Esophageal cancer treatment: Anyone have good experiences to share?

I originally was diagnosed with stage 3, locally advanced esophageal cancer in May, 2024. Ultimately, they said it was stage 4 due to leakage to a neighboring lymph node. I was on a clinical trial and received two sessions of Folfox 5 chemo along with 5 weeks of radiation. Medicare initially declined Proton Beam radiation so I received standard Photon treatment. After 4 sessions, I developed pericarditis which mimicked a heart attack and I spent 5 days in the hospital, two in cardiac ICU. I recovered from the pericarditis and continued on with the original plan of Proton beam radiation (Medicare finally approved our appeal). By this point, it's mid-Septmber and my Ivor Lewis esophogectomy was scheduled for November 1. By then, my tumor was essentially gone. I underwent successful surgery with full removal of the tumor and clear margins. I spent 10 days in the hospital and another 3 weeks of home care on a feeding tube. I'm happy to say I'm in remission, but continuing treatment of immunotherapy for 12 months to decrease the odds of recurrence. I'm 11 weeks out and spending 2-3 hours at the gym doing strength, balance, mobility and aerobic training. My appetite continues to improve and I continue to get used to small meals and snacks 5-6 times per day. I'm getting stronger each day and more comfortable with my new norm. It hasn't been easy, but with work, positive attitude and family/friend support, it gets better.

I wish the best for you and feel free to send me a question if you want while you recover.

Hey Gary,

Was the article on Survivor.net about your journey?

Hey Gary,

Was the article on Survivor.net about your journey?

Earnest
I had 28 chemo and radiation treamtents for EC and it worked. My tumor is now gone. I did have some side affects including caughing and being tired all the time. Scans are clear now. I'd be happy to answer questions.

What stage of cancer did you have And did you have trouble eating I had to get a feeding tube l can't swollow any food and get anything i got tom a blocking part of my sophocus, and it narrowed also Had to get a feeding tube

mrmac1234
Hi, was stage 3 esophageal cancer with tumor in lower esophagus and local lymph nodes showing up on scans.
I could not eat and I also had feeding tube I used for several months. After the chemo and radiation treatments started the tumor shrunk and I was able to start swallowing again. I know how scary it all is, but I'm better now. Have you had chemo and radiation yet?
Don

They will not operate, do radiation or anything else they strictly are doing chemotherapy herceptin and keytruda. Because i'm stage four, and let's press to my lizard, left notes and other areas.

Breezed through mine, constipation at first, but it too subsided. I’d highly recommend the hydration treatment the day after chemo and drink plenty of fluids, it really dehydrates you.

mrmac1234
Hi, was stage 3 esophageal cancer with tumor in lower esophagus and local lymph nodes showing up on scans.
I could not eat and I also had feeding tube I used for several months. After the chemo and radiation treatments started the tumor shrunk and I was able to start swallowing again. I know how scary it all is, but I'm better now. Have you had chemo and radiation yet?
Don