Change in treatment

Posted by ssimpson111 @ssimpson111, May 31 5:37pm

My husband was diagnosed in January and was staged T2N2M0. The oncologist said he was stage 4. I do not understand that. He has had 5 treatments of FLOT. His PET scan showed no activity in the 2 nodes they saw on previous scan and his tumor had significantly decreased in size. The cardiothoracic surgeon scheduled surgery for esophagectomy, but the tumor board met ND canceled surgery. They want him to complete all 8 FLOT treatments and do radiation on the 2 nodes. Following this they would do surgery. He has done really well with therapy. He has gained weight and his labs are good. I am upset that his surgery was canceled. Has anyone had this happen?

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

goldenshadow | @goldenshadow | May 31 7:35pm

Hi, I haven’t had this happen. Did 4 flot treatments had surgery then another 4 flot treatments. But maybe with how yours is shrinking less chance for metastasizing keep surgery to a minimum. Less evasive surgery also. Best wishes for you. You got this!

ssimpson111 | @ssimpson111 | May 31 10:24pm

In reply to @goldenshadow "Hi, I haven’t had this happen. Did 4 flot treatments had surgery then another 4 flot..." + (show)

That was his original plan. One of the nodes was high in the aortic arch. The surgeon planned to remove it but something changed. Everything the oncologist said was positive. I don't understand how radiation is doing well.

mrgvw | @mrgvw | Jun 1 7:50am

Zoom call starting in 10 mins... jump on...

Gary
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795?pwd=UjBHQ0J2V1pOc21SOExTR2N1UXNpQT09

goldenshadow | @goldenshadow | Jun 1 12:08pm

Your surgeon should go over everything with you and your husband. Ask you have every right to know what is happening. Don’t take no for an answer. My surgeons answered all my questions. What would happened every step of the way. So important that you have complete trust in your doctors. Best wishes for you and your husband. Remember its your lives not the doctors.

amy | @amyfaber | Jun 2 11:06pm

Hello, my son had all 8 FLOT tx in a row along with immunotherapy every other chemo round. He finished his 8th round on April 11th and he is scheduled for gastrectomy and esophagectomy w/ colon interposition on June 12th. He did not have any radiation.