Took a break, Any Doctors around here?

[bravetony]

I haven't been logging in as much as I'd like to. This Christmas was rough as my cousin whom is like a mentor to me in so many ways took me aside to let me know he was diagnosed with cancer in his esophagus. I felt my heart just went to the ground.

He's in his early 50's and takes such good care of himself. Right after he told me the next day he was taken to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where I haven't heard anything yet. We were supposed to welcome the new year in a huge party with the family but we cancelled everything.

I keep searching for information and everything is just so devastating. I'm praying so much that he is able to beat this. Any Docs around here that might have knowledge on this type of cancer?

I know he's in the best place for care but I just can't stop thinking of what's going to happen. I might fly up there as soon as they let me know I can come up.

Sorry for the long post fellas but I needed to vent, I've been keeping my cool around the family but inside I'm just broken. - Tony

[BigBoy17]

Good luck with your family. Hopefully a speedy recovery

[buckrogers0025]

Certainly not a doctor - but, I am six months post-surgery/radiation treatments from throat cancer.

He is in one if the best places possible for treatment. However, they should know by now what kind of cancer they are dealing with. I will speculate it is HPV-related (as was mine) as he falls into our age group experiencing the huge increase in this type of cancer.

Head and neck cancers can often utilize oral robotics for surgery which is minimally invasive and minimizes recovery time. Depending on the pathology, follow-up radiation/chemo treatments might be in store.

Bottom line, if it is indeed HPV-related cancer, it is very treatable - responding well to radiation - with a very high cure rate.

I wish him the best of luck. If I can help in any way through my recent experience please feel free to PM me.

[bravetony]

Well wishes on your recovery and thanks for the information. All I was told is that the tumor has not spread and he will undergo surgery to remove followed by chemo. No idea on timeframe for the surgery and treatment. Again thank you so much Champion!

Originally Posted by buckrogers0025

Certainly not a doctor - but, I am six months post-surgery/radiation treatments from throat cancer.

He is in one if the best places possible for treatment. However, they should know by now what kind of cancer they are dealing with. I will speculate it is HPV-related (as was mine) as he falls into our age group experiencing the huge increase in this type of cancer.

Head and neck cancers can often utilize oral robotics for surgery which is minimally invasive and minimizes recovery time. Depending on the pathology, follow-up radiation/chemo treatments might be in store.

Bottom line, if it is indeed HPV-related cancer, it is very treatable - responding well to radiation - with a very high cure rate.

I wish him the best of luck. If I can help in any way through my recent experience please feel free to PM me.

[locutus49]

I have a pre-cancerous condition in my esophagus. Doctor said cancer there is quick and high mortality rate. Hopefully, he is wrong.

[bravetony]

My best wishes to you on your health and hopefully it stays "pre" & just like your doctor said that's what I keep reading online. Hopefully I will have info on him this week.

Originally Posted by locutus49

I have a pre-cancerous condition in my esophagus. Doctor said cancer there is quick and high mortality rate. Hopefully, he is wrong.

[Rebel]

Originally Posted by locutus49

I have a pre-cancerous condition in my esophagus. Doctor said cancer there is quick and high mortality rate. Hopefully, he is wrong.

Best to you, John and the OPs cousin.

I'm a United Methodist pastor. I will say a prayer for those concerned with hopes of no offense to anyone.

[RW16610]

I absolutely hate cancer. It's something quite a few in my family have dealt with at some point.

Hopefully you're able to get the info you need very soon. Also, just wanted to wish your entire family nothing but the best during this incredibly difficult time.

[BigBlue1]

I wish your Cousin the best. Good luck to him. Hold your head up, try to be positive and give him as much support as he needs. Hope he kicks this things butt.

[Nadi090]

I'm sorry you feel this way friend. I'm not all religious but from experience I can tell you prayer helps. Just rely on God this period and hopefully you'll get all the strength you need.

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[datejustrms]

Tony, I’m sorry to hear this news about your cousin. My Mother passed away from Esophageal cancer back in 1999. The surgery to remove the tumor was very involved and left her extremely weak. Unfortunately when they began very heavy doses of chemo she wasn’t able to handle it and that’s what took her. It’s easy to second guess but I wish she had received the chemo when she was first diagnosed and then the surgery. Hopefully treatment for this type of cancer has improved.

I wish your cousin the best and hope he can beat it. F__k cancer!

[Romeojk]

My very good friend has had esophageal cancer for 30 years. At the beginning it was very rough and he didn’t almost make it but did and has been super active and quite an athlete. This past year hit took a hit to the throat (he was boxing...in his 70’s...I know it’s crazy) and he has a tube to breathe and needs to get food through a tube but he walks around and is still active and going strong.

So maybe you get through it and just don’t pick up boxing.

Good luck and God bless to all of you with this!


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[THC]

Not a Doc either, by any stretch, but without knowing your cousin’s stage of the disease, I can tell you, my older brother had throat cancer in 2013 and almost one year later he was in remission and has been fine since. There is always hope.

Sincere best wishes to your cousin and you

[bravetony]

Amen.

Originally Posted by THC

Not a Doc either, by any stretch, but without knowing your cousin’s stage of the disease, I can tell you, my older brother had throat cancer in 2013 and almost one year later he was in remission and has been fine since. There is always hope.

Sincere best wishes to your cousin and you

[brandrea]

Best wished to your cousin, cancer can be beaten. Stay positive.

[watchmework]

Wishing your cousin nothing but the best Tony, I’m sure it’s reassuring for him to know he’s got strong family members supporting him through this.

[joeychitwood]

Retired ER physician. Esophageal cancer surgery can be quite involved depending on the stage, type, etc. It’s tough to make any general statements without more details. However, I can speak personally to the quality of care at the Mayo Clinic. I was diagnosed with an eye socket tumor in 2010 and had surgery there by one of the world’s experts on such masses. The staff, facilities and docs are truly the best.

[bravetony]

Thanks to everyone. Yesterday received a video of him walking around the halls like the maniac he is. He was hooked to an iv I was told radiation first, no word on surgery yet or chemo. He's the guy that hand solves every problem so I can imagine him telling the doctors to rip the tumor away.

[Chewbacca]

“Courage, dear heart.”

–C.S. Lewis

[RichM]

Wishing him a speedy and full recovery.