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From a Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer to a Walk Down the Aisle: Mike's Story

Contributors: Matthew Strickland, MD; Theodore Hong, MD; Christopher Morse, MD
6 minute read
Mike at his daughter Noelle’s wedding. Mass General Brigham patient Mike Kaelblein.

When Mike Kaelblein began having trouble swallowing, he figured it was due to acid reflux. It was a small annoyance—one he assumed would go away on its own. But over time, swallowing became more difficult, and his primary care doctor recommended an endoscopy to be safe.

The symptom turned out to be a sign of something much more serious: a tumor in Mike's esophagus. Soon thereafter, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Research-driven care at Mass General Cancer Center

Mike at Mass General with his daughter, Allison.

Mike was referred to Mass General Cancer Center. There, a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts designed a research-driven treatment plan for his aggressive form of cancer. The plan was informed by emerging clinical trial data that built on top of the standard of care. 

Within a week, Mike and his daughter Allison were at Mass General to meet medical oncologist Matthew Strickland, MD, radiation oncologist Theodore Hong, MD, and thoracic surgeon Christopher Morse, MD, who were working together to craft his treatment plan.

Dr. Strickland, who played a leading role in managing Mike's treatment, said the next step would be a PET scan. This imaging test would reveal whether the tumor was curable.

Staging esophageal cancer 'a big relief'

Mike receiving treatment.

The PET scan confirmed stage 3 esophageal cancer. That meant it hadn't spread far from its original site in the esophagus. "It was a big relief," Mike said. "They said it was great news because they would have a shot at treating it successfully."

Drs. Strickland, Hong, and Morse reviewed Mike's case during a multidisciplinary tumor board meeting at Mass General. The board consists of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists who focus on esophageal and stomach cancer. Together, they determine the most effective treatment plan for each patient.

Mike's care team recommended a cutting-edge approach based on a recent clinical trial. This plan included an initial phase of high-dose chemotherapy before the typical regimen of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Research indicated that this sequence could improve tumor response and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

As an academic medical center with an active, wide-ranging research program, we have the expertise and resources to understand the latest clinical data and apply it effectively. For patients like Mike, we can incorporate emerging research into their treatment plans in real time, improving outcomes.

Matthew Strickland, MD
Medical Oncologist
Mass General Brigham

Since Mike was otherwise in good health and had a strong support system at home, the doctors thought he would be a good candidate for this aggressive approach. Despite the added intensity of the regimen, he signed on.

A break in treatment for a walk down the aisle

For the first phase of treatment, Mike received four rounds of chemotherapy over eight weeks. The goal was to shrink the tumor as much as possible before starting radiation. As treatment progressed, he found it easier and easier to swallow. After the final round, a repeat scan showed a positive response—the tumor was getting smaller.

Mike at his daughter Noelle’s wedding.

Next, Mike was scheduled to begin the combination of chemotherapy and radiation to further weaken the cancer before surgery. However, an important event was coming up: his daughter Noelle's wedding. 

"Noelle wanted me to feel my best, so I explained the situation to Dr. Strickland and Dr. Hong," Mike said. "Since I had been doing well, they said they could safely adjust my treatment schedule. They gave me a month off from treatment so I could walk her down the aisle and enjoy the day."

A couple days after the wedding, Mike started the second phase of treatment. Over five-and-a-half weeks, he completed 28 rounds of radiation alongside chemotherapy every two weeks. New imaging confirmed that the treatment was working, so his doctors were ready to move on to surgery.

Mike in the hospital.

Dr. Morse performed an esophagectomy, removing the cancerous part of the esophagus and reconnecting the remaining part of his esophagus to his stomach. Mike came out of surgery with a 20-inch scar.  

"Often, patients can choose to get chemotherapy and radiation for esophageal cancer at a community location and we remain on the team as consultants," Dr. Strickland said. "But for surgery, it is critical to go to a high-volume center with specialized, highly experienced surgeons like Dr. Morse. The data's clear—the outcomes are better." 

Tears of joy

Mike spent a week recovering at Mass General, followed by three weeks of rest at home. A subsequent test on a specimen taken during surgery revealed the best news yet: 100% of the cancer cells were dead.

"Congratulations," Mike recalled Dr. Morse saying. "Only 20% of people who go through this treatment come out with a complete treatment response. You, my friend, are in the 20%."

Mike with his wife, Nancy.

A surge of relief ran through Mike. "That sent a lightning bolt up my spine," he said. "And then Allison, who had always been stoic up until then, just started crying." 

Mike returned to work six weeks after surgery. He has since gotten back to some of his favorite things, including golfing and playing with his two grandchildren. "It's unbelievable that it hasn't even been a year [since completing treatment], and it's like it never happened," he marveled. 

Until he hits the five-year mark, Mike will continue routine follow-ups at Mass General Cancer Center, but he feels confident about his future.

"I will say to anyone, I couldn't have asked for better care," he said. "And I couldn't be more pleased with my team. It's impossible." 

Discover how we deliver world-class esophageal cancer treatment
Matthew Strickland, MD

Contributor

Matthew Strickland, MD
Medical Oncologist
Theodore Hong, MD

Contributor

Theodore Hong, MD
Radiation Oncologist
Christopher Morse, MD

Contributor

Christopher Morse, MD
Thoracic Surgeon

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