My Sister was diagnosed with Stage IVb cancer in October. After unimaginable grief and consternation and a poor experience with a local medical center, she ended up at City of Hope in Duarte. She's been on chemo since December 2023 and the lesions in her liver have all but disappeared. Sure, she suffers some side effects from the chemo: still doesn't eat a lot of food, but she has an appetite; her stomach isn't happy most of the time but her energy level is good, she's looking better, holding her weight and about to embark on a promising treatment, which is more aggressive -- her choice to do so. She had a feeding tub, because she couldn't even swallow water. The tumor shrunk and the feeding tube (she referred to it as a garden hose hanging out of her stomach) has since been removed and is all healed over. She shaved her head because she didn't like the hair coming out in gobs in the shower, it's growing back in, but she finds she likes the really short hair. She drives down to LA from Sacramento every 2 weeks for her 3 days of treatment, sometimes by herself.

We found a lot of encouragement from this web site. There are people, perhaps not active here because their cancer isn't as active, who are several years out and still functioning and happy. It's good for you to ask for good news, because the good news is out there. Stay strong and, as bleak as it may feel, stay with the treatments. My sister says of the treatments: "I've never been so happy to be sick". The medical progress being made is so very encouraging. I'm sure she wouldn't mind talking with you if you need to hear it from her; just let me know and you can IM me your phone #.

If you're not already involved in a cutting edge medical facility, perhaps check one out. Mayo has an excellent reputation take a look at their web site, if you haven't already:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20356094#:~:text=Mayo%20Clinic%20is%20dedicated%20to,Cancer%20Institute%20comprehensive%20cancer%20center.
Best of luck to you, stay strong and try to stay positive. You have a rough few months ahead, but think long term and try to stay positive. Keep talking with the survivors who can help bolster you.

All the best,
Aimee