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Has anyone decided not to have surgery after the first round of chemo?
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Dec 12, 2025 | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
First things first... why must a decision be made about esophagectomy after only one round of a first-line treatment?
If we are talking about possibly being cured of our esophageal cancer (and not just buying a little more time)... it's important to do things in order... and see what develops... what options become possible. These are unknown at this early stage, even to our oncologists, GI doctors, and thoracic surgeons. First-line chemo or chemoradiation treatments need to be completed... and then see what next scans show... and see what the tumor board recommends. Patients are still in charge, no one can force you to do anything. Let's wait and see what develops... then go from there.
We host twice-weekly free Zoom calls if you'd like to pop in. We're just patients and caregivers talking to each other... and we've seen most everything.
Be well,
Gary
Replies to "First things first... why must a decision be made about esophagectomy after only one round of..."
@mrgvw I am curious about your zoom call. My mother was diagnosed at age 70 very healthy otherwise, and considering not doing surgery due to fear of complications and decrease quality of like afterwards. I think it would be helpful to hear and discuss with others who have walked this path!
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@mrgvw Hi Gary, I'd like to join a Zoom call if they are still happening. I'd love to talk to some people who have or are going through this cancer. Newly diagnosed. My username is rdt. Thanks Todd.