Esophageal Cancer

In 2007, for the first time in his life, Marlin Beach had trouble eating. During every meal, food would become stuck in this throat. Instead of seeking medical attention, Marlin secretly hoped it would go away. Fortunately, his wife of 35 years, Bonnie, knew it would not disappear on its own. In the spring of 2008, she finally convinced him to go to the doctor. After several rounds of tests, they learned that Marlin's inability to swallow food properly was caused by a malignant tumor on his esophagus.

"When our friends found out what we were about to deal with, they suggested we take Marlin to Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia," shared Bonnie, who admittedly begged the scheduling nurse to take him right away. "I was so worried because Marlin could not eat or swallow. Suzanne in scheduling was fantastic - she got us right in." The Beaches believe it was because of Suzanne's dedication to her job that Marlin was given a fighting chance to beat esophageal cancer.

Once they arrived at Fox Chase, Marlin and Bonnie met Avi Lebenthal, MD, a thoracic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgery. "Dr. Lebenthal was absolutely amazing," said Marlin. After their first appointment, the Beaches e-mailed Dr. Lebenthal some questions. Bonnie recalled that the following morning, which was a Sunday, their phone rang at 5:00 am. It was Dr. Lebenthal calling from Israel where it was evening. He later apologized for waking them up.

"Right then and there, we knew that Dr. Lebenthal would be the doctor to treat Marlin."

"Dr. Lebenthal answered all of our questions," said Bonnie. "We were floored. We had never heard of a doctor doing that before. Right then and there, we knew that Dr. Lebenthal would be the doctor to treat Marlin."

Marlin's initial treatment involved a course of chemotherapy and radiation designed to shrink the tumor so that it could be surgically removed. In July 2008, Marlin began receiving treatment at his local hospital because of the long travel distance to Fox Chase.

"It wasn't easy," admitted Marlin. "But I put my mind to it and decided not to let my treatment get me down." To stay positive and relaxed, Marlin enjoys splitting firewood. He went so far as to get a portable feeding tube so that he could stay mobile and continue to cut wood.

By November, Dr. Lebenthal determined that Marlin was ready for surgery. He used a minimally invasive technique, called Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), during which the surgeon uses laparoscopic tools and a camera inserted through tiny incisions. Rather than opening the chest through large incisions, which causes trauma to the chest wall and a much longer recovery, VATS leaves less scarring, pain, bleeding and less risk of infection.

The Beaches were extremely grateful to the ICU nurses, especially Barb, who went out of their way to care for Marlin. "She was kind, compassionate and very precise and particular about her job. Barb and all of the nurses in the ICU and in the operating room are very good at what they do."

"We have never seen such devotion in watching the nurses at Fox Chase do their jobs."

Marlin could not believe how good he felt after surgery. "I was up and walking the next day. It was amazing," he said. "The nurses were fantastic." Dr. Lebenthal had Marlin use a thoracic walker in the hospital to help him walk and speed his recovery process.

"Following thoracic surgery, patients often manage multiple tubes and catheters, including oxygen, a chest tube to suction, a bladder catheter or epidural catheter for pain control," Dr. Lebenthal explained. "As a result, nurses and patients are generally apprehensive about walking as they are concerned the tubes or catheters may become disconnected. The thoracic walker was created to remedy these valid concerns."

While Marlin was in the hospital, Fox Chase provided Bonnie a place to stay so she could be near her husband. "Because we live quite a distance from the hospital, finding me a comfortable place to stay was just one more way Fox Chase made our experience so easy," said Bonnie.

Marlin was discharged from the hospital after just 8 days. Once home, he had more chemotherapy, but was able to return to work as a heavy equipment operator in February 2009, earlier than expected. "It's not easy work, but I was feeling good enough to return," Marlin admitted.

"Words cannot describe how we feel about Dr. Lebenthal. He was up front and honest."

"Words cannot describe how we feel about Dr. Lebenthal. He was up front and honest," shared Bonnie. "Marlin and I never trusted doctors completely until we met Dr. Lebenthal. We recommend Fox Chase to anyone who has a cancer diagnosis."

"We are overwhelmed with the care and compassion that Marlin received at Fox Chase."

She added, "We can't thank everyone at Fox Chase enough for taking care of Marlin. We are overwhelmed with the care and compassion that Marlin received at Fox Chase. I don't think there are any words that can really describe how we feel. Thanks to Dr. Lebenthal, my cancer is behind me and life is returning to normal."

Marlin and Bonnie grew up in Pottsville, Pennsylvania and met when they were in 8th grade. Today they enjoy spending time with their family, which includes 4 grandsons. Like many Harley Davidson motorcycle fans, their mantra is "Live to Ride. Ride to Live." This experience has given Marlin new meaning to the saying, which he now refers to - "Alive to Ride."

Learn more about esophageal cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.