Just diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

I think you will find out that treatments and procedures exist and are more effective than you had realized. My advice, from my wife’s recent experience with esophageal cancer, is that, if you are going to have radiation therapy, make sure it is the high-tech, highly-targeted kind; and if you decide on surgery, go to a hospital/center that has a great deal of experience and volume in that particular surgical procedure.

@knite122
Good morning. I was also diagnosed with esophageal cancer within the last year. I live in Tampabay Florida area and was referred to surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. At age 78 and on blood pressure medication, the surgeon did not think I was a good candidate for surgery to remove section of esophagus with cancerous tumor that was causing me to have difficulty swallowing. Instead I have now had 28 days of radiation and chemo and last CT scan indicated the cancer is gone. I'd be happy to share more of my exp.

Hi. I have just passed my 2 year anniversary. The cancer is gone after 35 radiation treatments and 5 chemo. My esophagus was removed and the stomach was stretched to replace it. It's been a long haul but I am now stronger and able to do physical things. Food getting "stuck" is an ongoing issue along with aspirations but you should adjust after time. I am still learning what not to eat, ie. Spicy foods, sweets, some meats, stringy foods etc. Fatigue comes with it so I have power naps during the day. Life goes on and getting out and being active helps. I've always liked challenges and this is definitely the top of the list. One thing is a must....stay positive and try to have some fun. Happy easter!

Hello, congratulations on your two year anniversary!! I’m just in the beginning stage of this cancer, I have appointments for blood work and CT scan next month, after which I see the Thoracic Surgeon to see what his game plan is. My gastroenterologist said he found a Nodule under the outer lining so the tests are to see if it’s deeper or has spread. I have had High Grade Dysplasia three times over the last three years so I’m curious about this whole thing. I’m fairly young, only 60 so maybe that helps. Please keep in touch if you like and thank you for responding.

Hi Don,
This is just the beginning where my Dr called me from home way after his office hours to tell me the pathologist called to tell him it was cancer, my Dr said I have to address it ASAP. I’ve had acid reflex my entire life ( I’m 60 ) and never expected this. Testing starts next week and my appointment with the Thoracic Surgeon is next month so I’ll see what happens. My better half and I absolutely love Florida, we go to Clearwater Beach every year for a week. Thanks for the response and keep in touch.

Hi Dave,
I hope your wife is doing well!! The tests start next week and appointment with Thoracic Surgeon is next month so I’ll see what happens. The surgeon and any treatments will be at the Cleveland Clinic. Thanks for responding and keep in touch.

She is doing well, Knite. Thanks. And best wishes to you going forward.
Dave

@knite122
I'll be interested to hear what the surgeon thinks. It's major surgery to remove section of esophagus so I'm not sure it would be any easier than the radiation and chemo treatment option. Results can sometimes be quick and dramatic. After I had first 3 chemo treatments 3 weaks apart, I had a scan that showed the tumor in my lower esophagus had shrunk 40%, and I could swallow better.

@knite122, I'd like to add my welcome. As you can see from the experiences shared by @dsh33782 @dave640 @doglover888, treatments plans are as individual tailored to each patient, depending on multiple factors including size and location of the tumor, stage as well as your age, overall health status and personal preferences.

Here's some information from Mayo Clinic about treatment options:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356090

If you scroll to the bottom of the link, you'll see a handy list of tips of how to prepare for your upcoming appointment and questions to ask.

Don, Dave and Doglover (the 3 Ds), what questions do you wish you had asked your team at that first consult to discuss treatment options?

@knite122, it sounds like your cancer was caught early since you were being closely monitored with Barrett's esophagus. Do you know the location or size of your tumor?

Not sure, Colleen. We had some good opportunities to ask questions. Would like to have had a better understanding of the/a non-surgical path following completion of chemo/radiation.
Also, it would have been helpful to know in advance, if possible, that inflammation from radiation would make eating solid food virtually impossible until two weeks following the completion of radiation treatments.
Thanks for asking.