Hortin started treatment a month later with proton therapy. His team of physicians, including Smith Apisarnthanarax, MD, recommended protons along with chemotherapy and surgery, in part because of his age and the location of the tumor.
“Mr. Hortin’s age was at the upper limit for patients who are candidates for a major operation like an esophagectomy, because there can be complications related to the lungs and heart,” said Apisarnthanarax. “Radiation therapy can increase those risks. Proton therapy provided the best way to reduce radiation exposure to those organs as much as possible.”
That’s because the unique properties of protons — they are particles not rays — allow physicians to plan the radiation dose so it stops directly in the tumor and to control the dose with greater precision. This helped set Hortin up for a successful surgery.
Hortin said his treatment went well. He found his care team kind and attentive, and they understood what he was going through. Both he and his wife gave the team “exemplary marks.”
“As a former health care provider I know what care should look like, and his was amazing,” Sherri said.
While Horton’s overall care and treatment experience was positive, he did experience side effects.
He received chemotherapy once a week for three months followed by surgery. Three weeks prior to the surgery, he was so dehydrated from his radiation and chemotherapy that he required daily saline infusions. He also had to maintain his weight with protein shakes — a drink he says he never wants to see again now that he’s done with treatment.
Despite the side effects, he recovered very well after surgery.
“I think his surgeon, Brant Oelschlager, MD, said Doug was one of the oldest patients he’d done this surgery on,” said Sherri. “And it’s thanks to his fitness that he did so well. You have to move, even if it’s not easy — it makes a huge difference.”
The Hortins also attribute Doug’s positive spirit to the positive outcome — he remains cancer-free two years later.
“Even in the darkest moment, I remembered, there is only one way to go — forward. All the players in my care were so positive, it was easy to remain positive, too,” Hortin said. “The tremendous support that I received has not gone unnoticed as my life has been extended in large part because of [the team’s] dedication and expertise. I feel incredible now in my 80s. My heart feels like I’m in my 60s.”
Even though he’s active and quite healthy, Hortin still faces some short- and long-term challenges.
The surgery removed his esophagus and moved his stomach up into his chest. He had a feeding tube for a while that had to be flushed regularly and he had to slowly add new foods to his diet. Moving forward, he will always have to watch the size of his food portions and eat very, very slowly.
“You have to find your sweet spot when it comes to eating, and everyone is different,” said Sherri. “We surround ourselves only with good friends and family, people who are understanding and compassionate. But it hasn’t stopped us from traveling, though we eat out a bit less.”
