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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.

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lasvegas60 | @lasvegas60 | Sep 5 9:33am
In reply to @mrgvw "Come see us on our twice-weekly Zoom calls... as Rick did. But understand we see each..." + (show)
Profile picture for mrgvw @mrgvw

Come see us on our twice-weekly Zoom calls... as Rick did. But understand we see each patient as their own unique case... taking EVERYTHING into consideration. We don't have an agenda... trying to talk you into surgery or not. But we have examples of everything on our calls. I believe right now our oldest patient who went to surgery was 81... maybe last Oct. Let me know if you'd like the Zoom link. Calls are Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern. And Sundays at 9am Eastern. Be well...

Gary

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Hello Gary,

I would be interested in your Zoom calls as I recently had an esophagectomy. Please send link when you can.

Thanks!
Clark

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earle | @earle | Sep 5 9:58am
In reply to @mrgvw "Come see us on our twice-weekly Zoom calls... as Rick did. But understand we see each..." + (show)
Profile picture for mrgvw @mrgvw

Come see us on our twice-weekly Zoom calls... as Rick did. But understand we see each patient as their own unique case... taking EVERYTHING into consideration. We don't have an agenda... trying to talk you into surgery or not. But we have examples of everything on our calls. I believe right now our oldest patient who went to surgery was 81... maybe last Oct. Let me know if you'd like the Zoom link. Calls are Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern. And Sundays at 9am Eastern. Be well...

Gary

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As I've posted before, I'll be 86 in a couple of months, my main reason for declining it...

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mrgvw | @mrgvw | Sep 5 3:11pm
In reply to @lasvegas60 "Hello Gary, I would be interested in your Zoom calls as I recently had an esophagectomy...." + (show)
Profile picture for lasvegas60 @lasvegas60

Hello Gary,

I would be interested in your Zoom calls as I recently had an esophagectomy. Please send link when you can.

Thanks!
Clark

Jump to this post

Here you go Clark... our twice-weekly Zoom calls never change, as follows:
Sundays, 9am Eastern
Wednesdays, 6pm Eastern

Here's the one-touch Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795
Gary

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