My husband has received a lot of funny get-well cards, and he really enjoys getting them. He looks forward to the mail every day to see if he got any card. My husband really enjoys reading, and since we spend a lot of time in waiting rooms or having chemo, he takes books along with him. Maybe a good book, magazine, or a gift card to a book store would be good if your friend likes to read. I know with esophageal cancer sometimes nutrition is a problem. Something bland and tasty to drink (my husband likes Carnation Instant Breakfast), vitamin water or canned nectar that you can get at the grocery store would be a yummy treat for him. Sorry I can't think of more helpful things, but that's just what my husband has enjoyed. Good luck to you, God Bless,
Nancy