Hi.  I used to post to this group on a regular basis, as I had breast
cancer.  Everyone (except the ganodema spores and agaricus mushroom
guy) was very bhyelpful and supportive.  Due to a new job with a
software start-up that requires mega hours, and family obligations, I
haven't been around for a couple of years.

My mothers older brother (89) has just been diagnosed with spindle cell
carcinoma.  He's had prostate cancer for years and a year ago was
diagnosed with bladder cancer.  He's also got Parkinsons.  I know,
that's quite a mix.

Here's what she wrote me about the diagnosis:

"To make a long story short, they found a tumor, known as a spindle
cell carcinoma, on the back side of the esophogus, resting on the
spine. They didn't, at that point have much hope for a good outcome and
decided to emplace a feeding tube, and not try radiation or
chemotherapy. However, just today, at a meeting of the radiation,
chemotherapy and surgical staff, they decided that the tumor had not
invaded the spine, which they had thought had happened. It has invaded
some of the lymph nodes and deep muscles. He still has mobility. They
further decided that he should not get a feeding tube and should start
treatment with radiation and chemotherapy."

Does anyone have experience with this type of cancer?  If so, how long
do you think that he might have?  Six months?  A year?  More?  I'm his
excutrix and when he passes, it going to be a major job to get
everything settled and if I can plan at all for that time, it would be
great.

Thanks for any help.
...lisa