I abandoned my blog for the last many weeks and with good reason. In October my sister was diagnosed with cancer of her esophagus, the distal end. Chris’s world and mine became tangled in scans, tests, minor surgeries, home care, and trips the pharmacy. I’ve added new words to my vocabulary — esophageal, squamous cells, distal, endoscopy, ostomy tube, thoracic, jejunum, port, hydration, chemo pump, and radiation. What an overwhelming experience for both of us.

On Wednesday, for the first time in weeks, Chris felt strong and independent. She drove herself to a nail and hair salon and to her radiation appointment. Her energy level and increased intake of Osmolite kind of indicates the tumor is shrinking. Radiation and chemo end on November 30. We will have another appointment with Dr. Farid Gharagozloo, a thoracic surgeon at the UA Medical Center. Big-time surgery will be done sometime in December — hands-on and robotic. Lots of drama and extensive after-care.

Happy blogging and good health to all. My suggestion — cut out cigarettes, drink wine in moderation, and pass on diet sodas. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has a website that provides information to people with cancer and their caregivers. Online and free printed guidelines – check out:  www.nccn.org.    

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