This is my 73 year old dad. On December 18, 2013 he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer after a choking episode in November and EDG this frightful day in December. After a PET scan he it also showed he had some lymph node involvement and he had a adenocarcinoma lung tumor and a squamous cell tumor in the mediastinum. Biopsies were done and his oncologist was shocked that all the tumors were primary and none were related to one another. He was not a surgical candidate. So in February 2014 he started chemo and radiation. Once a week for 6 weeks they gave him taxol and carboplatin. 40 radiation treatments. We had some set backs along the way with problems with low blood pressure, heart rhythms, dehydration and nutrition. He finished the first round and he got a month off. Then oncologist called and he wanted one more round. Frankly I went to him and all but begged him not to do the second round of chemo. The first round took away the quality of life and after we were told that remission would not be an option I got past wanting quantity and wanted quality of life for him. He said he promised to do this treatment and he would finish it - but we needed to understand he would never do this again. So off for more chemo (more taxol and carboplatin) at double the amount for shorter amount of time. Yes he took on complications again and no he did not quit. Thankfully my mother had just retired from 40 years of nursing just prior to my dad getting diagnosed. I credit not only his strong will to live but her love, commitment and profession choices to him making it through those trying and difficult times. All of his treatment has been through the Oklahoma City VA. They are an amazing facility right down to having proton radiation therapy. The doctors and personnel have been caring and personable and professional. I can never say enough good things about this facility. So here we are today. My dad had his CAT scan today and Im very proud and excited to say at this time he is NED. I have spent a lot of time on this site reading the personal stories of hope, love lost and anticipation of whats next. I thank you all for giving me hope and at the same time keeping my feet grounded on reality.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:44:19 +0000