I know- it seems really drastic to me, too, so I was totally unprepared for the conversation (especially since all scans were "clean" with the exception of the site on the esophagus) . I appreciate your input; I've been doing research while waiting for the oncology appointment and it's clear to me that 1). if I have to do it, this is a complicated surgery and 2). the best results are obtained in high volume centers. I've been trying to find out where the "high volume" centers are to see if my own local center, Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong in Rochester, NY is one but can't find numbers. What does come up again and again is that Mayo is considered #1 for that surgery. I have a screening call with them on Monday so hope to find out more. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed. I hope your wife is doing well - and you, too; my own husband is going through treatments for Chronic Leukemia so I know it's not just the patient who is thrown into a tailspin. How long were you and your wife at Mayo for her surgery?