Chapter 2
Living with a Stent

Chapter 3
Living with Palliative Care

1)
Introduction
Background
Endoscopy
2)
Initial Diagnosis
3)
Telling the family
4)
First Appointment
Taking the tests
5)
Second appointment after tests
6)
Treatment -Chemotherapy and Radiation
7)
Remission
8)
Coping at Night
Coping with Fear
9)
Relationship with Doctors
Keeping Track of Medications
10)
Deciding on a Stent
Conclusion

Last Revised, 05-Nov-2002
Copyright © 2002

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Deciding on a Stent

        By October, 1999 it was evident that I would have to have dilations done at ever shorter intervals. The doctor at this time pointed out courses of action that were still available to me. One was to continue having the dilations carried with the increasing risk associated with it. Another option was to have a flexible “stent” inserted that would hold the esophagus open for some time. The insertion of a stent carries with it risks of its own and was discussed at length with the surgeon and my wife. The use of a stent is dependent on the patient’s condition, the state of the cancer and his personal feelings of having one inserted. After consultations with the surgeon and discussion with my wife we came to the decision to have a stent inserted. The use of a stent is not an option for all patients.

Conclusion

        At this point the story ends. For those of you that have or will have a stent inserted, there is another handout called “Living with Stent” that you may find of some help. For those of you that are not slated for a stent and are being treated by other means, I wish them the best of luck and with the hope that they have a good quality of life. I hope that my story has been of some help to you. I would like to thank all the health care workers and doctors that have been so caring and have done all those things that have allowed me to have the quality of life that I have enjoyed and still enjoy at this time.

        I also hope that many of you have had the good fortune to have a spouse that has been as supportive and loving as my wife has been. Without her, it is unlikely that this paper would have been written, nor would it be likely that I would be here to write it! I would like to thank her and the rest of my family and friends that have been so supportive over the last two years.
 
 

Contact
livingwithec@yahoo.com

Note: This email address is only occasionally checked, and due to volume, I am unable to respond to all messages. Nevertheless, feel free to send your thoughts, experiences, or comments.