I have recently been told I have Esophageal Cancer

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Ken - 05 Jan 2008 02:09 GMT

Hi,

My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
what I can expect, gain information to better guide the path that I
need to walk and yes, to pray for a little emotional support.

I am alone except for my two wonderful dogs who have been a great
support and I watched my grandfather pass away from cancer and it was
a horrible experience. I have been procrastinating about setting up
appoinments for the various tests and doctors that I ahve been
referred to as I had so little information about this and my fears.

I have just determined within the last two days to retake control and
do my best to beat this thing.

I just found this groupthis morning and have found that most of the
people here do care and try to be really helpful. I hope to learn a
lot and beat this thing.

Thanks for listening

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J - 05 Jan 2008 02:40 GMT

> My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
> found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks for listening

Hello Ken and welcome.
I'm in Canada Are you in the US?
I believe that many cancer patients get too rushed into decisions, in the
US., so I think it's a good thing you took a bit of time to let the news
settle in.

Which tests have you been proscrastinating on? Any fears about those?
I'll be back later to check for your reply.
Stay with us.
j

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Ken - 05 Jan 2008 02:53 GMT

> > My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
> > found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Hi J,

Yes, I am in the central area of the United States.

I was in the hospital for angioplasy when they took a tissue sample in
December. I have had problems swallowing food for about 4-5 months due
to a "blockage in my throat. They have referred me to an oncologist
for an initial consultation who gave me some facts and wanted me to
start taking tests such as Barium swallow MRI, and a detailed CT scan.
Based on those results they will decide on a course of treatment which
will include surgury, radiation, amd chemo.They wanted to find out if
the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes I believe, but being alone and
my unreasonable fear of cancer made me wait until I had more
information.

I am considering checking myself into the hospital next week for the
tests they require but I am scared to death that it has spread and
they will not be able to get it all.

Reply to this Message

J - 05 Jan 2008 09:51 GMT

> > > My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
> > > found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> tests they require but I am scared to death that it has spread and
> they will not be able to get it all.

Hi Ken,
Thank you for answering my question.

You just missed Richard, from UK
He was diagnosed on Dec 5th and had already seen his surgeon, before arriving
here.
His next move, I believe, was the scans and seeing the oncologist.
Very positive thinker - got married and bought an inclining bed.
wants to be on the cutting edge of science.
I think he already is - they're giving him 3 rounds of chemo
( ECX - epirubicine, cisplatin and Capecitabane, (5FU in
Tablet form).) before the surgery and 3 rounds after the surgery.
First I've heard of that and I've been here quite a few years.
(question for the oncologist?)
The tests he's having are:
a fitness test, a PET Scan, laparoscopy and gastroscopy the following week.
No Ultrasound as the surgeon is satisfied that it is T2 or T3.
(TNM Staging) http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4492

I can't see in your body (obviously), but the way you describe how you were
diagnosed (and what you have not mentioned) leans me to think yours has been
caught early enough for cure.

Here's types of esophageal cancer.
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4487

Do what you think best about the hospital.
I hear you that you're alone.
I realize it's not the same, but we're here for you.
I'm also putting you in touch with the largest collection of people who've had
or have esophageal cancer at the ACOR mail list - over 2,000 people.
http://www.acor.org/mailing.html
Click on E, then on EC-GROUP to join. I hope you'll stay in touch with us as
well.

The EC cafe has lots of information - please pay attention to the meal and
recipe tips on the right side.
http://www.eccafe.org/cnt/index.html
Hopefully, your team will also provide you with support from a nutritionist.

I've tried to not overwhelm you with too many links. Take stock (of what you
think you might need at home). Take some notes. - not too many- the EC Group
might already have one they'll send to you. If not start your own.

We'll be here, if you have more thoughts and//or questions. I don't want to
interrupt you as you work through what's best for you for the tests and think
about what's on these webpages, but we're here, anytime.

Take care and please stay in touch and stay positive.
Questions? Ask away.
I'd send you some puppy hugs, but I'm not a puppy.
You'll have to take care of that from your end. <smile>
J

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Ken - 07 Jan 2008 02:36 GMT

> > > > My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
> > > > found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
[quoted text clipped - 83 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks J, joined the ec chat tonight and have been doing a lot of
research though ACOR and Cathy's EC-Cafe. Have met some wonderful
people, survivors and those caring for them as well as some who are
still fighting the fight. I really appreciate all of you...

Ken

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J - 07 Jan 2008 23:01 GMT

> > > > > My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
> > > > > found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
[quoted text clipped - 50 lines]
>
> Ken

Best of luck, Ken.
I do hope you'll share your news here, from time to time.
J

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turtletrot1 - 06 Jan 2008 15:14 GMT

> j

I believe that many cancer patients get too rushed into decisions, in
the
US

On this kick again ???

Reply to this Message

J - 10 Jan 2008 06:59 GMT

> > j
> I believe that many cancer patients get too rushed into decisions, in
> the
> US
>
> On this kick again ???

The kick I was on was staying calm.
Next time, use your brain instead of your fingers...
J

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: I have recently been told I have Esophageal Cancer
Date: Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:40:22 -0500
From: J <nswex@nalid;non>
Newsgroups: alt.support.cancer
References:
<66d0c459-74e3-472d-8aaa-c33755eed46a@s12g2000prg.googlegroups.com>

Ken wrote:

> My name is Ken and I have been diagnosed with EC last month. I just
> found this group today and joined so that I may find out more about
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks for listening

Reply to this Message

Alayne - 05 Jan 2008 10:02 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Thanks for listening

Hi Ken, I'm just wanted to send you a Warm Hug, a cancer diagnosis is a
frightening thing and I understand your fear, take each day as it comes and
we'll hold your hand through the rollercoaster ride.

Warm Hugs

Alayne

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redsurf - 06 Jan 2008 00:53 GMT

>Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
>Thanks for listening

Sorry, Ken, about your diagnosis. I can't give advice on
treatement, but I send good thoughts and prayers. You might
want to check at your cancer center for transportation and
such if you need it - many offer it. Good luck to you....

Carla

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