Esophageal cancer treatment: Anyone have good experiences to share?

Went Wednesday for my 6th round of chemo, and also my immunotherapy ( usually not same day, but occasionally lines up). Drew blood as per usual and then a brief consult with the physicians assistant. The oncologist said they have to postpone treatment until next week due to my platelets being very low ( low 40’s) Apparently I have chemo induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) they will treat me with an injectable to counter and hopefully, my platelets will recover enough to not have to postpone further. I admit this concerns me somewhat. I searched around for info on CIT and found that with the added treatment and sometimes altering the treatment schedule chemo can (usually) resume. I can only have faith that this will be the case for me. The persistent back pain continues to concern me, but my increasing ability to eat is very encouraging.

It’s not a hospital but a treatment center in Mountain Lakes, NJ
“ Oncology and Hematology Specialists “ P.A.” Oncologists, Bloodwork Labs, Infusion center. Tests are done at hospital or imaging centers.
I have great confidence in my Oncologist

Hi @rselicmeister,
My husband is on the same boat, but his met is on the shoulder ( very painful). If it wasn't for the shoulder, he would be feeling fine.
May I ask what kind of immunotherapy are you on?
Can you also share your doctor's opinion on CADD522, I'll send a email to his onco to have his opinion as well.

Thank you!!

Hi @rselicmeister,
My husband is on the same boat, but his met is on the shoulder ( very painful). If it wasn't for the shoulder, he would be feeling fine.
May I ask what kind of immunotherapy are you on?
Can you also share your doctor's opinion on CADD522, I'll send a email to his onco to have his opinion as well.

Thank you!!

While the biggest improvement due to my treatment is the gradual but steady ability to eat again, I also was noticing a reduction in spine bone pain from the metastasis. The past few days the pain level has been quite high, making me wonder if there really is any improvement in the bone tumor, or maybe progression? I will know the answer to this in two weeks when they repeat the PET scan. Anyway, in looking for any information about secondary bone cancer I stumbled upon a drug called CADD522. It a genetic or immuno drug that apparently has a very good track record in treating bone cancer with very strong efficacy. The report says it can be used alongside chemo and has no significant side effects.

I downloaded the information and intend to show it to my oncologist at my next treatment Wednesday ( which is for both folfox chemo and the two immunotherapy drugs I also get every 3 weeks ( making for a long day at the infusion center)
I’m posting this just in case anyone has any knowledge of this drug or wishes to also inquire about it if they also have Esophageal cancer with metastasis to the bones, or if that is their primary cancer.
There are quite a few new treatments out there and you would assume your oncologist knows about them, but maybe they don’t. No harm in asking about it, right?

Relicmaster, you are an inspiration. couldn't agree more about "incurable". You are a beast even working 4 hours a day. Keep up the good work and positive attitude. Prayers for you my friend.

Consult with my oncologist yesterday. Low platelet count from oxaliplaten in folfox has him concerned but will stick with it at 50%. I thought after my 6th round next week there would be a pause, but he surprised me by saying they will continue chemo for a total of 12 rounds before any pause. but scheduled a PET scan for Sept. 16. But he said that between the folfox and two immuno- drugs my cancer markers are reduced as are my symptoms, indicating I’m showing good treatment response. In fact last night I easily ate half of a meatloaf/ mashed potato TV dinner ( bc readily available) and half of a chocolate milk shake- pretty much my first real meal in 10+ weeks. I can eat even more but I’m being cautious, but it seems like my esophagus is no where near as obstructive as it was even two weeks ago, and improving every day. I do get bouts of nighttime nausea and suffer from fatigue and weakness, which is just from all the chemo, but nonetheless I’m working 4+ hours most days now and productive at my job that has begun paying me for full 40 hours even though I’m working under 20 hours/week. I am however getting the job done and it’s a critical role that I have in our company.
I’m grateful to God for the progress I’ve made and I’m extremely optimistic in spite of the seriousness of the “incurable” metastatic stage4 esophageal cancer that I have. I put incurable in parentheses because it’s God that decides my future and with God, ALL things are possible.
So this is my positive experience to share with all of you today.