Category Archives: Preparing for Widowhood

Esophageal Cancer 101 \ Part 6

Posted on December 10, 2008 by TRatner

Esophageal Cancer 101 Part 6 The Facts—just the Facts In November of 2008, my husband, Michael, underwent a surgical procedure for esophageal cancer—a transhiatal esophagectomy (THE), which in lay terms means “removal of the esophagus.” Before you gasp just thinking … Continue reading →

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Esophageal Cancer 101 \ Part 5

Posted on November 11, 2008 by TRatner

Esophageal Cancer 101 Part 5 I pictured the progress of my husband’s disease as a gathering of dark clouds that closed off any avenue of light, clusters of heavy, tentative drops, a downpour held in suspension for months…… I’m wide … Continue reading →

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Esophageal Cancer 101 \ Part 4

Posted on November 6, 2008 by TRatner

Esophageal Cancer 101 Part 4 It’s exactly two hours since my husband, Michael, was wheeled down the hospital corridor toward the surgical suites. Yes, they refer to them as suites, as if they are large, comfortable rooms with all the … Continue reading →

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Esophageal Cancer 101 \ Part 3

Posted on November 5, 2008 by TRatner

Esophageal Cancer 101 Part 3 During my three-hour wait in the surgical waiting area, I argued on my cell phone with my 93-year-old father, vented to family and friends about a physician’s partner being a ‘no show’ for the surgery … Continue reading →

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Esophageal Cancer 101 \ Part Two

Posted on October 23, 2008 by TRatner

Esophageal Cancer 101 Part 2 The official diagnosis was the following: Adenocarcinoma, cancer of the esophagus (EC), located at the gastroesophageal junction, where the stomach meets the esophagus. For the next 28 days, our lives overflowed with medical tests, surgeon … Continue reading →

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Esophageal Cancer 101

Posted on October 9, 2008 by TRatner

Esophageal Cancer 101 Part 1 by Terry Ratner, RN, MFA Part 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 recently added A day to remember It was a Thursday, October 9—my birthday, when my husband, Michael, underwent an endoscopy procedure. For thirty … Continue reading →

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