My journey started December 2021. I was having difficulty swallowing. At the end of January 2022, I went for an endoscopy. On February 9,2022, I was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. My world seemed to crumble before my eyes.
In March, I had surgery for a feeding tube and a port was placed. I started chemotherapy and radiation at the same time for a couple months. They made me so sick with nausea, burning, and my teeth were hurting. I couldn’t eat for a month, I thought I wouldn’t make it.
On June 8,2022, I had surgery, an 8 hour esophagectomy, to remove part of my esophagus and stomach. My feeding tube was removed on July 29th! Yay! The recovery was painful, but I made it!
I am currently undergoing immunotherapy, and will continue to have endoscopies every 3 months with a chance of starting radiation again.
I have lost about 30lbs since my treatment started. I am relearning to eat, and now have a smaller stomach. It has been a tough journey, and I still have a long road ahead of me but I know I will make it! I have faith in GOD – everything will be good, he will give me the strength to keep going.
Family is an important part of the journey! Never give up and keep fighting!
Elisa
AZ
Submitted 08/15/2022
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
