It's a multi-faction question. I forewent the surgery in favor of chemoradiation alone. My cancer was ECSC, about a third of the way down and was confined to the esophagus. My lymph nodes tested clear. I had seen my ex-wife have the surgery, so I had a reasonable idea of what the recovery would be like. Finally, there was my age, 85 at the time. I opted for MD Anderson, although I have been to Mayo Rochester for another condition. At MDA, you meet with your doctors first. I met with a surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiological oncologist. I asked the surgeon if he felt the surgery would improve my survival chances. His answer was honest and quick - "No." (given my unique circumstances). My esophagus and nodes now test clear. The aftermath of the radiation was not pleasant. I go in for my 4th dilation on the 19th of this month. I swapped tumor for scar tissue...