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Esophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?
I just completed my 8 Chemo and 28 radiation treatments with a follow up Pet Scan. My wife and I were excited with the images when compared to the 1st pet scan that showed cancer in the lower 3rd of the esophagus as well as in a couple of limpnodes located in the area. Our radiologist showed us the images and said it showed absolutely nothing now. We felt a EGD with a biopsy would be the next logical step but the surgeon who would be performing the surgery really wasn't receptive to it. She is probably the best in our area and performs a high volume of these surgeries annually. Her comment being "Even if the test comes back clear, the cancer returns 50 % of the time". So now I'm in the position of trying to make a decision to go with the surgery or not. I'm 70 years old, in good health. I'm just struggling with what I should do. I know it's not a easy surgery or recovery. I'm not afraid of the fight, I just don't know if I need to make it
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They call mine "late onset esophagitis." Actually, it started with the last four sessions. (They have five sessions, Monday-Friday, weekly.) It didn't hurt during the sessions, but it did in the evenings afterwards. I hope yours goes smoothly...
E.
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1 ReactionEarle
Sorry you are still on feeding tube which is no fun. I hope you start seeing improvement soon and can start eating again. I start PC radiation treatment in 6 days now.
Don
I'm a month post proton radiation now. However, I still have esophagitis and trouble with spasms from time to time. I'm still 99% on tube feeding. I'd hoped to be further along, but it is what it is. I go back in a month for followup. Best of luck with the PC. They can do a lot with it now. My stepson developed it in his mid-50s recently. His insurance wouldn't cover proton, even though there's a proton facility within a few miles of his house in Nashville...
E.
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1 ReactionHang in there after what you’ve been through already. You got this. Scott
Earle
So how are you doing now?
I survived the EC but have now moved on to get treatment for prostrate cancer with Gleason score of 4+3=7 which is agressive enought to warrent treatment even though I'm 80 now. I start 28 radiation treatments next week.
I hope you are doing better now.
Don
I like to read about folk who have forgone the surgery. I was diagnosed back in Feb. with stage III EC, median squamous cell. I also turned down surgery, since the stats seem to show no survival benefit. Instead, I had proton radiation with adjuvant chemo. My chemo had to be cut short at 60% of the usual regimen because of a bad reaction to the drugs which landed me in the hospital. I chose MD Anderson, because cancer is all that they do. I have been through Mayo for lymphedema following failed PAD surgery, so I was in a position to evaluate both...
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1 ReactionHi, Scott here this is a big decision. I did have surgery but I got all the information from my doctors oncologist and surgeons. Also other patients with esophagus cancer. Also family I wanted everyone’s opinion. It’s my decision overall I had surgery because it was going to have best results for me. I’m 19 weeks post operation. I’m doing well definitely a big change in eating I eat smaller meals more often so I keep my weight. I’m holding on to my weight. It definitely takes time also to get where I am. But I believe I made the right decision. Hope this helps you. Wish the best for you!
Hi Gary. How are you today? I'm good because it's finally warm and sunny.
I understand that you are trying to decide whether to have esophageal cancer surgery.
Deb
Hello, I hope everything works out for you. Definitely a very personal choice.
I know when my husband finally came to terms with it in both his heart and his head to not proceed with surgery, he has been at peace. He is 1/2 way through his first 4 FLOT trtmts and doing ok! Tired, but ok. Prayers going out to you