Dan R., Esophageal Cancer (Esophageal Adenocarcinoma), Stage 3
Symptoms:Trouble swallowing food, fatigue, daily chest painsTreatments:Chemotherapy, surgeries (esophagectomy, partial gastrectomy, lymphadenectomy)
Dan was 53 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer (esophageal adenocarcinoma). He led an active lifestyle, ate healthy, and went to the gym regularly. But in June 2022, during a family dinner, he started having chest pains and numbness in his left arm. Thinking it was a heart issue, he rushed to the ER, but the tests they did there were inconclusive.
Interviewed by: Nikki MurphyEdited by: Chris Sanchez
Months passed. Dan kept on experiencing chest pain and struggled to swallow. Doctors thought he had heartburn andgastroesophageal reflux disease, and treated him with over-the-counter medications that didn’t help. His symptoms got worse, and by early 2023, Dan could no longer swallow solid food and survived on homemade protein shakes. Frustrated and alarmed, he pushed for an endoscopy, which revealed a 10-cm mass — half the length of his esophagus. The diagnosis: stage 3esophageal cancer.
Dan’s treatment included five chemotherapy cycles, surgery to remove part of his stomach and esophagus as well as afflicted lymph nodes, and three more chemo sessions. Before surgery, he gained 12 pounds, since he felt that recovering from the procedure would be tough. After surgery, he was told, “We got all the cancer,” which was a profound relief.
Even though Dan’s stage 3 esophageal cancer surgery was successful, his life afterwards isn’t without challenges. He manages physical restrictions, eats smaller meals due to his changed digestive system, and copes with significantside effectslike brain fog and memory lapses. But he remains physically active, journals for mental clarity and to ensure he doesn’t forget important things, and advocates foresophageal cancer awarenessthrough support groups and fundraising efforts.
And most of all, Dan stays positive and feels blessed. He says, “Whatever I lost through this experience, I’ve gained in so many other areas of my life.”
Dan’s story highlights hisfaithand resilience and how it’s been shaped by his gratitude and sense of purpose. He encourages others to cherish every moment of their lives,get screened for cancer,advocate for themselves, and support cancer research. He urges others to understand that health setbacks don’t define us — just as his own did for him, they can inspire growth and lead to new beginnings, too.
Watch Dan’s video and discover:
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
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Originally published on The Patient Story: https://thepatientstory.com/patient-stories/esophageal-cancer/dan-r/
