My husband was also diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer back in October of 2023, at the age of 76. He started a 6-week regimen of daily radiation treatments (except on weekends) that began the following January, along with chemo infusions scheduled for every two weeks. He didn't really have much swelling or difficulty swallowing while receiving radiation. During the six weeks, he was only able to receive two infusions due to some of his lab results. In my opinion, the radiation took more of a toll on his body than the chemo, which he actually tolerated fairly well. Radiation left him so weak....he didn't want to do anything and could barely get around. Whereas the radiation was supposed to be a precursor to surgery, in my husband's case, it made surgery basically a non-option.

Not only had the radiation ravaged his body causing him to be too weak for surgery, he was then found to have pulmonary fibrosis, which had not been previously diagnosed. The surgeon wouldn't touch him, saying it would be too risky.

After only the two rounds of chemo and three months allowing his body to recover somewhat from the radiation, he started on monthly immunotherapy infusions, which are still being continued. He gets a PET scan every 6 months and an endoscopy every 6 to 9 months. Hubby has basically had no side effects from the immunotherapy at all, with the exception of it causing his thyroid to out-of-whack, a quick fix with a daily thyroid med.

As of our last visit and infusion, earlier this week, the oncologist told us that if the results of the PET scan scheduled for the end of the month remains as good as they have been, he will be stopping the immunotherapy in the next month or two. Then we will just go for follow-ups and Labs. PET scans will continue on at least a six-month basis, and probably an annual endoscopy, unless a scan shows the need for something additional.

Needless to say, we are feeling blessed and hopeful. It's been a long, tough journey up to this point, and though we know it's not over, it's a bit easier walking the path these days. Hubby has even felt good enough to pick his golf clubs up again!

I hope your husband does as well with his treatments. Prayers for you both.