Again PET/CAT clean as well as needle endoscopic biopsy. Four months later PET/CAT shows new tumor in esophagus which they stage T3N2M0. In August I was put on Taxatere. It came close to killing me as well as creating the worst side effects you can imagine including water tasting bitter, thrush, hallucinations and a WBC down to 700.
I am asymptomatic except some lethargy due to drugs and being 75 years old.
I now sense my oncologist has run out of ideas. he doesn't want to see me for 6 weeks from now. HAS ANYONE HAD EXPERIENCE WHERE THE TUMOR WAS BASICALLY KEPT LOCALIZED FOR LAST 2 YEARS, FOUND DRUGS THAT COULD IMPEDE RAPIDNESS OF TUMOR GROWTH. I know I am not going to beat it, but, i would like to slow it down and retain a tolerable quality of life.
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What do I do now?
- By Geraldoone
- Posted September 28, 2009 at 1:50 pm · 2 replies
- In Cancer
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- By hockey91302
- Posted September 29, 2009 at 10:39 am
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Hello, I am truly sorry for what you are experiencing and hope that you can find a doctor that is willing to consider some alternatives.
My father-in-law was diagnosed about 10 years ago with espohhageal and has been one of very few who have survived and has been clean and clear for years. He had wonderful doctors at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital. I think the doctors were Ardelain and Livingstone. They were willing to take a chance when other doctors told my wife there was nothing that can be done. These guys saved his life!
Wishing you the best.
- By Geraldoone
- Posted September 29, 2009 at 2:49 pm
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Always good to hear an upbeat story. I wish I could get more details, e.g., upper or lower esophagus,adenocarcinoma, radiation, chemo,surgery, (I cannot have surgery).
What did they do to finally "cure"? At the moment other than test data I have no symptoms of cancer and "feel" there must be a way to keep this condition controlled. My oncologist gives impression there is nothing left to try. I need an educated second opinion by doctor who may have seen someone like me before and had success.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN AND REPLY!
PS WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FATHER-in-LAW
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