Esophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?

Can I ask why not? My dad has done chemo and radiation but is not sure on surgery?

Hi my name is Scott I’m 62. I’ve had surgery for my EC. Sounds like mine might be different. I had two surgery teams. One team from the front which they worked first to unhook my stomach from my esophagus and take nodes out to check for spread of cancer. Other team went in my right side deflating my lung and taking 20 cm of my esophagus out and using part of my stomach for my new esophagus. 9 hr surgery. Hospital stay was 8 days. My surgical teams were awesome. After surgery waited 4 weeks then started my last 4 chemo treatments. I was glad I had the surgery. But it’s definitely a very personal choice. What ever your dad decides. I hope everything works out for him and you and family. Stay strong.

Did you have any complications? Leaks or having to be stretched because of scar tissue?

No I didn’t have any leaks and I haven’t had to get stretched. No scar tissue at this time. My surgery was in January.

My husband was in a similar position. He is 71 and went ahead with the surgery in November last year. The surgery was hard on him, he was reasonably fit, quite slim before surgery. He has lost 34 lbs, is trying to put weight back on which he’s found quite difficult but he may have started to gain a little lately. It’s been a struggle but we are glad he had the surgery and for us was the best decision. We just felt better knowing he has done everything he possibly can to beat this. He is starting to feel better in himself and we have started walking and getting on with life. We live in New Zealand and while joining this support group we’ve found they do things a little differently here, he wasn’t sent home with a Jtube which seems standard over there…wish he had been given one as his weight loss has been a big concern. He had the Ivor Lewis surgery. 5 small holes in his abdomen and one in his side. Removed three quarters of his stomach and joined the remaining part to his esophagus. Hes learned to eat differently, 5 or 6 small meals a day, suffers occasionally from reflux but can be managed most of the time with diet. At 71 we feel we have a lot of living to do yet ! We enjoy spending time with our family and grandchildren and hope to do that for a long time yet ! Good luck with whatever decision you come to, thinking of you and your family xx

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.

Hi Deb, I am reaching out to see if you'd be willing to speak with a friend of mine whose husband has EC. He has completed radiation and chemo. He is leaning towards no surgery due to the extreme challenges they've been educated on him potentially facing. They don't know anyone who has walked this journey and are in need of some hope from someone who has walked their same path. Is there any chance you'd be willing to speak with my friend? They are the most lovely couple, 4 kids, and too many grandkids to count. So much to live for but he is feeling pretty discouraged and scared right now. Thank you for your consideration!

Hi, I am walking alongside a family who is on this journey of EC. Chemo and radiation is completed and next up is surgery. My friend is leaning towards not having it due to the extreme challenges of life post surgery. They are feeling pretty stuck and discouraged, not knowing how they should proceed. Is there any change you'd be willing to speak with them and share you journey? They are such wonderful people but haven't been able to get in touch with anyone who has experienced what they are potentially about to walk through. Thank you so much for considering speaking with them!

Would you be willing to share what your decision was and your experience? I am walking along side a family with EC who is being faced with. making the same decision. They are looking to speak with others who have walked this path. They are the sweetest family and could use some insight and hope, if you're willing to speak with them. Thank you for your consideration!

I'm happy to talk if they want to.

Gary