jmgratz
Original Owners Club Member
As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in September 2009. At that time I underwent 28 treatments of Chemo and Radiation, followed by surgery to remove most of the Esophagus, stomach and 25 lymph nodes. I had all of this done at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. I then had checkups every 3 months. At the 2nd 3 month checkup a lymph node was found with cancer. The diagnosis was the Esophageal Cancer had metastasized to that node. I had another 28 treatments of Chemo and Radiation. That was completed in November of 2010. Since that time I have been have regular checkups at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Everything was great at these checkups until May of 2014 (2 months ago). At that checkup another suspicious Lymph Node was found. Further testing has revealed the node to have Esophageal Cancel cells in it. So the bottom line is the beast is back.
For those who don't know I have been told by the doctors that you are limited in the number of times (and the amount) of radiation treatments you can have. So since I have already received two radiation treatments in that area (upper chest) I cannot be radiated in that area again. I have been told by my Medical Oncologist that the treatment plan is to remove the affected Lymph Node via surgery. So right now I am waiting for the surgery to be scheduled, which should happen within the next week or so. The prognosis is good with a successful surgery.
I ask that you keep me in your prayers for a successful outcome and what my Heartland family to know I am grateful for their support in the past and look forward to many more great times ahead. BTW, if any of you have Reflux, please get it medically evaluated as this is one of the things that can lead to Esophageal Cancer.
Thank God for M.D.Anderson and God's blessing on their doctors and staff. Thanks and I will keep you posted.
For those who don't know I have been told by the doctors that you are limited in the number of times (and the amount) of radiation treatments you can have. So since I have already received two radiation treatments in that area (upper chest) I cannot be radiated in that area again. I have been told by my Medical Oncologist that the treatment plan is to remove the affected Lymph Node via surgery. So right now I am waiting for the surgery to be scheduled, which should happen within the next week or so. The prognosis is good with a successful surgery.
I ask that you keep me in your prayers for a successful outcome and what my Heartland family to know I am grateful for their support in the past and look forward to many more great times ahead. BTW, if any of you have Reflux, please get it medically evaluated as this is one of the things that can lead to Esophageal Cancer.
Thank God for M.D.Anderson and God's blessing on their doctors and staff. Thanks and I will keep you posted.
