Esophageal Cancer: Anyone else?

I’m just now ending my first year after chemo, radiation and surgery. I’ve had a problem with swallowing all year seems I have no problem with vegetables but meat and breads constantly form a clog and stop me from eating. I’ve had 2 stretching s and Botox treatments seem to work but do not last. Is this what I can expect from here on out or will my swallowing eventually get better? I’ve been told to to seek out a speech therapist to strengthen esophagus muscles. Has anyone else had success going in this direction

Welcome @aekk. Treatment for esophageal cancer is a grind to say the least. You sound like you are taking it all in stride and recovering quite well. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you offer to someone who is newly diagnosed? What do you wish you had been better prepared for?

HI, Allen is my name. I am 75 years old and had 23 Radiation treatments, 5 Chemo treatments and just got out of the hospital 11 days ago after having Ivor Lewis Esophageal surgery. None of it was any fun especially radiation. My throat was very sore but the doc prescribed Lidocaine for the pain of swallowing and I was able to keep up my calorie intake. I know I will have a new normal lifestyle, especially diet but I am already feeling much better and look forward to my new normal. Hang in there, keep the faith and focus on working hard on your recovery at each step and you will be fine. When you go to your doctor have a list of questions you need answers to. Blessings, aekk

Thank you for this information, it has been very helpful. My husband is doing pretty good, just completed 10 radiation treatments. He starts chemo next week. Has been able to eat some solid food which helps. Still quite depressed, but we are working on this. I'm doing OK thank you for asking.

rk6344

Hi I could no longer swallow food several months ago. The docs did endoscopy and found large cancerous tumor in lower esophagus. Now I have started radiation and chemo to kill the tumor and nearly lymph nodes that lit up on PET scan. I will be done with 28 R&C treatments on Feb 6 and then I have to wait a while for irriation to calm before final endoscopy and PET scan to see if cancer is gone. I have a few side effects such as always tired, cold touch sensivity, and some diarrhea which I just treat with Imodium. I try to just take one day at a time. I started a website http://www.mycancertale.com which has my Facebook posts and reflections on my cancer. I find that telling my story and getting prare and well wishes do help.

Hi @rk6344, esophageal cancer has a way of upturning lives. Depression and cancer sometimes become bedfellows. You may appreciate these related discussions:

- Depression and cancer diagnosis: Today is a rough day https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-and-cancer-diagnosis/
- Husband fighting neck cancer, depressed and gloomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/husband-fighting-neck-cancer-depressed-and-gloomy/
– Anxiety due to Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anxiety-due-to-cancer/

Advice? Gosh, that's a tough one, but I bet fellow members like @puprluvr @michaelfnz @lori57216 @dsh33782 @survivorsuz can relate and share their experiences and tips. I just want you to know that it's normal to have a rollercoaster of emotions from shock, fear, sadness, anger and more.

How is your husband doing today? How are YOU doing?

Learn as much as you can about the cancer.When eating go slow small bites and chew well.I just finished 30 rad and 5 chemos it gets better with time.Trust in the Lord he will carry you thru the fire.I am77 and still work part time Rik.

rk6344
I just finished my first week of radiation and chemo with 5 more weeks to go. I feel tired all the time and have a few side effects such as sensitivity to cold and diarrhea which I take Imodium for. I'm not looking forward to the irriation of the esophagus from radiation. I do have feeding tube which will be backup to swallowing if needed. You can find my website with updates here http://www.mycancertale.com

Hello @bentley08 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I saw your post and thought you'd appreciate being connected with the members who have been sharing in the discussion below, so you will notice I have moved your post there:
- Esophageal Cancer: Anyone else?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophageal-cancer-2/

How long have you had esophageal cancer and what are you finding to be most challenging?

Is there a list of people to talk to about what you are going through with Esophageal Cancer?