stage 4 esoph cancer

[foxy62]

stage 4 esoph/ stomach/lymph node/lungs.did radiation,did chemo,now herceptin.Shortness of breath weight gain.Anyone else going through this.iam tired and have to take afternoon naps,just drained.2 years 5 months of this now sending me to heart doctor because of shortness of breathe,just plain tired.anyone else going through this?

[cherrybailey]

Hi Foxy I had exactly the same stage 4, my op was 14 years ago it was like you really tough going for years, I was under weight, bowel problem, fatigue, reaching, stomach cramps after eating. I did not have radiation or herceptin just the chemo and op. It did get bit easier I think I got used to living with the ailments and accepted this is my new body. I was only 47, I get breathless can't walk too far I bought a mobility scooter that fits in the boot if I took the grandchildren to the park, whatever. I hire one when I go abroad gives me freedom to get about. I use a walking stick if I am shopping. You really are early days feeling for you try and keep positive, strong not always easy and hopefully in time you will get better quality of life. I wish you all the very best and hope you get somewhere with the heart specialist. xx

[foxy62 in reply to cherrybailey]

Thank you for your reply.Ilive in canada,apparently it is un operationable.i hope it gets better.I know I am very fatiqued but do things on my own.Bowel issues and tiredness,breathin bad especially with a mask.I thank you for your kind words.

[FKM100]

Hi Foxy. I am also on Trastuzumab (which you are having as Herceptin). I'm having Ogivri, but it's basically the same drug.

I had stage 3 cancer of the GEJ. Only one lymph node was infected. I had surgery with peri-operative chemo; no radiotherapy. I started the Trastuzumab after the surgery and continued it after the chemo ended. I'm just about to have the last of 15 cycles (about 9 months' worth).

I find I am sometimes quite tired, but no shortness of breath. I think my tiredness is not so much physical as emotional (for a whole host of largely unrelated reasons). So no, my experience is a bit different from yours, but then I have not been on T as long as you have.

I know that with T they have to keep a careful watch on heart health, so it makes sense that it would be one of the first things they would check if you are tired and having shortness of breath. Hopefully the heart specialist will be able to help you and sort out any problems soon. Let us know what happens.Best of luck, Shell.

[foxy62 in reply to FKM100]

Thank you for your reply.My hercePton is held off till I see the heart Dr.I DO HAVE EMPHAZEMA,iALSO GO FOR ECOGRAMS EVERY 4 MONTHS.I DID RADIATION THEN THE CHEMO AND HAVE BEEN DOING HERCETON SINCE.SO ALL TO GETHER SO FAR 2 YR 5 MONTHS.UNOPERATABLE MY ONCOLAGIST SAYS.THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY

[redsquirrelmeister in reply to foxy62]

Related to this I am having Trastuzumab every 3 weeks at the moment and have to have an echo cardiogram every 3 months followed by a meeting with a cardiologist. It is all part and parcel of having that drug. My 3rd one due at end of this month