I started this topic as a reflection of the past & to serve as a ray of hope to others. Five years ago today I was officially diagnosed with esophageal cancer graded between stage 2 & stage 3. I'm not a superstitious person but receiving the cancer diagnosis on Friday the 13th seemed bizarre but depressing never the less but a date I will always remember. I knew I had a medical problem prior to my scope but never saw that diagnosis coming. My wife & I some close friends explored treatment options & decided on a course of action. I chose to get treated in Miami FL at the Sylvester Cancer Center. That decision saved my life. I received 6 weeks of chemo before surgery and 6 weeks of chemo after surgery. My tumor was located at the junction of the esophagus & the stomach where the valve that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from migrating out of the stomach is located. My surgeon removed my esophagus & a marginal part of my stomach replacing the esophagus with my stomach which he shaped into a tube like structure. He also removed 17 enlarged lymph glands for testing. Long story short it all worked & the cancer had not spread. Ten years ago a cancer of the esophagus diagnosis was an almost certain death sentence. Today it can be beat if caught early enough. Modern day medicine has come a long way on the tedious path to good health. Special thanks to the medical community for all they do serving others. 

Thanks for that Dwight! 

That's a positive story, and we aren't hearing much of those these days.  It wasn't so long ago that esophageal, pancreatic, and other cancers were all but unsurvivable, especially at that stage.  You are blessed, even more so because you are aware of how blessed you are. 

All of us are so fortunate living in this time of advancing medical breakthroughs, Especially compared to our Fathers and Grandfathers. 

Makes me wonder what’s yet to come. 
 

So happy for you. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

I guess a Happy Friday the 13th is in order

Glad you are doing okay and hope it continues that way.

Thanks for this Mr. Hottle! It's reminders like these that give unlimited hope!

i just now saw this. so happy for you brother. your story is compelling.