stage 4 esophageal cancer

Normal CEA is under 3.7 (not 37). Glad you are doing well and getting a break from treatment.

Hello Goldenstone,

My husband is diagnosed stage iv EC mets to a few lymph nodes that lit up on the PET . He is done 6 cycles of xeloda, herceptin and another chemo drug, no surgery offered. We were told it is incurable. Now waiting to hear the results of the CT scan. He has developed blood clots in his lungs.. and must take heavy dosage of blood thinners.... what is your next treatment plan and where are you on your journey?

Hi Stacey,

Where have you been treated? My husband has stage iv EC and was told no surgery and it is incurable. He also has tumours in his lymph nodes from the PET scan. Have you had chemo, if so what is the combination? I guess you have some pretty good oncologists.

Hope all will go well for you,

Hello sherri,

I was diagnosed at 35 with stage 4 inoperable tumour with also one node positive in my collarbone area.That was 2 years ago.The oncologist stated from the start that it was incurable and surgery would not really make a difference to the chances of survival as it had already spread.At the time eating was a real battle and drinking was almost the same.I recieved radiation and chemo and straight away my symptoms improved.

I think everyone is different and some things work for some people that dont work for others,age,lifestyle,where it has spread to etc.I also think some doctors give the worst possible outcome from the start so as not to get someones hopes up.I had honestly thought because of all the statistics that i would not be here 2 years later but you know what!here i am :)

I guess it is up to the person as an individual on how they will handle having this type of cancer.Doctor s can only assume what the outcome is and go by statistics,medical history,the individual persons lifestyle.Im sure diet is important and keeping active and trying to keep a positive outlook are all things that will help in surviving long term.

I wish all the best and hope for a postive outcome for your husband :)

So sorry to hear about your mother. This is a very tough cancer. my husband was treated with just chemo. It was a good start but not enough, Oxylplytin, FU and Herspentin. As you can see there are many opinions , and Stage 4 is hard. I would suggest you , or ask another family member or friend help with getting information. If your mother's wants aggressive treatment get an EC doctor that matches what she wants. Suggestions Don't use a GI Onco. only, you need an EC Onco.  Some treatment centers are getting better working as a team, but not all of them. 

Carolyn,

I don't know much about UCLA, but here is the link to the ECAA (EC Awareness Association), perhaps the California contact might help.

http://www.ecaware.org/about-us/regional-contacts/

Also cancer.gov is suppose to list most clinical trials occuring.