What should I expect starting chemo for esophageal cancer?

Starting chemotherapy can feel overwhelming, and it's completely natural to have questions about what lies ahead. While everyone's experience is different, many people find that their care team can help manage side effects effectively, and some are able to maintain parts of their regular routine with adjustments. The community here has valuable insights to share about navigating treatment, so connecting with others who understand this journey firsthand can provide helpful perspective and support.

I completely agree that connecting with your care team and this community will be so helpful - and don't hesitate to ask about anti-nausea medications upfront, as they've really made a difference for many of us here. Every person is different. I had very little problems once I got started with chemo. Interesting thing happened I developed hiccups after the chemo and it was suggested to eat peanut butter to get rid of the hiccups. It worked

I appreciate your feedback. Curious to know what to expect.

Everyone is different. My first chemo I had a reaction in the doctors immediately corrected the problem after that I had no problems. It all depends on the individual I was able to continue working and continuing My Lifestyle I just made sure that I stayed away from people who were sick so that I didn't have to stop with my treatments

Bob you've been very helpful. Thanks

No problem. I know the journey you are going on. I was diagnosed stage 3 21 years ago. Very scarry. I went through chemo radiation and finally surgery. The treatment and chemo is very different today and they are even more effective. I became a volunteer to help new patients starting their journey. There are a lot more resources available today Stay positive and throw the kitchen sink at it!

Just read my treatment plan. It states prognosis is poor, stage four, not curable. I'm looking at 5 months of chemo. Not very encouraging.

With all of the new treatments and the fast pace stay positive. Take each day one at a time and throw the kitchen sink at it. Try to stay healthy with few colds etc. So you don't need to slow down your treatments.

I was given a 10% chance 20 years ago and with God's bleeding I am here today I even tried healing mass and integrative medicine I cried when I hit 5 years and the doctors said I didn't need any more help I didn't want to stop fighting this horrific disease I still go for a yearly endoscope.

I love your positive thoughts Bob. I'm not giving up. The treatment plan hit me kinda hard. Just not what I wanted to hear.

Hi Billy Diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer May of 21..Don’t give up, think positive, Been thru all treatments, am continuing with Keytruda and herceptin every 2 weeks. Surgery is not an option for me, chemo Was rough at times, no longer have to deal With that…4cm tumor, able to eat most Everything,have to be careful at times With gooey or rubbery items which at times Get stuck down there..All the best to u You can do this!!!!!!

Thank you for your positive comments. Looking for all the encouragement I can get.

Merry Christmas and may the New Year grant you all of your prayers God be with you!

Same to you Bob

Billy! Don’t give up! Ask your doctor about genetic tests. There are immunotherapies if your cancer proteins match what the therapy attacks. Some tests take some time. Grind through the chemo and make sure they are looking. I was in your shoes too with initial horrible prognosis. The very last test was a match but it took them a month to figure it out. Don’t give up!

I believe my doctor has started looking into genetic test, although he's having some troubles getting insurance approval. Thanks for the advice.

I’ve run into that too. You can also pester your insurance and dispute a rejection, sometimes more than once… I think insurance companies think you’ll just give up… Keep pushing. And hang in there with chemo. For what it’s worth, during infusions and for a few days after, you’ll experience most of the side effects if at all. Some I’ve never experienced, and some just stay with me like gold sensitivity. You just have to grind through it and work for the days when you don’t experience as many. I would say a good half the days I feel like myself again, which is so great most of all just hang in there and know that you’re not alone lots of people going through this and it’s not easy. But you’re stronger than you think.

Thanks David. Port going in tomorrow first infusion 1/12.

Got my port today, I'm a cyborg now! Lol

Just be careful when you dock with the International Space Station…

Love your humor It helps the body and mind.

David B, what are the cold sensation side effects like. I heard they were painful

Chemo is different for everyone. I found any side effects came a day later. I also drank a lot of water after the infusion to try to get it out of my kidneys. You're infusions are probably different then mine. Cross te possible side effects after they happen. Maybe there will not be any. If you do have any ask your oncologist if there is anything to lessen them. Good luck Bob

To Bobs point, it’s different for everybody. Keep a journal, otherwise you’re gonna forget and there really is a large collection of side effects that you might experience or may never experience. For me, I get needle like sensations in my fingers, my nose and the back of my throat whenever it’s cold. The only thing that limits me is eating ice cream. I’m on Vyloy as well and experienced no nausea at all, which is supposedly something 99% of people get. Who knows. I guess I’ll know if it’s effective at some point in the near future. D

I say ditto to all the above. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic esophageal cancer on August 11, 2024. Probably had it for years but was always told it was a hiatal hernia. Anyway. Went through months and months of chemo and 28 radiation treatments. I just turned 70 and have refused further treatment as I feel I have lived a great life with wife of 41 years and 2 grown sons. Lost lots of weight but eating okay and just seeing palliative care for the medication to keep me comfortable. Good luck and many prayers!!!