Esophageal cancer treatment: Anyone have good experiences to share?

Thinking of you Ernest. And thank you Gentlebreezes, Cromme50 for the information you shared to remain positive.
I have been diagnosed with stage 3 EC and awaiting chemo-radiation neoadjuvant therapy, then esophagectomy.
Its scary stuff but feeling positive and have heard of a few people that are doing well post Rx.

Hi Earnest,

What I found very helpful in preparing for the surgery was talking to a patient who had received the same surgery from the same doctor. My doctor gave me the contact information for a patient willing to share her experiences. She said what she found most helpful was sessions with a hypnotherapist, believe it or not. So I contacted the person she used and she prepared an audio tape for me to listen to repeatedly. It was personalized and I listened to it often and I was extremely calm going into the surgery -- quite unlike me really.

She had me visualize recovering from the surgery and what I would say, which was, "Yay, we did it!" She had me think about what the surgeon would say, "It was very successful." So instead of worrying I focused on anticipating the positive outcome and that actually worked very well for me.

I also had my two minor daughters by my side and friends who were a great help. My friend even made personalized shirts with "Team (my name)" on them which my loved ones and even the doctor wore, so I felt lots of positive energy.

The night before the surgery we had a gathering with friends and family.

I will pray for you and wish you luck!!!

My friend also brought me pink stuffed cat at the hospital-- whatever little details can make you smile!!!

P.S. On the flip side, I also got all my affairs in order, calmly, just in case... and knowing everything was organized gave me a peace as well.

YOU GOT THIS!!!!

My prayers are with you. Stay strong and God bless 🙌 🙏

Thank you gentlebreezes. I am a couple of weeks away from surgery after chemo and radiation. Kinda scary times, but faith in God and testimonies like yours are encouraging. Pray for me... if your a praying person
If not, wish me luck!😄

I’ll have to ask the doctor I know the tumor is around 4 inches but still if the chemo radiation shrinks it I would think if any leftovers they could be removed surgically

I had stage 3 with lymph nodes involved (2 of them). I did Neoadjuvant chemo followed by gastroesophajectomy. Stage 4 is argued to be inoperable, but i haven't heard of stage 3 being inoperable unless perhaps many nodes were involved.

Hello GB, when were you diagnosed? Where did you get treatment? My husband s doctors just told us yesterday that surgery was not an option. We sre stage 3 with lymph nodes involved. We also thought chemo radiation then surgery with possible immunotherapy, advice appreciated.

When I was diagnosed with Stage 3 EC, I searched online and found someone who had survived, at that time, 18 years after treatment. He was very encouraging and I did everything he said to do. I had chemo, radiation and surgery, and also did natural approaches such as hypnotherapy, massages, reducing stress, flower therapy, healing, ginger water and anything and everything anyone suggested. I am now going on celebrating 11 years. There were challenges of course -- I got a pulmonary embolism after chemo -- but a positive attitude and trying every possible avenue to find success contributed to my outcome. It also kept me very busy so I didn't have as much time to reflect on it all. It is difficult when you're in the middle of it, but there will be brighter days! My best wishes to anyone facing this situation at this time. Also, of course, get the best doctors you can find.

Hi Rick,
What an encouragement. I sit now, next to his death bed, my 12-year-old on her device nearby and my 7-year-old sleeping at Auntie’s house. I don’t want to see anyone else, because I know the look in their eyes will force me into the reality that this is really happening.

I learned a lot this year and I strongly encourage all esophageal cancer patients to attend Molecular Hydrogen Institute’s Summit in September.
https://h2mhisummit.org/

My husband was able to eat anything before the surgery. The husband has had no real side effects a few times stomach was queasy. This was after radiation. At chemo none. Being a nurse I asked for an extra bag of fluids with each chemo. He sat longer but never got dehydrated or sick. Dehydration can go with chemo often. He just had his surgery and all went well. Jtube is unusable and clogged. So I am trying to figure out calories and protein. He gained a few pounds from the hospital. I ordered unflavored Whey powder that you can add to anything to increase calories and protein. He takes his pills with Gatorade. I have been making pureed food. Will increase his diet in a few weeks I need to make sure his new innards are working well. Saw our PCP today she is amazed at how well he looks.