Read that article. They considered esophageal dissection at first, until the PET scan revealed the cancer had already gone metastatic to the lymph system, making surgery pointless.

As the article stated, early detection is the key, but I had no warning signs whatsoever. Usual symptoms include acid reflux and difficulty swallowing (which typically gets ignored anyway by many until it's too late), but in the year prior to diagnosis, there was none of that.

Day 4 post infusion...I'm a little afraid to ask, but I hope your system may be a little more accustomed to the poison and really hope you are faring better than the last two. How's it going?

^Just noticed your post, thanks for asking. I would say each time it gets a *little* easier, but that doesn't say much.

Infusion #4 today (talk about a happy Fourth). Already feeling like crap. But the good news: I have a shoulder thing that goes up! (And yes, I've lost so much weight my pants won't stay up.)


Infusion Ball by kpkina, on Flickr

^^^^
Very glad to hear that it’s getting less bad.

^Thank you!

BTW, in case anyone is tempted to feel sorry for me (don't you dare!), this woman has it worse, far, far worse. Lizzie Velasquez was born with an extremely rare congenital disease called Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome that, among other symptoms, prevents her from accumulating body fat and gaining weight. She currently works as a motivational speaker and has starred in docs and tv series.

Love your good attitude. Drive on, Kevin.

OK, side effects went from a little better to oh crap. Everyone agrees that my case is on the more severe end as far as side effects.

Doubling up on pain meds, and they are scheduling an early CT scan to determine if the tumors are shrinking at all. If they are, they might be able to eliminate the one chemo drug that is causing the most problems.

We’re pulling for you Kevin, and hoping for a good shrinkage report!

Hang in there Kevin. Prayers up for a good scan.

Still holding you up in prayer, Kevin.

Best wishes to you Kevin.

You have my prayers for you and your loved ones.

Hang in there Kevin, good weather is hitting the bay these days, make sure you get out and enjoy it.

prayers sent

Hoping today is better.

Heart felt prayers sent your way my friend...

How are you feeling? Did you have the scan yet?

^No, goshdarnit. All the scan facilities in the Bay Area are booked up. I was finally able to get an appointment for Aug 5. It's sort of fine with me, as it gives me a 6 week total break from infusion (I'm halfway through 8 sessions).

After 3 weeks I'm just starting to feel normal. Most people it seems to only take a couple weeks for recovery. I always have to do things the hard way.

Take care kk. A break should be good. Prayers sent for strength, peace, healing and recovery.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
... it gives me a 6 week total break ...

I know how you feel. I just found out yesterday that I have the whole month of August off. Still have daily meds but no testing, appointments, scanning, poking, prodding, needles, or otherwise. It's a wonderful feeling. Enjoy!