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Looking for others' experiences with Esophageal Cancer treatments

Posted by zzonner @zzonner, May 24, 2023

I am looking for folks that have been through this process, particularly in Phoenix. Any recommendations? I am in week 3 of Chemo and Proton Beam here in Phoenix and things are going well. Stage 2B or 3, with no Mets, yet. 3 more weeks to go then 6-8 weeks of healing prior to surgery. Trying to stay focused on getting through the chemo and radiation, then deal with the surgery. I am near 70, in good health and holding my weight. What support mechanisms do you recommend? I am talking to the Social Workers, Dieticians, and my doctors, Sio, Ahn and Beamer. Do you have any experience with any of them? I live 10 minutes from the hospital, which is nice. To this point, I can't say enough about the care and professionalism. Mayo is simply the best. To say I am nervous about the surgery would be an understatement. I am very active, built like a linebacker, and worried about the future. I looking for someone to bounce things off of as I move down this challenging road. My wife is my hero and keeps me focused, as do my 5 children and 5 grandkids. I have everything to live for. Thanks for listening.

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goldenshadow | @goldenshadow | May 12, 2025
In reply to @deb005 "Thank you so much Scott ! Yes they collapsed my husbands lung to get to the..." + (show)
Profile picture for deb005 @deb005

Thank you so much Scott ! Yes they collapsed my husbands lung to get to the tumour also. After the surgery, they both collapsed which was very frightening and he was in ICU for a few days. He had a great surgeon, young also. In the states they seem to automatically give you a J tube…we weren’t given the option in the beginning, I wish we had looking back now but initially he was fine, even started to gain a little. It’s 6 months since surgery now and he’s really losing. We are staying positive over the cancer, but the weight loss is a worry. Thankyou for txting x

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Have you talked to a nutritionist. They might be able to help. It’s been 4 1/2 months since my surgery. Right now I’m staying about same weight. I definitely can’t eat as much as I used to. I try to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Hopefully that helps.

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bob141 | @bob141 | Mar 25 9:02am

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 EC adenocarcinoma in Sept 2025, age 66. Since then I have had FOLFOX and FLOT chemo treatments with an excellent response. PET NED and CT NED as of March 5, 2026. Also, Signatera blood test 1.33 positive score.
My doctor recommends consolidation treatment, proton beam therapy plus Capecitabine pills for 5 weeks this spring. I'm looking for help and opinions on how this might help my Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and also what type of side effects to expect from this treatment.
I'm not eligible for surgery as Stage 4. Right now my quality of life is very good, no real issues. My goal is to maintain a great QOL for as long as possible.
Thanks in advance for any advice and best wishes to all, Bob

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