I'm so sorry for your dad's diagnosis. My dad was just diagnosed stage 3 in January and we are going through treatment now. I am also an only child and primarily responsible for helping with my dad's care. My mom isn't well, herself so I feel this has fallen on my shoulders in a similar way as you are describing, although they are not living with me.

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. There are several people here who are very encouraging with their stories of survival - even those that were diagnosed stage 4, so don't give up hope! One thing I would suggest if you are not at a "high volume" hospital, find one if possible. By that I mean somewhere that they treat this particular cancer often. Even if you go to the nearest major hospital to get another opinion, that would be beneficial even if you can't get there for treatment.

Hang in there.

Kelley

Yes, Stage 4 is not a terrific diagnosis....still, I'd take that "year to live" prophecy with a huge grain of salt. My brother was diagnosed last summer with Stage 4 EC and multiple tumors, and the first doctor he consulted encouraged him to just go home and spend quality time with his family. My brother refused to accept that and enrolled in a drug trial, and now it's been nine months and he's doing very well. He's certainly not cured, but his tumors are stable and he's teaching full time again and about to see another book published. One tremendous thing in your dad's favor is that he's relatively young (so's my brother)--a younger body is definitely more capable of holding its own and withstanding really aggressive treatments.

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I believe that drs do not know how much time we have on this earth, they can only guess. get more than one opinion and find a dr that will work with you. Find one that knows about this cancer enough to treat it the right way. I will keep you in my prayers. cindy

Sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis, it is a very scary thing to face, for all of you.

I was diagnosed Stage IV esophageal cancer (with liver metastasis) in late January 2013. I was given a 40% chance of surviving 1 year from diagnosis. I started chemo in February 2013 and am still having it. All tumors shrank over the first 12 months and my cancer is now 'stable'. I currently am fit, active and healthy (apart from the cancer of course!) and I'm making the most of the time I have with my loved ones and doing things I enjoy to do.

Yes the schedule will be hectic, particularly in the first few months.
I echo dhenth's comment regarding a youngish body being able to cope with the chemo etc (which can be gruelling) - I was 49 and reasonably fit at the time of diagnosis and I believe that was an advantage for me.

There will be ups and downs, but try to stay strong and don't give up hope. I will be thinking of you and your dad.

Kathy

Ask a lot of questions as too was diagnosed with stage 4 in 2008. I was told I had 3-6 months to live and to go home and make peace with it. I was 43 at the time and felt like fighting. It took finding the right oncologist as everyone I saw said I was too far gone but eventually I met one who wanted to take on the challenge I presented. I was on a 3 chemo cocktail of avastin, xeloda and oxylaplatin. it was not pleasant but within 2 months I was in remission and within 6 the tumors were gone. 1 year later I had the esophagus removed and part of my stomache and 6 years later am still here. Have him drink alkaline water 50 percent of his body weight in ounces a day. if he weighs 200 that would be 100 ounces about 6 glasses a day. it will clean out his system have him due this for about a month. also have him eat asparagus as they have good oxidents. This will not be an easy time but he can overcome this with family and positive thoughts. I wish you all well.

I'm an RN with a critical care background. My mother was diagnosed with EC last summer and had esophagectomy in January. You better believe I hit the research and sifted through the hospitals, physicians and was astounded at the tremendous difference in care available. I want to reinforce - don't rest with one answer from one doctor or one hospital. Search for a hospital that does multiple esophagectomies a year with good outcomes. There should be surgeons at this hospital who are performing these - and these won't be small hospitals. I could steer you if you live in or neighboring Texas. Message me if that's the case. Otherwise, start with large medical school locations - see who they are associated with. Oncology will be a big part of this and it will be best if you find all disciplines at one large facility, however it's not absolutely necessary. As long as the docs communicate and trade info, you can get the best oncology in one facility and the best gastric surgeon in another. Nutrition really is huge in healing too. This is a great support site - people full of great info.

I thank you all for your support and inspiriting words. And am gracious for all the information you can provide. I have encouraged my father to be part of this group as well. I really hope he does. Please know that I am using all the knowledge and information you all have provided and am very appreciative of that prayers you send our way.
Have a beautiful day all of you wonderful people.
Shelby

Shelby, remember too. The only statistic that matters is your dad's. Don't pay attention to the numbers. It is possible to beat this and you have to make him believe it's possible too!

Hey Shelby- I'm new here, too. My stepfather (59) was diagnosed with stage 4 two months ago. My mother is well, health-wise, but is not dealing emotionally at all. I live across the country from them, and have offered to move home, but they don't want me to at the moment. Please keep us posted about your journey - I feel better already just having read your post. xo

I will keep everyone posted on all the progress and such. My father has completed all his testing to determine the plan for chemo. We have an appointment with his doctor on Tuesday, I'm sure this will be one of the longest weekends we've had in a long time.
Thank you all for taking time to read and comment all the encouragement and information. I do appreciate all of it.