Esophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?

Posted by rickho @rickho, Feb 19, 2024

I just completed my 8 Chemo and 28 radiation treatments with a follow up Pet Scan. My wife and I were excited with the images when compared to the 1st pet scan that showed cancer in the lower 3rd of the esophagus as well as in a couple of limpnodes located in the area. Our radiologist showed us the images and said it showed absolutely nothing now. We felt a EGD with a biopsy would be the next logical step but the surgeon who would be performing the surgery really wasn't receptive to it. She is probably the best in our area and performs a high volume of these surgeries annually. Her comment being "Even if the test comes back clear, the cancer returns 50 % of the time". So now I'm in the position of trying to make a decision to go with the surgery or not. I'm 70 years old, in good health. I'm just struggling with what I should do. I know it's not a easy surgery or recovery. I'm not afraid of the fight, I just don't know if I need to make it

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

courtney5 | @courtney5 | May 22 11:00am

In reply to @gdj "I'm happy to talk if they want to. Gary" + (show)

Thank you so much for being willing to take the time to speak with them! I apologize, I clicked on your profile and am unable to locate your contact information. Can you tell me how to navigate to your phone number?

deb005 | @deb005 | May 22 3:05pm

In reply to @courtney5 "Hi Deb, I am reaching out to see if you'd be willing to speak with a..." + (show)

Hi Courtney, I’ve sent you a private message xx

goldenshadow | @goldenshadow | May 22 5:05pm

In reply to @courtney5 "Hi, I am walking alongside a family who is on this journey of EC. Chemo and..." + (show)

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.

courtney5 | @courtney5 | May 23 8:48am

In reply to @goldenshadow "Hi my name is Scott. I have went through EC. I’m 62 my EC started Aug..." + (show)

@goldenshadow

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Thank you for sharing your experience! I hope things continue to move in the right direction for you!

esowarrior | @esowarrior | May 23 10:19am

In reply to @courtney5 "Hi, I am walking alongside a family who is on this journey of EC. Chemo and..." + (show)

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.

goldenshadow | @goldenshadow | May 23 12:13pm

In reply to @courtney5 "Thank you for sharing your experience! I hope things continue to move in the right direction..." + (show)

Thank You!

courtney5 | @courtney5 | May 23 9:49pm

In reply to @esowarrior "I made the decision to NOT have surgery and I am 6 years NED. There are..." + (show)

Thank you for your reply. Would you be willing to share a bit more about your experience and what led you to your decision? My friends are trying to get perspectives from both populations (with and without surgery). Thank you for your time, so much!

esowarrior | @esowarrior | May 23 10:27pm

Hi, yes. My squamous cell tumor (mid-esophagus) had completely gone away after 7 weeks of radiation and 5 weeks of.chemo (carboplatin plus paclitaxel). One of my oncologists said "watch and wait" was not unreasonable. Your friends can also check out the SANO trial in Netherlands. They compared "active surveillance" to surgery after a complete pathological response like I had to chemorad. They found active surveillance was "not inferior " to surgery in their preliminary results.

pliddle | @pliddle | May 24 10:37am

In reply to @goldenshadow "Hi my name is Scott. I have went through EC. I’m 62 my EC started Aug..." + (show)

@goldenshadow

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At age 62 I think surgery is a right decision; you hopefully have many years left. I'm considering a different decision at nearly age 79--depending on the outcome of my now-completed chemo/radiation treatment course.