Overcoming Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer: A Survivor Shares His story of Self-Advocacy and Perseverance

In a remarkable journey of self-advocacy and resilience, this video shares the story of Jack, a Stage 3 esophageal cancer survivor. Facing a daunting diagnosis, Jack took proactive steps to seek the best possible care, leading him to Saint John's Health Center. There, a dedicated team of experts, including Dr. Baiya Krishnadasan, a leading esophageal robotics surgeon, and other specialists like Dr. Sean Fischer, Dr. Rudolph Bedford, and Dr. Robert Wollman, joined forces under the guidance of Dr. Anton Bilchik, to offer Jack a fighting chance against cancer.
Discover Jack's inspiring battle against esophageal cancer, from the initial symptoms to the comprehensive treatment approach that set him on the path to recovery. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing a similar fight, emphasizing the power of perseverance, the importance of self-advocacy, and the impact of a collaborative medical team.
Blog:
www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog...
In this video:
00:00 - The first sign: Trouble swallowing leads Jack to seek medical attention.
04:32 - Assembling a dream team: Jack's comprehensive care begins.
05:39 - "I felt like I was the only patient in the whole building."
09:24 - Fighting spirit: "At least the cancer knows I'm fighting back."
11:36 - A pivotal meeting with Dr. Krishnadasan changes Jack's course.
14:12 - "Be your own advocate." Jack takes control of his own treatment.
20:22 - A heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone involved in Jack's care.
#esophagealcancer #roboticsurgeon #saintjohnscancerinstitute #cancersurvivor
Learn about Jack's Care Team:
Dr. Baiya Krishnadasan: www.saintjohnscancer.org/abou...
Dr. Anton Bilchik: www.saintjohnscancer.org/abou...
Also see:
www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog...
Interview by Saint Johns Cancer Institute:
www.saintjohnscancer.org/

[@jackburns-nz6mr]

This is Jack. Thanks for viewing my video. Update, I am doing great. Thank you to those who viewed this video, hopefully, it helps others. Another will be released in the next month with updates. Best of luck to all and PLEASE be your own advocate. Stay positive, keep punching!!

[@shellydavispianoparentpodc3165]

Thank you for this video and for your kind words regarding your wife. My husband had chemo and radiation followed by his surgery on February 9th. We are currently in the dark, mental days and I struggle with how to help and encourage him. Your story gives me hope for brighter days.

[@RoyalMarineYachtGroup]

This is great help. I was just diagnosed and its not a good feeling. Not looking forward to chemo and radiation, but then again I think I am. Thanks for taking the time to do this video.

[@dianereed153]

I’m a 76 year old woman with stage three esophageal cancer. If I were to tell my story so far it would be almost the same as yours. I had to be my own advocate pushing for the first endoscopy. I had little to no bad effects from the chemo. The radiation treatments took a toll on me especially with the fatigue. I will be having surgery next month. I am going to a great hospital in Oregon, love my doctors and am doing fine. Lost a lot of weight, 40lbs and I was underweight already. I was great full for your comments and as I still have surgery to go through I am very optimistic it will go well.

[@hong-enlin4651]

God bless you

[@muttleysmith726]

I pray you will be well when surgery is done and you will lead a long and happy life mam.

[@SumitKumar-tt7gh]

How are you now

[@leeharrison8790]

If anyone with no status , poverty stricken , can be a candidate for giving medical treatment passion to .. I am him ... the esophageal cancer has caused me to live on a liquid diet only .. I went from 270 lbs to now 155 lbs .. I don't drink alcohol not a smoker , & cut all carbs out of my diet six months ago ... I stay active walking ... I am fading away a little everyday ! Please keep me in your prayers ... I monitor my glucose & Ketone with a keto-mojo meter & GKI ... I have been for some time now in the state of Ketosis therapy level to slow down & weaken the cancer as much as I can ... I need more than this to win the battle at hand !

[@Rinablackxo]

I'm praying for you!

[@RoyalMarineYachtGroup]

Stay strong. Supplement with zinc. I heard its good for fighting cancer.

[@johngrafton6868]

One will be surprised just how much of your days are forgotten after treatment. I kept a diary and wrote about my feelings. The time came when suicide entered my mind, but I got thru it, not once but twice. 4 years prior I had tongue cancer and kidney cancer at the same time. Lost a kidney. A few years after all this I had my gall bladder removed- cancer. All this in 10 years. I am 85 now.

[@RoyalMarineYachtGroup]

I am looking forward to making it to 85. You are an inspiration :)

[@nellafay5485]

I keep praying to the Lord that I could have just one prayer answered, it would be that I would love to live until at least 80. You keep going 85 is young God Bless you. 🙏🏼💜💯💗

[@user-zm8ov6hc7s]

I had a trans hiatal esophagectomy September 2012. Still around and in good health after nearly 12 years.

[@maasaimaasai2895]

Congratulations, do insurance in first world cover cancer! cos in africa it's death.

[@moxii2]

Praise God

[@FTFFF]

Thank you for sharing your story, John. I'm newly diagnosed with Stage 3 and am fortunate to be living in NYC and to be starting my treatment journey at Memorial Sloan Kettering. I've just completed my scans and an ultrasound endoscopy and will be meeting this week with my team to discuss the path forward. So far, I've been told there will be 4-6 weeks of chemotherapy and 28 treatments of radiation, followed eventually by surgery. We're both fortunate we were/are candidates for the surgery. My surgeon is also a specialist in robotic surgery, so i feel in good hands. Your story is inspiring and gives me hope. I'm rooting for you - and was especially thrilled to hear you're about to get back to the gym, which is also a passion of mine. Sending love and best wishes.

[@rgahrens]

I am headed down the exact same path. In fact, I am considering MSK. Who may I ask is your surgeon?

[@FTFFF]

@@rgahrens my surgeon is Bernard Park. He’s excellent. In fact I just had my surgery this past Monday and am typing this from MSK. So far, so good. I’m here for another five days. Good luck to you!

[@rgahrens]

I am happy to hear that you are doing well. I am waiting for the results of my tests which will come back next week. Thanks for the info and good luck to you as well!

[@ML-ZenX]

No need to start Chemo...my dad right now has stage 3 esophageal cancer he is having medicine that can cure anykind of cancer u might to believe but its true it cures cancer. It is found in Northeast India Arunachal Pradesh. The medicine cost around 3.5k rs i.e around 50 dollars

[@myheartsdesire643]

Thank you Jack. This is very helpful. Thankful that once you got to the right doctors and facility that things went so well for you.

[@fubarnow8907]

Thanks Jack, great testimony.

[@relicmeisterstewart5626]

Encouraging news to this newly diagnosed EC patient. Pet scan already knows my fate but I’ll find out at next oncology appointment in 5 days. Another 1 min video by a doctor said 80% people diagnosed with EC will die within a year. Ugh!😮

[@gweno9901]

This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@fredchowdhury9329]

Well thought out explanation

[@superbfrenchies2465]

I appreciate so much to hear how you have been treated for esophageal cancer by a wonderful team of doctors. Where are you located to be able to be treated at Saint John’s? I’m so very very afraid of the symptoms I have. I was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus in July with an endoscopy by a very nice gastroenterologist doctor. My primary doctor has not been helpful and I have to push to get other tests. I need better help. I have a daily swallowing problem, started getting a horse voice and now when I swallow I feel something move in my neck. I am so worried and feel lost not knowing how to contact your doctors or where to get help. I hope to hear back.

[@joyjordan8183]

I hope all is well. But all the information was provided. I hope you see it and get the help you need. God bless you to get on the other side of this cancer. #CancerSucks

[@Wink2639]

God is good!

[@leeharrison8790]

I am in the same situation of just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer .. having difficulty finding a treatment place due to not having insurance .. the Florida Advent team is ready to treat me but having no money seems to holding things up .. hopefully social security will expedite medicaid to pay so I can get treatment .. I have lived in poverty all my life .. I am sixty four ... & really would be grateful to get the help I need .. I am not married , single , & don't have a really close support coach ..

[@Ransomhandsome]

I hope you've found the help you need. Are you utilizing a carnivore diet? If so, how's it going?

[@leeharrison8790]

@@Ransomhandsome Yes as to selecting a predominately carnivore based liquid diet .. what enters my mouth is monitored by a Keto-mojo meter to make sure I am in the state of Ketosis ... It's difficult to obtain enough animal fat & protein needed to curve off the mass loss of body fat ... I am almost a skeleton covered by skin ...it's not easy to manage all this on limited knowledge .. doing the best I can with the knowledge & where with I have to work with ...

[@Ransomhandsome]

Hey, Lee Any movement on a plan for you?

[@leeharrison8790]

@@Ransomhandsome Advent hospital cancer treatment center here in Florida has graciously taken on my treatment .. But sense i don't have insurance I don't know it will happen ... I am seeking medicaid with social security .. that hasn't happened yet .. the lack of money is a challenge .. My brother died from cancer due to the lack of money to pay for the treatment ... I hope that's not going to happen to me .. Only time will tell

[@Ransomhandsome]

@@leeharrison8790 Sorry for the delayed reply (just found your response). Any good news about you Medicaid?

[@Ransomhandsome]

My best friend was recently diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, and they're recommending aggressive chemo for him. I'm pushing for low-dose, higher frequency. The metastasis is to 2 minuscule spots on bone (pelvis and lower vertabrae). Any opinions?

[@RoyalMarineYachtGroup]

Doctors know better. Thats my opinion.

[@donnamartens2859]

This video does not help the vast number of people who do not have the choice to find the highest in the field to do their surgery like you did Mr. burns

[@RoyalMarineYachtGroup]

everything helps.