Recently diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer SCC.

@admnm23
Hi
I had the same diagnosis of EC after endoscopy found tumor in lower esophagus. I was given chemo and radiation. After 3rd treatment, the tumor had shrunk 30%. After 28 treatments the tumor was gone and the lymph nodes were back to normal so no surgery required. The treatment did have some rough times along the way. I had coughing, diarehia, trouble swallowing, and was on feeding tube for a while. But that all has passed and I am so glad I did not have to have surgery. Let me know what your treatment plan is, and I'll be glad to try and answer any questions?

I found the beginning to be the scariest. I had the same diagnosis but it did go into my stomach too. No radiation. Heavy duty chemo for 6 doses then surgery. They took 1/3 of stomach and reconnected it to the esophagus in my right neck. I'm one year since diagnosis. Surgery was in January. I'm doing well now. Definately go through some rough spots, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. You have found a great group and I hope you find inspiration here. You are young. This cancer shall not define you. It's merely a chapter in your book. Best of luck. Prayers for you and your caregivers.

I was essentially in your same boat starting January of 2023.

Stay with me, you can have a good ending.

It’s terrifying, of course, when you’re told “you have cancer.”

That gets much better after Mayo gives you the treatment plan. Then, you focus like a laser on the plan. You set everything else aside.

Treatment is challenging as it must be. It’s in a war.

I had two months of FLOT camp - strong four drug cocktail.

Then 25 radiation treatments plus three more chemo infusions.

All sorts of issues - dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea. Fatigue. But, they are doable. You do what you have to do.

I had a feeding tube for eight months. First, couldn’t swallow. Then, when I could my taste buds were whacko. The feeding tube had issues, but it took away the pressure of eating.

I lost 50 pounds, have gained 15 back.

Last, I had surgery. Even Mayo tells you it’s a “big” surgery. 8 hours in surgery, 11 days in the hospital. Couple of months to recover.

It’s a lot. But it needs to be. It’s attacking a lot of nasty cancer.

You focus on getting through it. You will. Many have. If I can, you can too.

It’s hard to believe now, but there’s good to come out of all this.

You learn you are tough, strong.

You will be moved by the support you receive from family and friends.

People do really care about you. Your doctors and nurses at Mayo do. Genuinely do.

Your perspective on everything changes. For the better.

You’re much more grateful than before.

Grateful that you have the opportunity to fight your cancer. Many with cancer diagnosis aren’t so lucky.

Many are diagnosed with other diseases where they have no chance of fighting back.

You will develop a deep compelling need to help other cancer patients.

You will more often live in the moment.

You will quietly be proud of how strong you actually are.

You can be an example to your family and friends.

Write thank you notes to those who support you.

Tell people thank you.

Being thankful and grateful will become second nature.

I’m always available to talk if you want.

You’ve got this!!

Gary

Thank you for your note. I am a 61 year female with Stage 3 EC, fit and healthy otherwise. After lengthy discussions with oncologist, I am starting the FLOT heavy chemo route on monday 16 Sept, then followed by esophagectomy and repeat chemo. Scared for sure but positive all the way.

Sending much love and Metta. You will beat this!!

just stay upbeat, don't give in to it, Prayer and faith helps as much as chemo .

Hi @admnm23, I thought I'd check in to see how you are doing. How did the appointment go last week? Do you have a treatment plan? How are you holding up?

Finished all the appointments with bronchoscopy yesterday. This confirmed a mass in my airway. I think I will have a plan in place today before I need home. It will most likely be chemo then chemo/radiation back at Mayo. I’m not sure if surgery on the esophagus will be in the cards. Very tired and somewhat discouraged after the last week.

Is this a different tumor than your esophageal tumor? Or is this your one and only solid tumor they've seen... that has also grown into the trachea?

The way I understood it, it is the esophageal tumor that has spread to the right bronchus.