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← Return to Esopagectomy cancelled
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Surgery cancelled again
My husband was diagnosed in January with esophageal cancer. He went through a series of chemotherapy and radiation and was supposed to have surgery in June. Since then there have been two other delays because of cardio issues and now a spot on his lung. He was scheduled for this week and had prep surgery two weeks go. His surgeon called Friday to cancel, saying pretty much surgery would be a waste of time for him. We didn’t really get a clear idea of what is next. They do want him to come in for. Biopsy on the lung spot to see whether it is separate from the esophagus.
He still cannot swallow well, but they did say he could have a stent placed.
We are angry, devastated, and feel discarded.
Does anyone have any situation when you have a somewhat livable life without the surgery?
Thank you.
Replies to "Surgery cancelled again My husband was diagnosed in January with esophageal cancer. He went through a..."
Let's wait and see what the lung biopsy shows. It is important to understand that esophagectomy surgery is one helluva a surgery... life altering... a long recovery (think 12 to 24 months) in order to get digestion back to an acceptable level. Remember... doctors want to help their patients... not harm them. Your surgeon has to know that performing the esophagectomy gives your husband a better chance at never seeing his esophageal cancer once again. If the spot in the lung is indeed a metastasis of his EC... it makes no sense putting your husband thru this surgery while his doctors are still chasing down his cancer which is already elsewhere in his body. That would amount to cruel and unusual punishment! Any spread of his EC must be dealt with first.
Now I cannot speak to how this was explained to you and your husband... by any of his doctors. These doctors all have different bedside manners. But I would surely think at least one doctor took a few minutes to tell you what I just have. And yes... they will have a new plan going forward... which could mean a new and different chemo and/or immunotherapy regimen... or even back to surgery should it turn out the lung spot is not cancer.
Hang tough while this is sorted out. I'll come privately to chat as well.
Gary
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@maryfordmillard, I can hardly imagine how difficult this must be for you and your husband. To be prepared for surgey only to have it cancelled, is a roller coaster of emotions to say the least. While accepting this turn of events feels like a set back, your team has likely paused surgery because of the spot on the lung and ensure that surgery remains the best treatment and survival option. It's so important to have all the diagnostic information to determine the best treatment for each individual.
Some esophageal cancer patients never have surgery, like @margski @grandmacranky @dsh33782 @jrkbls @56899t52 and others.
Please let your Mayo team know about your letdown and how you are feeling devastated and discarded. Those are completely understandable reactions. I'm confident that they will take the time to explain why, for your husband's best chances, surgery has been postponed or a new course of treatment may be preferable.
For my part, I want to acknowledge what a curve ball you've been thrown and it's hard to see the wisdom in this right now. It sucks!