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← Return to Chemoradiation Alone?
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Hi, and welcome! My husband was originally diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the distal esophagus in 2018 at the age of 55. Not eligible for surgery or radiation at that time. He did 2.5 years of chemo alone and went into remission for almost 4 years before having a recurrence in February 2024. This time, they did what sounds like the same regimen your mom had, 6 weeks of chemo (carbo/taxol) and 28 radiation treatments. He had a lot of trouble after finishing radiation, unable to swallow again, wiped out, etc, miserable. He was hospitalized about a month after RT ended and had a rocky road for awhile but the treatment was successful and he is once again in remission! There's an EC Zoom group that meets every Sunday morning 9-11 EST and then again on Wednesday nights from 6-8. Excellent group of wonderful people, patients and caregivers from all over. If you're interested, please join us. I'll try to post the link, it should light up in blue. If it doesn't work, go to smart patients.com and search EC Zoom meeting for the link. Best of luck to you and your mom. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat. Take care, Lynn
Replies to "Hi, and welcome! My husband was originally diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the..."
Lynn thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring journey. I wish him well. Thank you for also sharing the resources available and community. I will definitely do my best to join the meetings.
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@cometsmom I'm one of those who opted against the surgery. There were two factors - age (85) and the tumor was confined within the esophagus, with even the regional lymph nodes not affected. I also had to discontinue after three sessions, because of allergic reaction to one of the drugs, probably the carboplatin. I also had great difficulty, with scar tissue essentially closing my throat with periodic spasms. I had had to have a gastric tube installed, because of weight loss. I was able to eat some soft foods, but most of my nutrition came from the tube, which has now been removed. I completed treatment back on 5/15/'25. I have had three dilations, which have helped, and have a couple more scheduled. My research seemed to show that, with my situation, surgery would not have improved my survival chances any and would have introduced more complications. It's a very personal decision. Just gather as much information as you can...