Mark Sevillano Jr., a 41-year-old man from Santa Fe Springs, California, recently shared his difficult journey after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer — a disease he never expected. Years after facing a stressful divorce and earning a teaching degree, Mark decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle in early 2024. He started going to the gym regularly and eating better, feeling hopeful about his future.
However, Mark soon noticed an alarming problem: he struggled to swallow food comfortably. Drinking water helped at first, but after two months the difficulty worsened, prompting him to see a doctor. Unfortunately, the initial response was dismissive, and the doctor only reluctantly ordered a swallowing test. Before that exam could happen, Mark’s condition deteriorated, leading him to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Mark had never even heard of the esophagus before and didn’t suspect cancer, even as he began losing weight—something he attributed to his diet changes. The doctor’s lack of urgency was partly because Mark was young and had no family history of cancer, but in hindsight, Mark saw many red flags he wished had been taken more seriously.
At his worst, Mark couldn’t even swallow liquids, describing his throat as clogged and filling with water. In October 2024, he underwent major surgery to remove six inches of his esophagus and a tumor the size of a strawberry. Surgeons reconstructed his esophagus using part of his intestine.
Mark completed chemotherapy, enduring side effects like fatigue and neuropathy. Today, he is cancer-free and committed to regular scans over the next five years to monitor his health.
His story serves as an important reminder not to ignore warning signs. Trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, and other symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.
