Andy, thanks for responding and I apologize for taking so long to respond back. I wasn’t used to this site and thought I was doing something wrong when I didn’t get a response the next day. Yes, I have ”zip” patience. lol..Anyway, I started drinking all different types of shakes in between regular meals. Also, Boost and Ensure. Seems to be slowly working. I gained 2 lbs in 2 weeks. Not a lot but a plus for sure. I’m so happy to read how well you are doing. All that improvement in one year? Wow….congrats my friend. It has been almost a year for me now but still going for treatments and some complications have surfaced. My tumor was the same size as yours. Chemo took it down to 3 cm, small enough for the surgeon to remove. Problem was, the base of that tumor settle right on my lung area. He made the choice to leave a tiny piece there fully trusted that after surgery radiation would rid of it. Well, I wasn’t so lucky. That little piece leanned up against my lung, closing it over 70%. I am now on oxygen and they are working with radiation to open the lung and also kill that little piece of tumor in there. Oh, Plus, I have chemo once a week. They felt both would be best untill all was resolved. The radiation seems to be opening the lung now but it is taking very long. The surgeon feels I should have a ”stint” put in the lung to keep it open so I can breath better. Well, I think that’s what I am going to do. I am going to discuss this with him on Monday and perhaps go back to Sloan Memorial for this ”stint”….I trust this surgeon very much. He did my original surgery and is a top Esophageal/Lung Doctor at Sloan Memorial Hospital in New York City. Next month, he is moving to Mt. Sinai in NY to become the head of the Tharasic dept.
Sorry about your acid reflux. Do you keep yourself propped up enough at night? That seems to be the key for me. I am up almost 30-40 persent above pillow range! Took some getting used to but it certainly beats popping acid meds all night long. I don’t like taking meds to begin with. I don’t have a big family to ask for help. Only one sister that works long hours. I have many girlfriends but they work also. I have one older daughter but the same with her. I feel so alone all the time. I cry every single night. It really has become a part of my daily thing. And your right, not only chemo but, radiation makes you SOOOO depressed. I don’t know how the heck I drive myself home from there. My GP wanted to give me something for depression but I said no. Like I mentioned…I don’t like taking too much….especially now with all the heavy duty stuff floating around in my body. Thank you for responding and thank you ALL for your tips and concern. I’m so scared and just wish I could get out of this ”funk” I have been in. I read, listen to music, talk on the phone, TV….you name it I tried it. This sickness is really doing a number on me. I don’t even know who ”Me” is anymore. Thanks for listening everyone. (((hugs)))
Rosemarie

I started treatment back in Feb. Had 5 weeks of chemo and then a 6 hour surgery. Soon, I start to have 5-6 weeks of radiation. i have so many questions. I cannot produce a good cough. I can/t bring anything up. I also cannot gain weight. I am very tired all the time. Last but not least…I am still loosing my hair. Finished my chemo beg. of march. ??? Any answers to these questions will help me so much. Thank you. Well wishes to all.
Rosemarie

After my dad had a biopsy and CT scan, he was given the news that he has esophageal cancer by his Gastroenterologist yesterday. The doctor didn’t tell us the stage of the cancer or what type of esophageal cancer he has. She asked him to scheduled an appt with an oncologist which he did and his appt is on Tuesday. The gastroenterologist did say that the cancer is in one spot and has not spread. The mass is about 2-3cm. Would the gastroenterologist know the stage my dad’s cancer is in? My sister and I want to do as much research as possible before dad’s appt on Tuesday. Where should we start?