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 significant side effects like 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 for esophageal cancer awareness through 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 his faith and 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:

• How the chest pains he experienced led him to uncover stage 3 esophageal cancer.
• What finally revealed Dan’s true health issue.
• How he stayed strong through chemo, surgery, and life after cancer.
• Why Dan advocates for esophageal cancer awareness and early screenings.
• The small but significant daily habits that help Dan live fully after his cancer treatment.