Esophageal cancer treatment: Anyone have good experiences to share?

Can I ask what your chemo regiment was? Thanks for sharing.

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal cancer the week of Christmas 2019. Started chemo and was worried about losing hair or other side effects. Glad to report I had NO side affects from the chemo. The radiation was another story. Was OK for about a week but then my throat felt like it was burned and it really hurt to swallow. Oncologist asked Radiologist to give me a few days off but Radiologist only wanted to give me 2 days off! Glad my Oncologist prevailed and I got 2 weeks vacation from radiation and my throat healed.

My husband had 2 GI bleeds. The second endoscopy revealed a mass at the GE juncture. After CTs and Per scan was dx w stage 2 cadenocarcinoma of the GE juncture. Completed 4 rounds of FLOT chemo. Surg on 12/31 cancer gone no Mets no lymph node involvement BUT he had a leak from the connection of esophagus and stomach and therefore is still without eating or drinking. He has a JTube for feedings. A chest tube for drainage from the leak. He is home. Not that happy but on the road to recovery. He still needs 4 more rounds of FLOT chemo. Good luck on your journey.

1/21/25 HI Don I'm John in cold north central Wisconsin. I've had acid reflux all my life. I'm 63 and late last summer I got some swallowing symptoms but was really busy with property excavation improvement so didn't get going on it until November. Then I signed up at health,gov ok and got appointments and esophogram in December which revealed ugliness and narrowing in lower esophagus. Endoscopy couple weeks ago confirmed adenocarcinoma. Yesterday was the CT scan. Appointment with oncologist soon on Jan 29. I'm strong and healthy otherwise and very active, not afraid of chemo or surgery. Waiting on stage determination. I hear that by the time you get symptoms it usually getting advanced. Fingers crossed. I feel fine just have a lousy time getting first bits of food down. I hear its slow to develop and fast to get worse. How did you discover it?

No problems here. I had 7 Chemo and 32 Radiation treatments back in 2019. Can’t say I would want to go through it again but it was uneventful. I did feel like crap a few days a week but that was pretty much expected. No nausea. They will probably adjust your “Chemo Brew” so you tolerate it a little better. Good Luck.

How early were you detected?

portalwiz
I also had EC but went the chemo and radiation route with no surgery. It worked also so the EC turmor is gone and lymph nodes are back to normal.
Don

My stage 1 EC was an incidental finding after an endoscopy to determine why I was vomiting blood. I did not experience reflux or have trouble swallowing. Treatment was an esophagectomy in September 2024 (No chemo or radiation needed). I spent 10 days in the hospital and was released on a liquid diet (no feeding tube). In the past 3 months I've resumed most of my pre-op activities, except I tire more easily. My diet consists of solid foods that can be chewed into mush with 100 chews. That means no salads or red meat. I still have mild abdominal pain and weekly dumping syndrome, but I'm managing okay. This experience has left me with a new appreciation for living life to the fullest.

I did 6 FLOT then surgery for stage 3. Chemo is rough. Surgery is rough. Just know that it gets better. My heart aches for what you are/will be going through. Life is worth living. Definately need support to get you through. Keep looking forward because you go where you look. Kelly turner's book Radical Remission helped me in profound ways. As did my Oncologist. And my Wife. And my faith (in no particular order). Best wishes for you. Hang in there.

I'm happy to share my experience with you.

My esophagectomy was August 3, 2023.

I have my next ct scan next week - an anxiety causing event.

I propose that you call me. We can talk as long as you want, and about whatever you want,

My bio has my cell phone.

Gary