Esophageal cancer treatment: Anyone have good experiences to share?

Hi folks, I’m a brand newbie. Getting my 2nd endoscopy in 2 weeks as the first found a number of biopsy samples with “unusual “ cells, some normal , and one specific sample with malignant cells he believes to be adenocarcinoma cells
( because I have Barrett’s. ) in the middle of the esophagus. The oncologist he referred me to wanted more samples- some to be tested genetically for future immuno - therapy. I go for a PET scan Thursday and together with the results of the .2nd endoscopy he can determine the type and stage. I’m preparing myself for it being later stage with possible Mets because my symptoms of food not passing through and very severe back, rib and retro-sternum pain could be from other affected organs. Also getting an MRI Sunday because my pain management doc thinks the pain might be coming from unrelated thoracic spine degeneration. I’ve had this pain since January when I first saw my doctor over it which became a full cardiac work up then pulmonologist, then orthopedic and by March I’m having swallowing problems so I go to gastroenterologist who orders barium swallow and endoscopy but moved up the first endoscopy after seeing how narrow my esophagus was. The pain is outrageous and I’ve gone from 137 lbs to 122 lbs in past month. So I expect to getting a port put in and undergoing chemo within a week or so - pending the results of the 2nd endoscopy and PET scan. I’m interested in any comments I might get on my case as I’ve best tried to describe it. Thanks.
Bob

Thank you. Take care

Hey Don. Yes. Weird, sort of. I know not to end a sentence with a preposition, but we're all friends here. No judging. 😆 No more constipation, I had diarrhea for a couples of days though. Bought myself some Depends. I'd rather wear a diaper than go through that agony again. But that seems to be in check a well. Thanks for sharing.

Stage 3.

Thanks Don 👍. All encouragement helps. Especially the success stories. And I also know that some aren't going to end up with a clean bill of health. Some will succumb to their illness, but , and it may seem odd or even ridiculous, but people also need to know how to die with dignity. Please don't hear me as being cruel or insensitive, but that is a thing. I really don't know how that goes, but I know that there are people who don't want to go through anymore. But for now, let's just celebrate the good stories and cross that other bridge when we get to it. Be blessed my friend.

Thank you Lynn for sharing. I had started reading a book in which the doctor eluded to holistic healing even before I was diagnosed. She condoned it , but was still strong on conventional methodology. I still have to get back in the book, although I do remember her,
the auther, speaking about some spiritual practices that I don't subscribe to. I omit the practices aforementioned as to not offend any who may practice these religions. I judge no one. My God, the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, He's the one I serve. Sorry, I digress. So I didn't have time to look into holistic healing before I started treatments, but I'm still interested in know more about it. Maybe you can tell me more, or should I say tell us more. Again, thanks for sharing. Bless you 🙏

My experience has been similar to Don’s. My surgery was last August 3rd. I’m very fortunate, and grateful.

Hi, I’m new to the group. I have a positive story to share, Ernest. Not about chemotherapy but it may be a cousin and definitely positive.
I am 73 year old female and was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal adenoma in February. I have DNA markers that showed in the biopsy that that put me in a 5% group that doesn’t respond to chemo or radiation treatments. However, this type of esophageal cancer does very well with immunotherapy.
After 3 months of immunotherapy there is significant reduction of cancer. The timeline of administering immunotherapy is somewhat new territory, but the doctor at MD Anderson is having me stay in the immunotherapy for 3 months, maybe up to 9 months if there is continuing decrease. I was told that I might not need surgery if the reduction shows no more cancer. I get the infusions back in California, where I live.
I might add that I am proactive with other therapies. I am doing mistletoe subcutaneous injections as well as hellebores injections. I do rebounder exercises and dry brush every day.
Diet is no sugar , low carb, pretty much Keto without the heavy amounts of dairy. Lifestyle change was stressed as important by my holistic doctors. I have the luxury of cutting out “doing it all” and have been more relaxed and am enjoying more leisure. Gratitude is a key ingredient in my well being and healing.

Earnest
I was stage 3 with large tumor in lower EC and it was affecting local lymph nodes. But all back to normal now.
Don

what stage were you when you started chemo?