Hello
what does the above mean? I don’t want to ask Specialist. I might not like the answer. Be easier to read it. My husband has absolutely no symptoms at all. He’s very well in himself as very tired because of chemo and we’re in cycle too. They’ve told us we can have a scanner after cycle three so that will be in another months. What are the prospects? Do you think
Hi Speyside1,
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear of your husband’s oesophageal cancer diagnosis. However, glad to know that he is very well in himself and handling his chemotherapy well.
This must be an extremely worrying time for you both. It is only natural you will have questions going forward.
The Consultant looking after your husband, the chemotherapy team or the Gastro Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) are all part of the Multidisciplinary team (MDT) and are best placed to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
We would encourage you to do just that as communication is key.
Going for a scan after the next cycle of chemotherapy will help them determine if your husband is getting the desired response to the treatment.
Sometimes, if the response is not as good as hoped, then they may change treatment to a plan B or plan C in order to get the desired response.
In short, everything depends on how well your husband responds to treatment.
You mentioned your husband was very tired as a result of his treatment. We strongly advise you make the chemotherapy team aware of this fatigue so they can assess and help manage this or any other symptoms.
PD-L1 expression is a biomarker or protein found on cancer cells. Identifying that PD-L1 is present and depending on the percentage or level can help with treatment decisions and in some cases the person may benefit from immunotherapy.
Again, we would encourage you to ask questions.
HER2 is also a protein. Some oesophageal cancers have too much of the HER2 protein on the surface of their cells, which can help cancer cells grow.
Cancers with increased levels of HER2 protein are called HER2-positive. Again, this means certain targeted drugs can be helpful treatment options.
Going forward, it may also be useful to have a look at the Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) or the GUTS Charity or OCHRE. All are good sources of information and support.
If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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