← Return to Esophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?
DiscussionEsophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: May 28 12:03pm | Replies (87)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hi, I am walking alongside a family who is on this journey of EC. Chemo and..."
I made the decision to NOT have surgery and I am 6 years NED. There are many factors to consider and I am only one person.
Hi my name is Scott. I have went through EC. I’m 62 my EC started Aug of 2024. Definitely scary at first my oncologist and surgeon were great. Very honest and up front. What made me feel better was that they were a team my case went through a tumor board. They discussed my case decided what treatment would work best for me. Flot treatment was used for me. Started with 4 treatments of chemotherapy every other week for 2 months. Then waited 5 weeks then surgery. Two surgical teams one for the front one for my right side. 9 hour surgery. Both surgeons talked to us in detail about how they would operate on me. I felt very comfortable because they made me comfortable. As in any surgery there can be complications. But I want to live. My determination to live is greater than my fears. My surgery went very well. My stay in the hospital was 8 days. First couple was tough I won’t lie. But once I put the work in breathing exercises and walks around the hospital at least 3 times a day. I got stronger and stronger that’s when I knew I was going to be ok. Also the nurses and doctors were great. They new I was serious about getting better. So after 7 days had my swallow check moment of truth. To see if there were going to be any leaks. There wasn’t any started to begin to drink broths and soups. Second day soft foods for about a week. Then started a little more like sandwiches no steak or chicken yet. But at least I could eat. It had been almost 8 months since I’ve eaten. I had a j tube that long because I couldn’t eat or drink anything. So for me surgery was very important. My surgery was Jan 3rd then waited 5 weeks had 4 more chemotherapy treatments same way every other week for 2 months. Got done April 4th. I feel better every day I take my walks every day. So far so good I get my scan first week of June. Hope this helps. I’m hoping the best for you!! What ever you decide.