Community Chat

[newziesuzie]

From "Lisa P. Mason's" Facebook page yesterday.

https://www.facebook.com/Lisamason.showhost?fref=nf

3/8/15: "My friends. What an extraordinary week. After learning that esophageal cancer is the number one fastest growing cancer in the US, Gino and I got to work! We meet with the board of the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association this month to help all we can.

Please, please understand. There are often NO symptoms. This cancer is found in people who have smoked or drank heavily.

Or, in Gino's case, had acid reflux years ago. Gino took the medication for acid reflux and the heartburn "went away".

In actuality, it didn't. He just couldn't feel it any longer.

Little did we know, heartburn can exist with absolutely no discomfort. We beg you. If you have been a heavy smokey or drinker. If you have had acid reflux in the past, please see you doctor.

By the time the first symptoms presents...(difficulty swallowing, hiccuping during meals, food feeling "stuck" in the throat, needing more liquids during meals)...the cancer has already advanced.

We love you. We greatly care for you. We do not want you to travel our road. We ask you to think about this!!! Gino and I stand committed to help others know more about this horrible cancer. God Bless You!!!!"

[newziesuzie]

This was her 2/24/15 post:

"7 months ago, Doctors suggested that Gino and I get our affairs in order. A sudden and shocking stage four esophageal cancer with spread to the lymph nodes, lungs and brain was my husband's diagnosis. We heeded their words of wisdom. Signing and initialing multiple documents in our attorney's office. He initialed "GC" (Gino Contawe). I initialed " LM" (Lisa Mason). Dark, dark days followed with multiple surgeries, radiation, chemo. Today, we learned that Gino has no cancer in the brain, practically nothing in the lungs and the esophageal tumor has shrunk so much that it can't be seen on a scan. What does it mean? Is he cured? Permanent remission? We don't know for sure....we live day by day.....but today I decided that the initials "GC" and "LM" no longer stand for our names. "GCLM" to me now means: "God's Compassion+Love=Miracles"! Life is a blessing. And a gift. We are grateful. Thank you for prayers. We humbly thank you. God Bless You. Gino and Lisa."

[I am still oxox]

I think her FB post is meant as a warning, not to take reflux lightly, to get it check out, and it does not mean that Gino is unwell once again

[Lotus]

On 3/9/2015 I am still oxox said:

I think her FB post is meant as a warning, not to take reflux lightly, to get it check out, and it does not mean that Gino is unwell once again

I agree.

Who would even think that acid reflux could either turn into or mask esophageal cancer?

[CouponQueen]

I think she is making everybody aware of the symptoms or lack thereof really..

I know somebody who is around 58..who he too..just went to the MD for acid reflux and dx within days of this cancer. Unfortunately he was a heavy smoker and drinker up to about the age of 50.. He is awaiting another scan to see..but the last I heard he did go back to work..

I don't think he had a set back but more of they are now seeking awareness. Good for them!

I wish him and her nothing but the best.

[JustJazzmom]

One of my grandfathers died of esophageal cancer. He had gotten a clean bill of health in December and about 5 months later was gone. This was back in the 60's and he was 69. He had the symptoms of needing more fluids during meals and hiccuping.

I'm glad that she is putting it out there for all to become aware of this rapidly growing cancer and get checked out.

[sunshine45]

48 years old for my sisters fiance.....

he was diagnosed sometime in january 2012 and he was gone in october 2012. that is how fast that cancer spread. no real symptoms until he was having problems keeping food down. it really took a toll on the both of them. his dog was even so depressed that she died less than a year later.

[Cakers1]

Hoping all the best for Lisa and Gino.

[LilacTree]

I have some of these symptoms because I took Prevacid for many years (doctor's prescription) and it destroyed the lining of my stomach.

So if it's already too late, I'll just hang in.

[newziesuzie]

I agree I think it's clear from her words that Gino's still improving and they want to make this an opportunity to help others. They sound like good and loving people.