Stage 4 esophageal cancer metastacized to lymph nodes

Hi I had stage 3 esophagus cancer. Also did flot chemotherapy had 4 treatments every other week for two months. Waited 5 weeks then had surgery waited 4 weeks after surgery then had 4 more treatments same way every other week for two months. I’m curious why they took surgery off the table before your treatments are done. To see how the treatments worked on the cancer. There are patients on here that have gone through treatments and surgery with stage 4 cancer, Some have immunotherapy after and have come through this and are still going today. Ask more questions for your oncologist and do they use a tumor board to discuss your case. To figure out the best treatments for you. Wishing you all the best on your journey. Scott

Appreciate Sott,
Yes a tumor board is utilized..I believe since stage four,and mestatisize to the lymph nodes,/3/even if lymph nodes are clear in next scan,the possibility of still being present in the system,That is their decision at this point.(2 different oncologist and surgeon.BUT,will post after 6th FLOT infusion and keep you posted.Ant info or directions are appreciated.Thanks

@tvagas51

Yes, next scans will tell much. As for possibly becoming surgery eligible... do I know some stage 4s who came back to have esophagectomies? Yes... I know quite a few... although they are still rare. But first things first... getting thru the planned 6 FLOTs (which is brutal on a patient), and being re-scanned. Let's see how clear things look... and what has happened to the solid esophageal tumor.

Gary

Also was diagnosed stage 4 in November. I’ve had 6 treatments with FOLFOX 6. Scan after 4 treatments showed a lot of shrinking. Next scan is early April and if it goes as well it is possible to get on maintenance. The worst side effects has been the fatigue.

Thanks ..appreciate the info.Good luck to all of you.keep smiling.😊

@mead56

Sounds like a lot of hope to me.Keep the good thoughts flowing,best of luck to you.Will question my doc in 2 @ next infusion.🙏🏼👍

Just read your post. My husband is Stage 4 metastatic with no surgery. He had spots on his liver but with first line of treatment they can no longer be seen on the CT scan. The tumor can no longer be seen as well after 14 infusions every two weeks. Its still there, says our oncologist. But we have great reason for hope! We are praying the cancer will not become immune to this first line and that he’ll stay with it for as long as possible. Hang in there!

How grateful for your reply.Nice to hear a little liter news. Best of wishes and prayers headed your way.Will try to stay on the positive side of things. Thank you again.😊👍

@tvagas51
Hi everyone here.
Like you, I have stage 4 esophageal (squamous cell) diagnosed a bit earlier than tvagas, in October 2025. I have had effective radiation treatment (October-November) that appears to have eliminated my 5 cm. solid tumor.
Now awaiting my 8th FLOT infusion on Monday March 9, coupled with week #4 of Opdivo immunotherapy.

On March 25, I will have a third Petscan, my metastases in 3 places still, liver, shoulder bone, and several lymph nodes. So hoping those cancer-affected areas will have reduced!

Here's my question for you: Has anyone developed hyperthyroidism during the immunotherapy? Yesterday I learned via urgent blood tests my team did that I have this problem.
My fatigue and weakness got so bad I couldn't go up stairs or get out of the bath without a huge effort, and I was falling as I tried.
Still, despite the thyroid trouble, it looks like the team intends to do session #8 of FLOT plus Opdivo this coming Monday. My fatigue is terrible, the weakness such as I can hardly walk. Should I ask to stop the treatment till they do this next scan in 3 weeks?

I live alone with a somewhat challenging adult son who has schizophrenia and is not able to help me in certain regards.

Thanks much for your thoughts,

Marcia