Leah’s Story

Site created on July 23, 2021

I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus on February 16th. I have underwent chemotherapy and radiation. I have had surgery to remove my esophagus. Because cancer was found in 1 lymph node i will be starting immune therapy. Thank you for all the prayers, good vibes and well wishes.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Leah Arnold

Surgery date has been set for January 13th.  I am very much looking forward to this next step! I am slowly gaining weight, up to 130 pounds. i have found that in order for my body to gain weight right now i need almost 3,000 calories a day, which is challenging to get when you can’t eat and are tube fed. I am basically hooked up to feeding 24/7 along with giving the extra calories from the benecal 3-4 times a day. The benecal alone are 330 calories a piece so I am getting an extra 990 to 1330 on top of my feeding tube calories. Matt and I are looking forward to Christmas. My mom will be spending xmas eve with us and Matt got a prime rib and some crab legs to have for xmas eve supper. it’s a good thing i don’t like prime rib or crab legs or i would be jealous! Matt has entered his very busy time at UPS and is working 6 days a week with very long hours. I see him for about an hour or 2 during the week and on Sundays. Saturdays he is so tired from the work week and working that day that he mainly naps on the couch until bed time.  Thank you for all the good thoughts and prayer! Your continued prayers and good thoughts are appreciated and i will try and have Matt do an update after my surgery on how it went and how i am doing. They are expecting about a 10 day hospital stay. I will update as i am able to. 
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