Hi Kathy -

Your husband’s condition sounds similar to mine last year.

I was diagnosed locally and it took a little longer for me to get accepted at Mayo and for my testing to start.

My weight loss was similar.

My downhill slide for swallowing was also fast and dramatic. I did the best I could before getting to Mayo which wasn’t very good. I don’t know what else you can do now before Mayo.

When I got to Mayo, they put in a feeding tube. That helped save my life. I continued to rely on it for months long after I could swallow again - because food tasted awful.

I really liked and respected my doctors at Mayo. They are so well educated, skilled, and experienced. I’m confident you and your husband will feel the same.

I had two months of Flot chemo - four drug cocktail every two weeks followed by 25 radiation sessions (essentially every work day in June) plus three more chemo infusions.

Esophagectomy on August 3. No cancer found upon surgery.

So I’m a little more than six months out from treatment now. Doing well - eating and digesting is improving. Feeding tube out since October. Taste buds rebounded back to normal, which I’m also very thankful for.

My port is still in too.

I go back to Mayo this week for my second three month follow up surveillance scan,

I’m happy to talk with you and your husband if you want to do that. My cell is in my profile.

I’m about to get on a plane, but can talk this afternoon or after.

Of course I will never forget one year ago when I was in the position you’re in now. It’s far beyond awful.

But - there’s hope. I’m a visual aid for that hope. It gets easier once you have a plan and treatment starts. Really it does - did for me.

Best to you and your husband. Please call if you want. I’m serious about helping as much as I can.

Gary