Just diagnosed with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Very scared

My dad was just diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus at 54. It has been hard to even begin to face what will await us, we have seen a few but found an oncologist we trust … the treatment plan laid out is radiation chemo surgery. PET scan is this week to establish staging. I’m an oncology nurse just looking for guidance, advice , very scared for what’s coming 😞

Welcome, @nattlefever. This must be so hard to hear that your young father has adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. As an oncology nurse, you know this is not an easy journey. @skwwatkins was in a very similar state as you and your father find yourselves today. For this reason, I moved your post to this existing discussion:

- Just diagnosed with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Very scared https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adenocarcinoma/

I did this so you can read the previous helpful posts by members like @survivorsuz @puprluvr @karly @davevb @margaretdv @lori57216 @mindyt and connect with them.

I think you might also find this discussion helpful:
- Chemo for esophagus cancer: Any advice on things I should or not do?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagus-cancer/

I'm glad that you have sought multiple opinions and have found an oncologist you trust. Will he be having surgery first or will the order of treatment be determined after staging?

Learn as much as possible about the cancer.I did and it makes your decisions much easier and remember God will carry u thru it.Rik

Trust the process. Modern medical treatments can work wonders. Had stage 4 esophageal cancer diagnosed in April, and I am now able to return to a new normal. I can eat normally with no issues, am fit enough to walk four miles a day, and working part time. Do your best to stay positive and do what you can to stay hydrated, eat small meals to maintain energy, and do what you can to get some exercise. You can do it! Good luck and I am in your corner!

went to oncologist-Brian Byrne Hartford healthcare institute. pet scan scheduled on 11/09 to see what stage i am at. then the plan is 6 weeks radiation and chemo (dates yet to be determined). followed by surgery...

Good news. Follow the plan and do what you can to support the treatment. Be sure to eat small meals and drink sufficient fluids. Exercise if you can (walking is fine). Best of luck, and stay strong and think positively!

Thank you!

As far as chemo goes, ask about neuropathy (nerve damage). Ice therapy (fingers and mouth) can reduce neuropathy and cold sensitivity, but to affect neuropathy must be started in the early stages of chemo. Inquire about this before starting chemo as this could significantly affect your side effects.

3 weeks ago I was given a CT scan for a Hiatal Hernia. The radiologist found a 1.8 cm mass, the surgeon called me & informed me that "I had metastasis esophageal cancer, sorry for the bad news." Then he hung up the phone. I had to look on the internet just to see what that meant. Two weeks ago the Va finally convinced him to do the scope. He did the biopsy again told both my wife & I the same, then left. The only thing I know is that I have a mass & a hernia.

@kissingrhino, getting a diagnosis of esophageal cancer is hard under any circumstances. Hearing this over the phone with no follow-up is not a way any patient should get the news about cancer.

I've moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Just diagnosed with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Very scared https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adenocarcinoma/

I did this so you could read previous posts and easily connect with other members like @survivorsuz @puprluvr @karly @davevb @margaretdv @lori57216 @sjw6358 @ajfromchicago, who have experience with esophageal cancer and have walked this path before you and can guide and support you.

I bet you have a lot of questions. Please post them. I also have a few question for you. Do you know if you will be getting surgery? What are the next steps for you? Have you considered getting a second opinion?