Got diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Age 30, otherwise perfect health

 Dear mister_eko

 How about if you heard from an Esophageal Cancer patient, diagnosed back in 2002, and received the very least invasive Esophagectomy, known as the Ivor Lewis Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy.  “mister” you are indeed “blessed” to be diagnosed at a stage which falls within the “operable” stage.  Others here would love to be in your place, believe me.

 My husband didn’t drink, smoke, (or even run around with women  ) he only had a hiccup.  He didn’t even have heartburn!   You are not alone, and you can be a survivor as are many here.

 So don’t linger long in your “frightened” state.  You need to be a quick learner.  So if you want to learn more about Esophageal Cancer patients who have been “through it all” and are survivors check back in.   “mister_eko you need to get smart” real quickly, so you can make the very best decisions. This is as informative a link as you will find.  Anything we say here should be checked out with your doctor.  “I dare you to read more here!”  We who have been through this cancer and come out on the other side aren’t here for “our health”, we’re here for “newbies” like you.  So I’m glad you came on one time, and I hope you will soon get your emotions under control.  You can’t make decisions based on “emotions”, you’ve got to make decisions based on “facts”. 

 So if you want to talk to my husband, or others here, and learn more about his successful surgery, and is celebrating his 14^th year of Survival with “no evidence of disease”, send me a message, or write more here.

 Good grief, life isn’t all roses, and you’re big enough and old enough to face this and take control of this diagnosis.  There are many Stage IV EC patients here who would love to trade places with you.  After all, none of us “ordered” this, and at one time they were healthy too. Nobody would get in line to have this cancer on an “elective” basis, but we all would like to come in under the “Stage 3” wire! if we have to be a member of this group!

Most sincerely,

 Loretta Marshall (Wife of William) William diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma at the Gastroesophageal junction (T3N1M0).  Successful laparoscopic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy performed by Dr. James D. Luketich at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on May 17, 2003! 

  P.S.  We could be of more help if you would tell us more than your age.  We know you're frightened, but no more so than any of the rest of us when we were told "you have cancer!"  So can you fill us in as to who your doctors are, what medical facility you've been treated and with what, what have the doctors said as far as a treatment protocol, and have you had a second opinion?  What kind of tests have you had to date? 

 You will be much less frightened the more you know, believe me.  Armed with the most knowledge will get you the very best treatments.  But we can't help if you don't want to talk to us.  Surely you've not lived 30 years and never had a disappointment in life prior to this. 

mister_eko said:

What stage was your husband

What stage was your husband when diagnosed? can you tell me more about his process?

Yes, I will gladly tell you more about my husband's diagnosis and his process.  But you might want to take a day off from work to read it all.  My husband's stage was "Adenocarcinoma at the GE junction" (Stage III - T3N1M0).  So look for a long answer tomorrow.  He is a poster child for EC.  He had pre-op (neo-adjuvant) chemo of Carboplatin & 5-FU plus 25 radiation treatments - then a totally laparoscopic procedure with small band-aid cuts instead of massive incisions.  He was in and out of the hospital in 5 days, and downtown shopping with me in Pittsburgh on Day 8.  But that's an  "in-a-nut-shell" synopsis.  Obviously the "nut shell" is a large one!  But there is life after Esophageal Cancer.

Briefly, I would only go to a major cancer hospital where Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies is one of their top specialties.  Esophageal Cancer is classified as a "challenging diagnosis" and all hospitals rank differently when it comes to treating this particular cancer.  So even though you work at Emory, there may be other hospitals that rank higher in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer.  So don't be afraid to seek the "top doctors" because your aim is taking care of NO. 1 and that's YOU.  So I hope you're a quick learner.

Loretta

Also every EC patient should be tested to see if they are HER2 positive.  Some patients have an "oncogene" which is "over expressive" and thus the cancer spreads more quickly.  HERCEPTIN is not a chemo drug, but is given in addition to chemo drugs. 

But I can't begin to tell you tonight, all that I wish to convey.  But thanks for replying.  Will definitely fill you in on things you NEED to know to be confident that you are getting the very best treatment possible. 

Loretta

Mister_eko,

I am so sorry you find yourself here. The good news is you are young and strong. That is important when dealing with chemotherapy and surgery. Having a young immune system is valuable as well. I was 61 when I was diagnosed. I had surgery and chemotherapy and almost seven years later I am still here and getting clear scans so far.

I can only echo the comments of the folks who have posted above. I would encourage you to investigate a second opinion at a cancer center that has a national reputation for dealing with esophageal cancer. Since you mentioned Emory I assume you are in the Atlanta area. You are not that far from MD Anderson or Duke Cancer Center. Both have excellent reputations for dealing with esophageal cancer.

 I know you are very frightened right now, but just take things one day at a time.

 Wishing you the best as you complete your treatment and recovery.

Best Regards,

Paul Adams

McCormick, South Carolina

DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
Six Year Survivor

mister_eko said:

guys, thank you all so much

guys, thank you all so much for chiming in. I do feel much better. Where would you suggest I go looking for other treatment options? So far, I know about HER2 and Immuno Oncology, but doctors told me both would be options should chemo, radiation and surgery don't kill it completely  

I got a second opinion form Piedmont Hospital which is a part of Md Anderson group and they agreed with Emory. Emory also has the best surgeon for this type of cancer, dr. SeTh Force. 

 

 

 Hello again “mister”

 Since you’re starting chemo and radiation this week, thought you would like to hear how I responded to mine.  I have had two different regimens of chemotherapy, one 6-regimen treatment, each 3 weeks apart, in 2013 and another in 2015.  The way people respond to chemo will vary from one person to another, even when the chemo cocktail is the same.  You may “sail through with few side effects or as you progress, the treatments may take a toll on you physically.  Either result will be normal, keeping in mind that chemo is never a “piece of cake”, but it is tolerable and oft times very effective. 

 When my husband William went through his pre-op chemo treatments of Carboplatin and 5-FU, he fared much better than did I when I had my chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.  My first treatment was so awful, I truly almost died.  It wasn’t 2 minutes into my treatment that my whole spine went into a jerking motion similar to that of a “jack hammer”.  I felt dizzy, faint and almost passed out.  My husband said I turned “red” all over.  The nurses immediately yanked out the tube that went into my medi-port and began giving me something to counteract my awful reaction.  Afterwards I said to the nurse, I thought I was going to die.  To which she responded, “I will tell you that we have coded some patients.”  My first visit lasted from about 8:15 A.M. until 7:00 PM that night, and it is one I shall never forget. 

 The first place you will visit will be the lab. There you will have a Complete Blood Count (CBC).  This will occur each time you have a chemo treatment.  For instance if your white blood count (immune cells) are too low, a chemo session will not take place.  But I never had that to happen because my doctor called me back the day following my chemo treatments, and gave me a HYDRATION treatment, plus some steroids, and an injection of NEULASTA.  NEULASTA will quickly replenish the White Blood Count (WBC) (infection fighting cells.)

 My treatments consisted of 6 separate sessions three weeks apart.  I had a CT scan after the first 3 treatments to see how effective they were.  If there is no change in the eradication of tumors, the oncologist may wish to change the chemo agent to that of a different one. 

Then I had another CT scan upon completion.  My first treatments began in early February of 2013.  The tumors were reduced in number and size at that time enough to qualify for Cytoreductive surgery (CRS).  I had surgery July 1, 2013.  I don’t always find it necessary to talk about my own cancer on the EC site, but this is my own personal experience with chemo.  As I said others will differ. 

 As for my husband, he had radiation as well, I did not.  He drove himself to the radiology clinic, and all in all, he had an easy time of chemo.  So that is always our desire.  However, it can be “wicked” with many unpleasant side effects.  And at 30, you have a nice head of hair no doubt.  However, depending on the type of chemo you will receive, the hair may fall out.  If that begins to happen you may as well shave your head. Not to worry, it will return, but hopefully the cancer won’t.

When my husband’s treatments were completed, PET scan showed “NO CANCER”.  However, we were told ahead of time, even if that happens, the Esophagectomy is part of the process.  That is because sometimes residual cancer is not picked up on the scan, but will be detected during the surgery.  Moreover, if after the surgery, there is any remaining cancer cells, post-op (adjuvant) chemo will be given.  However, my husband’s surgeon, Dr. James D. Luketich, does not like to order more radiation after surgery.  Radiation can damage the heart, and does cause a great deal of scar tissue as well.  But thankfully, out of the 22 lymph nodes tested for residual cancer, none were found to be infected, so no more treatment was necessary. 

My second session of chemo treatments began June 11, 2015 and ended September 2015.  I am now in a “holding pattern”.   Even now my CA-125 (tumor marker for Ovarian Cancer) is rising considerably, I’m not going to rush to “try” something else until a more debilitating physical condition arises.  And “when it happens, it happens”.  I’m not going to spend my days living weeks ahead fretting over things over which I have no control.  I want to live while I’m living, and not spend my days wallowing in a worry pit.  I have developed that attitude from observing some dear ones that spend their days worrying about things that “might” happen.  This kind of attitude will keep you from enjoying the day you have before you.  And so, I hope that is the attitude that you and will take. 

 With that in mind, I will tell you that chemotherapy treatments are cumulative.  You may feel few effects with the first treatment.  That will be great if it continues, but most likely gradually unpleasant side effects will set in.  And when you know your chemo combo (it’s usually a combination of two chemo agents) go to “Chemocare.Com” and you will learn everything you need to know about the drugs and what it is supposed to be used for. 

 By week two after both my first series of treatments in 2013 and again in 2015, my hair began to come out.  I had read that with TAXOL hair loss was a possibility.    The first time was a bit more dramatic and I hoped that it would only be “thin”, but then it became so “scraggly” that I had my head shaved.  So the second time around in 2015, I just had it shaved right away. My husband’s hair did NOT fall out!

 I will tell you that summer definitely here and you should definitely stay OUT of the sun while in treatment.  One of our cancer friends had a very badly sunburned arm.  He had been driving with the window down and had his arm resting on the window.  As much as I have always loved “basking in the sun”, I’m much more careful now. 

 Incidentally I consult with my oncologist each month. My husband is now in his 14^th year of survival with no evidence of disease (NED).  But at the beginning of the treatments and after the surgery return visits for follow-up were frequent, and gradually throughout the years the visits are now down to twice a year for my husband.  

 The second time around, during my treatments, I always went back the following day and had a hydration treatment, and also an injection of Neulasta.  Neulasta helps keep your white blood cell count up so that your immune system is not so low that you become susceptible to germs more easily.  It would be best to stay away from anybody who is sick.  I also carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse.  I use it all the time, especially after touching public bathroom doorknobs, grocery cart handles, etc.  Yes, I’m germ conscious! Sometimes I have had to visit the Emergency Room.  That is an unnerving experience when you’re in a room full of other sick people.  I’ve feared catching something before I could get out of there, so I’m not beyond using a mask while I am in there. 

 Hydration is extremely important, because chemo has a way of draining the body of fluids and making one extremely weak.  I was severely fatigued even more so the first time around because I didn’t “insist” on hydration following each treatment, nor did I get a Neulasta injection.  But the “second time around” I “told” the doctor that I wanted hydration and a Neulasta injection after each treatment.  He readily said, “No problem.” 

 Incidentally, it would be good if someone can accompany you when you go for consultations.    When my husband and I would go for a consultation, I would take notes, so I could remember what we discussed during the visit.  I ask questions, and even say, “How do you spell that?”  Then I come home and do some research but only from reputable sources.  When I went with my husband to his visits, I took notes.  His first local surgeon frowned on our using a tape recorder.  We asked him early on if we could use a recorder.  He said, “Have you ever heard one of those things in court?”  So we didn’t use it.  But my oncologist is completely different.  We turn on our camera and my husband does a video.  I try to do that each time.  It’s very helpful, and I always hear more the second time around than I did at the office.  I took pictures and videos along the way during my husband’s treatment and surgery.  If you wish to see some of them, I can send you a web link.  They include lovely pictures of Pittsburgh, plus Dr. Luketich, and some “before and after” pictures of Bill. 

 Also my oncologist told me that I should keep something cold in my mouth for at least the first 24 hours after a chemo treatment.  The chemo goes all over our bodies, and it can affect the teeth and gums.  And so cold foods, popsicles, ice chips, etc. would be good. Avoid hot foods during that time period.

 He also told me that rinsing my mouth often during the day with a baking soda solution would help keep my mouth moist.  So I took a bottle of water (one teaspoonful of baking powder to 8 oz. of water) I kept one in each bathroom, and would rinse my mouth often during the day, and even when I would awake during the night.  I never had mouth sores. 

 Okay with all that in mind these are things I did during my treatments. I’m sure others may have tips of their own, but these are things I found helpful.  Incidentally, I think PRO-BIOTICS have helped me during my treatments.  I like “Digestive Advantage” Probiotic fruit-flavored gummies made by Schiff.  They are less expensive at a store like COSTCO.  When they have a special sale, on I buy more than one bottle. 

 First, I took an anti-nausea pill each morning before breakfast.  My nausea med was “Granisetron” (KYTRIL).  I put a bottle of water and the pill on my night table, and when I first opened my eyes, I took that pill.  I never had nausea.  So that is like a pre-emptive strike—better taken before the nausea begins.

 Secondly, I ate foods that were high in protein because that provides energy.  I ate at regular times during the day, even if I wasn’t “hungry.”  I ate cheese eggs and drank milk for breakfast.  I also kept a protein count and wanted to be sure I consumed at least 60 grams of protein each day.  Even then I was still “tired”.  I still live with a good amount of fatigue but that’s because I still have cancer.  At Stage IV, it isn’t going away.  My prayer is that it will progress slowly. 

 Thirdly, I bought a container of “Performance Whey Isolate” from Costco in the vanilla flavor.  Each serving provides 30 grams of premium whey protein, made exclusively from Isolate.  My husband made me a “thick” milkshake consisting of vanilla ice cream, a scoop of whey, a big spoonful of peanut butter, and sometimes a Butterfinger candy bar all broken up prior to putting it in the glass.  He put just enough milk (and that could be “half and half” for more calories, to make it like a soft ice cream that I ate with a spoon.  I’ve never been fond of milk shakes, but some people love smoothies.  This whey dissolves easily in whatever it is put in.  It can be put in puddings as well.  It comes in chocolate, vanilla and unflavored.

 There is also BOOST that comes in different flavors that can be mixed with the whey & ice cream mixture.  I also bought that at a box store.  It comes in cases of 24 and has 15 grams of protein per bottle.  It is less expensive when I buy a bigger quantity.  Of course, it would be best to try one to see how you like it, before you buy a whole case of 24, naturally.   It’s also necessary to drink as much water as possible during the day. 

 Although I haven’t used it, some oncologists recommend BENECALORIE if the patient is having a problem with weight loss.  It is made by Nestle and can be purchased at Wal-Mart, I’m told.  That’s a tip for those that are losing weight, which is not unusual during a chemo treatment.  It is especially true if the patient is losing weight rapidly.  I didn’t lose much weight during chemo, nor did my husband William.

 Moving around as much as possible, and keeping up my regular daily routine was helpful.  Our house is 184 feet from the street.  It was all I could do to walk up and down the driveway two times.  Perhaps extreme fatigue will not be your experience, but if it happens, it is normal.

 As for Over the counter supplements, (OTC) they should be discussed with your doctor.  I was Vitamin D deficient, so I took a Vitamin D tablet, and also a calcium tablet, as well as some fiber pills for regularity and a fish oil tablet.    But needs will be different for different patients, depending on their medical problems, and I’m not saying you should take these, but adequate nutrition and hydration are ever so important.

 So if you can maintain a normal daily routine as much as possible, going places, being with friends, and keeping a positive outlook will allow you to weather this storm much better.  Even though a diagnosis like this turns your life upside down, it doesn’t mean that we can’t experience some “up” days.  I hope you tolerate the treatments well, and that your tumor markers will be dramatically reduced.  Once you have completed the treatments, you should begin to feel much better in a matter of a few weeks.  At the end of treatments, you should have a repeat PET scan to determine the effectiveness of the treatments.  And then if all is well, a surgery date will be set in approximately 3 weeks following your last chemo/radiation treatments.  Chemo has a residual effect of 3 weeks even after the last treatment is given.  And hopefully, you will be an excellent candidate for the Ivor Lewis Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy. (MIE) So “fasten your seat belts” and “we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it!”

And we’ll say a prayer for your 28-year old wife and your dear parents.  By the way you’re the same age as some of my grandchildren.  I’m old enough to be your grandmother at age 77 and ½.  I’m now adding the “halves” back on because each passing day is another victory.  And by the way, did I tell you I am often “brutally honest” in my desire to be upfront with those that are diagnosed with cancer of any kind!  So if I sound “bossy” that’s because I think the “young ones” are always in need of good counsel, and I haven’t lived this long without learning something.  I’ve earned my “now” silver strands among the gold hair! 

 All the best,

 Loretta (Wife of William, EC Stage III (T3N1M0) MIE @ UPMC on May 17, 2003 by Dr. James D. Luketich)

______________________________________________________________  

1. http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis/tumor-markers-fact-sheet

 (My note:  There are different tumor markers for Ovarian cancer than for Esophageal Cancer.  My husband is seen by our oncologist twice yearly and a CBC is taken, and a PET/CT scan or a CT scan is performed on at least a yearly basis.  But if something happened during the year, naturally we would just call the oncologist and he would schedule the necessary tests or scans depending on the nature of the problem.) 

 “…How are tumor markers measured? 

 A doctor takes a sample of tumor tissue or bodily fluid and sends it to a laboratory, where various methods are used to measure the level of the tumor marker.

If the tumor marker is being used to determine whether treatment is working or whether there is a recurrence, the marker’s level will be measured in multiple samples taken over time. Usually these “serial measurements,” which show whether the level of a marker is increasing, staying the same, or decreasing, are more meaningful than a single measurement…

 “CA19-9

•  Cancer types: Pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct cancer, and gastric cancer

• Tissue analyzed: Blood

• How used: To assess whether treatment is working…

   

  Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

•  Cancer types: Colorectal cancer and some other cancers

• Tissue analyzed: Blood

• How used: To keep track of how well cancer treatments are working or check if cancer has come back…”

  _________________________________________________________ 

  2.  http://www.chemotherapy.com/

 “Whether you're preparing for your chemotherapy journey or managing
the side effects, we have the information you need...every step of the way.

 Just getting started?  New to Chemotherapy is the place to start “

 _________________________________________________________

3.  https://medlineplus.gov/cancerchemotherapy.html

 “…Normally, your cells grow and die in a controlled way. Cancer cells keep forming without control. Chemotherapy is drug therapy that can kill these cells or stop them from multiplying. However, it can also harm healthy cells, which causes side effects.

 During chemotherapy you may have no side effects or just a few. The kinds of side effects you have depend on the type and dose of chemotherapy you get. Side effects vary, but common ones are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, pain and hair loss. Healthy cells usually recover after chemotherapy, so most side effects gradually go away.

 Your course of therapy will depend on the cancer type, the chemotherapy drugs used, the treatment goal and how your body responds. You may get treatment every day, every week or every month. You may have breaks between treatments so that your body has a chance to build new healthy cells. You might take the drugs by mouth, in a shot or intravenously.

 NIH: National Cancer Institute…”

 ________________________________________________________

4.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKIRWY-LMYc

 Animated video explaining how chemotherapy works

 Published on Jul 27, 2012 - 

“This video about chemotherapy, created by Nucleus Medical Media, depicts normal cell division, apoptosis, tumor cell formation, tumor development, and angiogenesis of a tumor. It describes the cause of tumor cell formation at the genetic level with DNA, and metastasis through blood and lymph vessels. This animation covers the various effects of chemotherapy: cancer cell death, tumor death, destruction of normal cells and tissue. It also covers the side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments. Also described are related treatments, such as, radiation, pills, capsules, liquids, intravenous injections, surgical procedures, catheterization, CSF injection, wafer placement, and schedule of treatments.”

 ___________________________________________________________

 5.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQwIPFGXSKg

 This is a 56 minute lecture on chemotherapy and its effects on the body

 Uploaded on Feb 3, 2011

 Get the notes: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback...
The lecture notes for this and all numbered lectures are available at Lulu.com, keyword PHRM203 or just follow the link. The notes do NOT include Exam Reviews, Paramedic Pharm, Heart Sounds, or Chest Tubes.

 ____________________________End of references________________

Hi, I'm lisa.. 37yr old female. I just had my ercp and colonoscopy and the Dr took 15 biopsies. Have struggled with heartburn for about 6 yrs. Have an annoying hiccup issue everyday, but it is just a single one that is very loud. I'm on here trying to learn more as I'm a bit scared now and not sure what to think. Also was told I am in beginning stage liver failure due to a genetic disorder. My father had liver failure and received his transplant 4 years ago but now he has 2 neuroendocrine gastrinomas,  where the cancer has spread to 3 of the lymph nodes.  Anyone have family history of liver cancer ? My dad swears his only sign through the years was constant heartburn and esophagus issues.

My husband who just turned 65 in April was diagnosed with esophagial cancer last week.  Today after having a CAT scan and PET scan we learned he has an 11 centimeter tumor at the base of his esophagus and there are lymph nodes affected by no organs.  He is scheduled for chemo next week - 2 days a week every other week.  He's strong but I just read the possible side effects of the 3 drugs they wants to use and it's truly frightening - not only this cancer but the side effects.  He may also have the Her2 protein present which is good according to the oncologist because there is another drug, Herceptin, that targets this particular protein and can shrink the tumor.  I'm not sure why I'm writing all this -- maybe it's part of my therapy/acceptance of what has just been found out about my husband's health.  Yet, maybe a month ago he had a complete physical and was told to keep doing what he's doing cause all looks good.  He complained abouto acid reflux, had an endoscopy and there it was this 11 centimeter (approx 5 inches) tumor.  We are both still in disbelief to a degree.  I don't know hat to do now.

AngelaMarsh said:

My husband who just turned 65

My husband who just turned 65 in April was diagnosed with esophagial cancer last week.  Today after having a CAT scan and PET scan we learned he has an 11 centimeter tumor at the base of his esophagus and there are lymph nodes affected by no organs.  He is scheduled for chemo next week - 2 days a week every other week.  He's strong but I just read the possible side effects of the 3 drugs they wants to use and it's truly frightening - not only this cancer but the side effects.  He may also have the Her2 protein present which is good according to the oncologist because there is another drug, Herceptin, that targets this particular protein and can shrink the tumor.  I'm not sure why I'm writing all this -- maybe it's part of my therapy/acceptance of what has just been found out about my husband's health.  Yet, maybe a month ago he had a complete physical and was told to keep doing what he's doing cause all looks good.  He complained abouto acid reflux, had an endoscopy and there it was this 11 centimeter (approx 5 inches) tumor.  We are both still in disbelief to a degree.  I don't know hat to do now.

 Hi Angela,

             In case you didn’t know, you’ve come to a good place for understanding and good information.  It will be “therapeutic” both acceptance-wise and information-wise.  So although I know this is a letter you wish you never had to write, and still probably can’t even believe that it is real at this point.  But believe it quickly, accept it and research this cancer thoroughly.  It will give you confidence that your husband is receiving the very best of care.

           When I am facing some new problem, I want to first know if I am the only one going through this, or if there are others who have gone through this before me.  And you will find several of us here who have "been there--done that." 

           And I always ask, "What is the one thing I don't want to do, and what is the thing I definitely SHOULD DO?"  So my top advice is always to have a SECOND OPINION at a hospital that specializes in the Ivor Lewis MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY (MIE). 

                     You have described a diagnosis similar to that of my husband.  His was termed "Adenocarcinoma at the GastroEsophageal junction).  His diagnosis was EC Stage III (T3N1M0).  That meant that the tumor had penetrated all 4 walls of his Esophagus and also had spread to 2 local lymph nodes.  The "T" stands for tumor and how far it has spread.  The "N" stands for "node" and each number corresponds to how many lymph nodes are affected.  The "M" stands for metastasis, and that was a "ZERO" because there was no spread near or in another major organ.  So by what you describe, it appears that your husband will be able to qualify for an Esophagectomy.  Since you say the tumor is at the base of his Esophagus, this would be termed Adenocarcinoma at the Gastroesophageal junction (GE).  (11 centimeters is equal to 4.330709 inches)/

           Not all Esophagectomies are performed in the same manner, and not all Thoracic Surgeons are "equally-skilled" in the performance of esophagectomies!  Because it is so late tonight, I will not write my usual detailed letter.  Fright, shock, uncertainty, bewilderment, and sadness are usual emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis.  But be encouraged, it does not mean it's the end of your and your husband's world.  You're entering a long and seemingly-dark tunnel, but the light at the other end isn't always another oncoming train.  There are survivors here that are only too eager to help you along the way. 

 Wishing you and your husband every success,

 Loretta Marshall (Wife of William) first diagnosed at age 66 in 2002, and underwent a successful MIE by Dr. James D. Luketich at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) May 17, 2003 and is alive and well today.