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Esophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (96)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I HAD esophageal cancer and didn't question for a second whether to have surgery. I did and it was rough in the beginning but I am almost back to my old self. Next week I am having my 3 year checkup. So far, so good. No sign of cancer and my surgeon said he believes I have a 5% chance of it ever returning. I believe that not having the surgery would be foolhardy but then that's me. I rarely think about it.....life goes on. Whatever you decide I wish you the best. Be positive and good luck.
Replies to "Hi. I HAD esophageal cancer and didn't question for a second whether to have surgery. I..."
Was it at the GE juncture? Any lymph node involvement? Did you have any pre surgical chemo or radiation?
Did you go for pre-surgical chemo and/or radiation.? That is my dilemma with my spouse. PET scan shows no nodal involvement or metastasis But the mass has invaded the muscle layer of the esophagus so he is T2N0. Should he spend precious time having chemo and radiation and risk the cancer spreading at that time or becoming immune suppressed that his surgery needs to be delayed or just go right to surgery?
Hi there, I am currently walking along side a family who has a member with esophageal cancer. He has finished radiation and chemo, next step is surgery. He is leaning towards not having it due to the bleak picture painted by his surgeon. It seems your journey might be similar to his and I wondered if you'd be willing to speak with his wife to share your story? She is looking for someone who can give him some hope who has walked the path he potentially will be walking if he decides to proceed with surgery.
I would like your input on my situation. I am a 64 year old male, 2b adenocarcinoma. I have just completed my chemo and radiation, my surgery is scheduled for July 30. I question moving fwd. with the esophagectomy. I literally have zero support or care giver. My few friends are a few phone conversations and no face to face. For unknown reasons my adult children had ghosted me some time back, they know of my situation but have not acknowledged it or me in any way. I understand they have their own lives too but I have made every attempt to communicate with them to no avail. I also have 7 grand children I haven't seen in 3 years.
Honestly I feel as though I don't have much to live for due to my isolation, the surgery invasiveness, recovery, poor quality of life and a 30% chance of making it 3-5 years makes me question if its worth it. What are your thoughts?
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My husband is 75 years old Dx with T2N0 GE juncture cancer. Pet scan negative for mets no lymph node involvement Esophageal ultrasound shows mass into muscle layer but no lymphadenopathy. Surgery first? chemo later? chemo first? I would hate to postpone surgery at this point for unnecessary pre surgical chemo and radiation. Thoughts?