If you are at this site/blog, then you have obviously learned that Roger has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. He went in for a "routine" upper and lower GI because his sister Denise has had a history of two episodes with cancer; the most recent incidence (about 20 months ago) ended up being stomach and esophageal. Denise underwent a pretty traumatic surgery/treatment back in November 2007 but is on the mend much to our entire family's relief. (Roger and Denise pictured below)

Here's the brief scoop: Roger went in for the initial tests on 7/24. At that time the doctor took a biopsy of suspicious cells in the lower third of the esophagus. Last Friday, 7/31, (we're learning to dislike Fridays) Roger received news from the doctor's office that the biopsy came back showing adenocarcinoma in the esophagus. We don't know the "level" or stage of the cancer. Apparently the esophagus has 4 layers. We're hoping the cancer is only in the first layer - the earliest stage. He goes back into the doctor on August 14th (back to hating Fridays) for another test, an endoscopic ultra sound; this test is supposed to tell us if the cancer has spread to any additional layers of the esophagus and lymph nodes. If the cancer has not spread beyond the first layer, then that same day Roger will have a second procedure called a Mucosal Resection, wherein the abnormal cells/tissue/lesion will be removed. This procedure is supposed to be pretty painful for the next several weeks as the esophagus will be "raw". He will be on a liquid diet (and um, no alcohol) for the first couple days, thereafter "soft" mushy food for 4 weeks, yum.

The good news is that Roger is young...most patients that are treated for this cancer are in their 70s which makes treatment more limited. According to the doctor's office and some Internet research, it appears that this type of cancer is starting to appear more frequently in the western hemisphere especially among caucasian males. The cancer often occurs as a result of chronic acid reflux. The acid reflux causes a degeneration of cells and the lining of the esophagus which results in a condition known as Barretts Esophagus. Barretts should be closely monitored as it can become a pre-cancerous condition. The tough part is that a lot of people have a high tolerance for heartburn/acid reflux and may let the condition go for a long time. The doctor's office believes Roger may have had acid reflux for many years - since he was in his 20s. The moral to this story for EVERYONE out there is to NOT ignore on going heartburn/acid reflux symptoms. Ironically, I was speaking with a friend of ours who said he has Barretts...he obviously is going to step up and have is annual exam.

Roger feels fine. No pain. Mentally? Hard to say. He's pretty laid back about the whole thing and tends to process internally. As many of you know, he's an even-tempered, easy-going guy and has been called "Mr. Don't Worry 'Bout It". Like any of us, I am sure he thinks about this in quiet times but he seems to maintain "it is what it is". He's staying busy with projects (and god knows he has tons of projects to do) - trying to knock out as many as possible before the 14th in the event that he is out of commission for longer than anticipated.

Ok - probably more than all of you wanted to hear but I firmly believe knowledge is power. We will continue to update the blog as we have more info. Thanks to all for your continued love and support. It means the world to both of us.