Each story is unique
When you’re newly diagnosed, one of the hardest decisions to make is where to have your treatment. Esophageal cancer is a moderately rare but growing cancer. New treatment approaches are constantly being developed and always keep in mind that patients will have different reactions to the same treatment protocol.
Seek out a specialist
Successful treatment of rare cancers is dependent upon the experience of the medical staff. At times that may include aggressive, sometimes experimental, approaches to therapy. These factors are most often found in large, specialized oncology hospitals and teaching hospitals dedicated to research, innovation, and training.
The truth is: not everyone lives near leading, specialized hospitals. EC Patients are still urged to investigate top hospitals to seek the latest and greatest variety of options for treatment. Most research hospitals have short-term living arrangements and other accommodations for patients who are coming from out of the area. Special funds are sometimes available to help with travel costs.
Get a second opinion
Unfortunately, some EC patients might learn that their cancer is too advanced for treatment. These patients are offered only palliative medical care. However it is strongly urged to get a second opinion from other oncologists and facilities. Advanced staging does not predict all possible outcomes, they are statistics on previous patients with previous treatments.
Be aware: there are many patients who have survived for multiple years after treatment for very advanced esophageal cancer.
Be positive
Survival rates are improving as medical specialists learn more. New therapies are developed and iterated on each year. Even when other treatments are not possible, advanced EC patients now have opportunities unavailable to patients a few years ago. However, to survive requires great mental strength.
Survivors often have similar traits in common: a sense of purpose, persistence, willingness to explore new treatments, and the determination to live one day at a time.