Surgery coming up for my husband

I had surgery on July 3, 2025 and already doing well, eating is getting back to normal just a month later, and although I am still recovering I can see life getting back to normal soon. Don’t do radiation, it’s not helpful for this cancer, check out flot4 and esopec trial. The current standard of care is FLOT together with immunotherapy, check out the recent Matterhorn trial. FLOT plus immunotherapy and surgery gives the highest chance of a cure, in my opinion you are doing the right things by going w surgery, don’t be afraid of it, there is a decent life afterwords, I heard of many positive outcomes, just make sure you chose a surgeon who has done many, someone who specializes in this, I went with Dr. Molena at MSKCC in New York, they call her esophagectomy queen, you need to find someone similar, someone who does these surgeries nonstop, not someone who does a few a year. Ask your surgeon many questions, make sure he or she is qualified, this is a very complex surgery and experience and qualifications makes a huge difference. Good luck

Hi again it seems your husband is doing pretty well. The main thing here is to make sure that you and your husband have a positive attitude going into this. Attitude is everything I believe in this so much. Also I don’t think people realize how much just taking walks helps with your mental and physical health. I never would have thought it would have helped me this much. So watching how much these walks helped me it also made a profound difference for my wife and family. Made me stronger and ready for my surgery. I truly believe this also can help you and your husband. So I hope this helps wishing you guys the best as I always say you got this!! Scott

Hi from Tasmania. I’m 14 months post surgery - had chemo and radiotherapy beforehand. It’s a stressful time for you both and it’s a major surgical procedure you’re facing. Having said that, recovery starts soon after surgery and life returns to a new normal after some months. There are a number of horror stories on this site, but this is not always and probably not often the case. The people who do well are less likely to be posting on this site. My life is currently pretty good - eating almost normally, gaining weight, about to go and help a friend with a building project.
I was told by my surgeon that having the surgery gave a fourfold increase in survival odds. Be brave, I think you’re heading in the right direction.
Ps. The best advice I received is to get as fit as possible before the surgery - walking is a great way to go - good for your mental and physical health. Wishing you all the best. Geoff

My husband just had surgery on Friday. So far, he is doing great. Our hospital gave him the option of a thoracic epidural, and his pain has been minimal. He has already started on the feeding tube and is tolerating that well. We found that staying hydrated and active was best during chemo, and walking before surgery has helped him. He has been walking the floor every day since surgery, up in the chair and talking. His biggest complaint has been the NG tube, making his throat sore. Otherwise, it hasn't been as bad as we were prepared for. Make plans for a longer hospital stay. For me, the biggest expense has been parking. Our hospital is on a college campus, so it is $18 a day. See if your hospital has any reduced plans before surgery. Make sure to pack snacks and drinks for yourself as well. It is important that you stay healthy to take care of your loved one after surgery.

Greetings,
Can you get a ride to the hospital? Good grief $18. / day is highway theft!!!

Try parking in Manhattan near MSK at least $30 day and he was in for nearly a month !

Congratulations on a good result. You have a lot to be happy about when your main grievance is the cost of parking - pricey though it is. Fingers crossed that your husband’s recovery continues smoothly.

True that. Worth every penny for a good result

I wish we lived about 100 miles from where the surgery was performed.

I agree 100% This hospital has been excellent. I don't have much to complain about. His recovery has been exceptional. They have a physician who comes to see him every day, who does nothing except pain control. That has been such a blessing.