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Newly diagnosed and really confused: Surgery vs Chemo + Radiation
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Mar 6 9:22pm | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
kev13168 @kev13168,
I had chemo and radiation after doc found tumor in my lower esophagus during endoscopy. They did not want to do surgery as I am 80. But the chemo and radiation worked and my scans are clear now. Let me know if you have questions?
Don
Replies to "kev13168 @kev13168, I had chemo and radiation after doc found tumor in my lower esophagus during..."
@dsh33782 Hi Don, it’s so encouraging to hear your scans are clear! My father (73) was diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma on Jan 1st. He’s finishing up his initial chemoradiation (23 sessions/40 Gy) and we’re at a crossroads.
The doctors have given us two choices:
Esophagectomy (surgery) in 4-6 weeks.
Definitive Chemoradiation (continuing to 30 sessions/50+ Gy) with no surgery.
Since you went the non-surgical route, how has your recovery and quality of life been? Any long-term side effects from the higher radiation dose, and are you able to eat comfortably now? We’d love to hear your perspective as we weigh these options.
Thanks
Connect
New to Mayo. My esphogectomy was in April, 2020. It had not perforated the esophageal wall but could not been nipped off by upper endoscopy. My oncologist recommended against chemo and radiation before surgery as it would weaken me somewhat. (I am now nearly 81). Also, the beginning of the pandemic informed decision making at that time. Despite a post surgery infection, I survived and treatment and am now cancer free without chemo or radiation. I get CT scans annually to confirm that fact. I hope to post a fuller reflection on the anniversary of my surgery. An esophagectomy is a radical surgery to experience. Sounds like your treatment successfully avoided it. Best wishes.