What to expect starting chemo and immunotherapy for esophageal cancer?

I am now out over 20 years. I was given 10% chance of survival. Don't procrastinate. Stay positive . I did everything chemo. Radiation surgery and holistic medicine Take each day and don't procrastinate

Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, and it's wonderful that community stories are already providing comfort and insight. Many members here understand this journey and often share their experiences with managing side effects, practical tips for treatment days, and what helped them feel more prepared - their wisdom and support can be invaluable as you begin this next step.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer in October of 23. Started short term radiation, then chemo and immunotherapy in December with a CA 19 over 13,500. In December of 24, my scans were clear and I was considered in remission with a CA 19 hovering at +\- 20. I did develop neuropathy in hands and feet and had to stop one drug. Gabapentin has since helped relieve most of those symptoms. I am now off chemo and receiving immunotherapy once a month celebrating a year in remission and my 50th wedding anniversary. God is good. Prayers work. Meditation helps. Medical advances are amazing. Keep the faith, I wish you a strong recovery.

Best of luck. Try to find a support group. They can often offer you some good ideas and suggestions as you go through your journey. Keep us posted and maybe some of us can also be able to help and benefit

I belong to a support group called Smart Patients. It has been wonderfully helpful to me.

Have now finished my 3rd infusion. Only see effect is lots of deep sleep for next 3 days, which has been wonderful. However have just now noticed some loss of taste. Although not much hunger, but have regained 3 pounds from my low. So far blessed. Also blessed by multiple prayers from strangers whom I have needed to tell for one reason or another.

Just finished 5 treatment yesterday. Will have pet scan immediately after 6th in two weeks. One tumor in arm pit which was easily felt with fingers was size of golf ball, now size of marble. Loss of taste and some thinning hair only other effects. But very slight tingling in feet. Dr says that is cumulative and almost 100 % have it clearly after 8th treatment. Based on shrunken in arm pit, generally very gentle other effects, my doc is looking forward to the soon pet scan results. Immuno seems particularly suited to me. Don't totally understand why or how, but deeply gratefull. As increase in nurothopy seems unavoidable, will appreciate pointers and suggestions. Was already on mild gabapenten dosage for 3 yrs for unrelated mild nerve pain in arm and shoulder. Likely already been helpful to the new chemo induced tingles in toes. Thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated. Thoughts and prayers foruou all.