[tiogalady]

My husband was told this week he has cancer of the esophagus, hes 63, went to a specialist and they told him they would not do surgery ,said he would die, he has a weak heart and medical problems, and most likey they wont do radiation or chemo on him, It's in the lower esophagus called squamious cell carcinoma , hasn't spread to the stomach, we cant seem to get a answer what stage he may have or his length to live, does anyone have any suggestions, we are devestated.Thanks for any help, if possible to do radiation and chemo is it worth all the sickenss he will encanter, he's a double ampuntee ,diabetic, high blood pressure and of course bad heart.

[Xarial]

I wish you the best. I really do. My boyfriend just got his results last night. He's in jail too. He, as of last night, taking some cemo type pill. He's afraid. I'm afraid. I know your fears. He's 42, today's his birthday in fact. We are praying he gets through this because we want a life when he gets out. Being in jail makes it all the harder. He's all alone and has to be the strongest he's ever had to be and go through this all alone. He found out while in jail. He's been in jail a month now. What kills me is I can't hold his hand, help him through this, hold him, be there for him. If he should die from this in there....this thought kills me. I'd hope, at the least, to give him one last kiss before he died. I don't know if they even allow that. I am just hoping for the best because I honestly just don't know how to go on throughout my life without him. I wish you both the best. My heart goes out to you both. *hugz*

[micky]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband and the diagnosis. My brother had stage 4, inoperable and incurable Metastic Esophageal Cancer...He only lived 8 months after his diagnosis..He had chemo, no radiation. He also had high blood pressure and had cholesterol issues..sounds like with all of your husband's issues chemo would only excerbate all of his other problems. But your doctor would know best of course. What I saw in my brother while undergoing chemo was early on he was able to swallow without pain, however other problems came out as time went on, weakness, breathlessness, blood clots in legs, needed oxygen near the end and of course appetite went away completely. So is chemo worth all this?? It's anybody's guess, what would it be like without chemo?? not sure. Wish I had the answers for you but I can promise to pray for you and your husband. Just keep in mind that chemo does indeed compromise the immune system and with all your husband's underlying problems it may make everything else a lot worse. Perhaps radiation would help him as it hasn't gone into his stomach as yet. I would press the doctor on all these matters, make a list so you don't leave anything out! Best wishes!