We are from Canada and my husband was just diagnosed yesterday.

Hi Colleen,
We now have a diagnosis and prognosis.
It’s Stage 4 esophageal cancer. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (it’s crazy that my predictive text knows these words; I’d never dreamed that could happen to us). It’s terminal. He’s begun chemo and immunotherapy. His first cycle went well (so far) with minimal side affects. I’m exploring molecular hydrogen as well.

Our medical team is great; however, it sucks to live in a place where it took them 5 months to even get the diagnosis. Further, the radiologist made a major error in March that significantly delayed the process.

Hi Justtrust.
Re your statement, "It’s terminal." I would encourage you to post, additionally, on SmartPatients.com. There are well-informed Stage 4 survivors there, who will share their experience and insights with you.
Dave

Terminal? Ok, I know what the data says... things ain't looking good... but I'm stage 3, and I did the whole schmear of j tube, chemo, radiation, esophagectomy, and immunotherapy. Yes, maybe I'm in the group that says 20% of us will make it to 5 years... but big whoop... here I am, still going. We shall see. I'm only just over 3 years post-op, a long ways to go... no guarantees for any of us. Can he even get to surgery? Probably not... but hey, I've seen many stage 4's get to surgery. But first things first. We need his body and cancer to have a great response to treatments... whether chemo, immunotherapy, or radiation.
Gary

@justtrust, hearing that your husband has stage 4 cancer is a tough blow. But there are many here to tell you that one can LIVE with esophageal cancer. @naomicanada, can tell you about her mom. Also meet @ravyn @sjw6358 @eterry and @lori57216

See this discussion started by @grac3honolulu
- Immunotherapy for Stage IVA SCCA of the middle esophagus
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/immunotherapy-for-stage-iva-scca-of-the-middle-esophagus/
You're not alone. We're here with you.

What chemo and immunotherapy has he started?

Check into immunotherapy before moving forward , I let them start it only to find out after 3 treatments and some bad side effects , it only was 15% effective .so I stopped it and alll side effects went away …

Thank you, Colleen.
He’s on FOLFOX and Opdivo (nivolumab).
He had his first cycle. He was meant to start his 2nd cycle this past week, but it had to be pushed back because his immune system needed more recovery time.

Well, a little update, in the past month, my husband has went from completely liquid diet to eating whatever he wants (more slowly than “normal” and chewing really well). The change feels incredibly drastic.
2 to 3 more cycles of treatment (FOLFOX, though adapted to remove some elements) & Opdiva.
After these 2-3 more cycles, then a CT scan. After that, I guess, they reassess the plan and continue treatments.
I hear people talking about NED and I’m wondering how common that is for Stage 4 esophageal cancer. . .after these treatments.

@justtrust
Do you mind if I skip how your husband knew he was ready to safely swallow again? Thanks!

Hi.
I was stage 4, I'm coming up 3 years post surgery next march.
I was told that it was only terminal if I did nothing.
I'm working and living so hang in there. It's a long hard battle worth fighting.

@billnclaire47

Did you mean:

“ Do you mind if I ASK how your husband knew he was ready to safely swallow again?”