One Man’s Triumph Over Esophageal Cancer

Donald Winterhalt of Emmaus had so much trouble swallowing that he lost 30 pounds last year.

“I thought it was indigestion or acid reflux,” says the 68-year-old. But his doctor was concerned enough to send him to a gastroenterologist, who found a cancerous growth in his esophagus.

A team of cancer specialists at Lehigh Valley Hospital planned Winterhalt’s care, mapping an aggressive, three-month treatment that included chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. “Early detection and aggressive therapy give esophageal cancer patients the best hope long-term,” says cardiothoracic surgeon Michael Szwerc, M.D.

After the chemotherapy and radiation, Szwerc and a colleague surgically removed the tumor, then rebuilt Winterhalt’s esophagus using part of his stomach. It was major surgery, yet Winterhalt was able to leave the hospital in a week and was soon eating regular food. He is enjoying his woodcarving hobby once again.

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