Esophageal Cancer: Surgery Or Not?

Hi my name is Scott. I have went through EC. I’m 62 my EC started Aug of 2024. Definitely scary at first my oncologist and surgeon were great. Very honest and up front. What made me feel better was that they were a team my case went through a tumor board. They discussed my case decided what treatment would work best for me. Flot treatment was used for me. Started with 4 treatments of chemotherapy every other week for 2 months. Then waited 5 weeks then surgery. Two surgical teams one for the front one for my right side. 9 hour surgery. Both surgeons talked to us in detail about how they would operate on me. I felt very comfortable because they made me comfortable. As in any surgery there can be complications. But I want to live. My determination to live is greater than my fears. My surgery went very well. My stay in the hospital was 8 days. First couple was tough I won’t lie. But once I put the work in breathing exercises and walks around the hospital at least 3 times a day. I got stronger and stronger that’s when I knew I was going to be ok. Also the nurses and doctors were great. They new I was serious about getting better. So after 7 days had my swallow check moment of truth. To see if there were going to be any leaks. There wasn’t any started to begin to drink broths and soups. Second day soft foods for about a week. Then started a little more like sandwiches no steak or chicken yet. But at least I could eat. It had been almost 8 months since I’ve eaten. I had a j tube that long because I couldn’t eat or drink anything. So for me surgery was very important. My surgery was Jan 3rd then waited 5 weeks had 4 more chemotherapy treatments same way every other week for 2 months. Got done April 4th. I feel better every day I take my walks every day. So far so good I get my scan first week of June. Hope this helps. I’m hoping the best for you!! What ever you decide.

Hi Courtney, I’ve sent you a private message xx

Thank you so much for being willing to take the time to speak with them! I apologize, I clicked on your profile and am unable to locate your contact information. Can you tell me how to navigate to your phone number?

I'm happy to talk if they want to.

Gary

Would you be willing to share what your decision was and your experience? I am walking along side a family with EC who is being faced with. making the same decision. They are looking to speak with others who have walked this path. They are the sweetest family and could use some insight and hope, if you're willing to speak with them. Thank you for your consideration!

Hi, I am walking alongside a family who is on this journey of EC. Chemo and radiation is completed and next up is surgery. My friend is leaning towards not having it due to the extreme challenges of life post surgery. They are feeling pretty stuck and discouraged, not knowing how they should proceed. Is there any change you'd be willing to speak with them and share you journey? They are such wonderful people but haven't been able to get in touch with anyone who has experienced what they are potentially about to walk through. Thank you so much for considering speaking with them!

Hi Deb, I am reaching out to see if you'd be willing to speak with a friend of mine whose husband has EC. He has completed radiation and chemo. He is leaning towards no surgery due to the extreme challenges they've been educated on him potentially facing. They don't know anyone who has walked this journey and are in need of some hope from someone who has walked their same path. Is there any chance you'd be willing to speak with my friend? They are the most lovely couple, 4 kids, and too many grandkids to count. So much to live for but he is feeling pretty discouraged and scared right now. Thank you for your consideration!

Hi there, I am currently walking along side a family who has a member with esophageal cancer. He has finished radiation and chemo, next step is surgery. He is leaning towards not having it due to the bleak picture painted by his surgeon. It seems your journey might be similar to his and I wondered if you'd be willing to speak with his wife to share your story? She is looking for someone who can give him some hope who has walked the path he potentially will be walking if he decides to proceed with surgery.

My husband was in a similar position. He is 71 and went ahead with the surgery in November last year. The surgery was hard on him, he was reasonably fit, quite slim before surgery. He has lost 34 lbs, is trying to put weight back on which he’s found quite difficult but he may have started to gain a little lately. It’s been a struggle but we are glad he had the surgery and for us was the best decision. We just felt better knowing he has done everything he possibly can to beat this. He is starting to feel better in himself and we have started walking and getting on with life. We live in New Zealand and while joining this support group we’ve found they do things a little differently here, he wasn’t sent home with a Jtube which seems standard over there…wish he had been given one as his weight loss has been a big concern. He had the Ivor Lewis surgery. 5 small holes in his abdomen and one in his side. Removed three quarters of his stomach and joined the remaining part to his esophagus. Hes learned to eat differently, 5 or 6 small meals a day, suffers occasionally from reflux but can be managed most of the time with diet. At 71 we feel we have a lot of living to do yet ! We enjoy spending time with our family and grandchildren and hope to do that for a long time yet ! Good luck with whatever decision you come to, thinking of you and your family xx

No I didn’t have any leaks and I haven’t had to get stretched. No scar tissue at this time. My surgery was in January.