Just over a year ago today on the Dec 22nd I was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer that had spread to my stomach. On Dec 26th I had surgery to install my chemo port and a feeding tube as I was to begin radiation and chemo immediately. After insurance delays and a 2nd opinion at Duke. I began a mix of immuno therapy and chemo in January. The feeding tube was removed (that thing sucked)
I tolerated treatment extremely well until mid May when my immune system turned and started attacking my colon. I had extreme colitis and GI issue since. I have a brief remission during the summer with the help from a ridiculous amount of steroids and took a beach trip, but that stopped working about a month later- we left the beach and I was admitted to the hospital the next day for almost 2 weeks of IV nutiemts and fluids. They gave me high doses of some immunosuppressant to stop my body from attacking itself. The last few months been a relentless assault on my GI system. After yet another round of Chinese finger cuffing me. The most recent colonoscopy / endoscopy revealed an infection that I was treated for.
For the first time in 7 months I am feeling like a normal person and think I will be ready for a good Christmas. Imaging shows no currently active cancer and the biopsies from the last procedure also came back negative. I don’t know what this coming year will hold but I am optimistic again for the first time since beginning treatment.
Though treatment is going coming along, Bills are adding up and any help is very much appreciated.