Should i get an esophagectomy?

Hi Rick, I was so struck by your post. I'm a caregiver for my husband with EC. I'm sorry you are in this position, with such a serious diagnosis and no support. My husband wasn't eligible for surgery so unfortunately I can't speak to that, but many here have had the surgery and are much better equipped to share that experience with you. I know they will chime in soon.

Where are you receiving your care? Most cancer centers have nurse navigators or patient navigators. They are invaluable and can assist with things like connecting you with many resources. Our NN was awesome and extremely supportive in every way. She connected us with social work, nutrition, financial assistance, palliative care, aftercare, etc. She was the go-to person, with the knowledge and resources we needed.

Do you have a navigator? Keeping them in the loop about the details of your social situation is really important, as they can and will help. If so, I highly encourage you to utilize them. If not, please inquire about it.

I understand your reservations about going forward with the surgery, especially with no support. Get all the info about services like home health aids, visiting nurses, other services your cancer center may offer. Talk to others here, and on smartpatients.com, another excellent group of patients and caregivers with so many different experiences, willing to share and offer support in whatever way possible. There are so many success stories, including ours! Knowledge is power...find out as much as you can about your options and stay connected through forums like this.

I'm sure others who have gone through the surgery will be on to offer their experiences with you. Glad you reached out. Peace

I suppose I shouldn't weigh in here, since we've had many phone chats in addition to the many EC Zoom calls of ours that you've popped in on. Plus... I'm thinking I've been fairly blunt with you in my counsel.

Is there a reason I would not currently consider esophagectomy if I were in your shoes? Yes... maybe for two reasons. One... if I had such a tremendous response to my treatments (considered a CPR) that nothing can be seen inside me, anywhere. In that case I might choose to roll the dice and just stay monitored (even though a tumor board might still recommend esophagectomy). The second reason, is the other end of the spectrum. If my treatment response was minimal... my oncologist was not to thrilled with it, some external lymphs are still lighting up and my solid tumor shrunk very little... and i was still deemed surgery-eligible by the tumor board... then I might forgo surgery as well. More true if I was in my late 70s, which you are not!

As I've told you, I'm not qualified to weigh in on your family situation... I've got my own 4 adult children dealing with their own screwed up lives. From Two and a half Men... Evelyn said "God gives us children so death won't come as such a disappointment!"

Also... I know I've steered you towards one of the world's best cardiothoracic surgeons there is... Dr Shanda Blackmon. While she did not do my esophagectomy, I can honestly say I would have loved it if she had! And that's a big thing for me to say since I'm a stage 3 (T3N1M0) EC patient who is now 1 month shy of being 5 years post-op and doing well... basically back to normal. That's how highly I regard Dr Blackmon... her love of her patient, in their post-op journey... well... she is like no other. I don't know how she finds the time. And what shocks me even more... I sent you to her (she barely even knows me)... and now she has your surgery scheduled!! I still don't believe it!

So... stop second guessing yourself... you're going to do well. And I don't mean to diminish what a pain-in-the-ass the post-op journey is. But I don't want any of us to die from esophageal cancer either. This surgery, if the proper response from your chemoradiation treatments has been seen, gives you your best shot a good rest-of-your- life.

You know where I am.

Gary

In my opinion if it’s offered as an option it’s your best shot at getting a cure. I am getting mine next week July 3rd and I consider myself lucky for being offered that option. Many people on here older than you had the surgery and are doing well.

I agree with Gary.

Dr. Blackmon did my surgery on August 3, 2023. After flot chemo and radiation.

I had the surgery because it gave me the best chance of beating this cancer beast.

So far, my scans are clear. I'm very fortunate and grateful!

Dr. Blackmon is the best. A world class skilled and experienced surgeon who genuinely cares about her patients. A terrific human being.

I am very fortunate with the support I have had and still have - my kids, family, friends.

I don't know what to say about your lack of support options. Bothers me, but I have no good ideas to offer this morning. I'm going to think about it.

I suggest you consider addressing the support and caregiver issue with Dr. Blackmon. She's very much into supporting her patients - she may have helpful ideas. Resources to contact.

She certainly won't be offended or bothered by you raising the issue with her.

I gave Dr. Blackmon a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat - her name on it - as I thanked her for "going to bat" for me.

She will do the same for you. You will make it through, as many of us have, and probably be thankful you did.

I'm going to keep thinking about your support, caregiver issue.

Have the surgery my friend. It's the best option, in my opinion. Give yourself the best odds you can.

Like Gary, I'm willing to talk if you want. My phone is in my personal info. Call any time.

If we don't talk, please tell Dr. Blackmon hello for me - Her Louisville Slugger patient.

Hi Scott here I had my surgery January 3rd 2025. It was the right decision for me. This is a decision to give yourself the best chance to live. There are caregivers that are more than willing to help out. These caregivers can usually be contacted through the hospital you’re going through. As far as family goes all you can do is keep trying to reach out to them. Hopefully you can talk to them and reconnect. It sounds to me that you do have a lot to live for. Go for the surgery hang on to that family. Take a leap of faith.

Hi Rick ... I hear you!!
I went through chemoradiation for my nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2006 on my own, and have been struggling with severe neck fibrosis (swallowing and speech issues) since mid 2020 - also on m
It is tough and a constant struggle - I tell myself to be strong, and take a day at a time and takes whatever comes along.
Do your best and at the end of day - feel good that you had done your best!!

Thank you Gary, i guess i was reaching out to others that had the surgery to understand if they would do it againl.
ive been dealing with alot of depression and the emptiness of my life. Its amazing. I fave everything for my kids, o just dont understand. Im a very good person and dont deserve to go through this to die alone.
We will keep in touch l
Rick

Thank you.

Thank you. Sorry to whine . As I plan my will and the clock ticks down, reality is setting in hard.
Things Will work out
RK

Thank you.
I say i dont have support but meant face to face. I do have support in your selves, my group and others.
:). RK