Esophageal Cancer

Hi my name is Gerry and my husband age 53  was diagnosed with ec last week of August and he will be having surgery on Tuesday - October 16th.  They will be doing a transhiatal which they say has less complications and better healing time.  When we went to the Dr back in August we didn't ask the questions we should have as I guess it came as quite a shock to us so we don't really even know what stage he has - the CT scan the dr advised showed no spread - so hopefully that's right.  I read that the CT is not the most reliable to show lymph node invovlement.  My husband is getting nervous now that the surgery is closer - if anyone has any info on this type of surgery that would be great.  Also he did not have to have chemo or radiation prior to surgery the dr advised that once they tested tumor etc after surgery it may still be required (we are hoping not).  I have been doing lots of reading on this subject but it just tends to depress me as they say it's not such an easy thing to beat.  I'm glad I came across this forum it's very interesting.  Good Luck to all of you fighting this horrid disease and I hope to hear from some of you.  Let me say that we are from Winnipeg, Manitoba (canada). 

Hi Gerry,

Sorry you had to come to this board, but there are a lot of people here to give you support and hope.  If your husband's cancer hasn't metastasized then he may be a Stage 3, but there are so many sub types it's best to ask the Dr.  Good luck with the surgery and keep us posted.  God Bless.

sorry you have a reason for being here. I would ask your doctor why they are performing surgery first opposed to radiation and chemo and then surgery.  It sounds as though perhaps the tumor may be smaller and the lymph nodes are not affected.  Never the less, a PET scan will be able to read if the lymph nodes are affected. You should request one. My dad is at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and he has one large tumor and two lymph nodes involved.  They are doing radiation and chemo first, then the surgery. Keep us updated -- don't pay attention to the statistics.  People beat this disease all the time!  There is lots of hope.  Just remember to continue to be a great advocate and push for the things you think he needs.  God will infuse both of you with strength during this time.

Tracy

I am now totally free of EC. I was diagnosed with Stage 2A in June of 2006.   This was done after having CT scans, PET scans, and an ultrasound endoscope.  I underwent 6 weeks of radiation and 4 chemo treatments prior to my surgery in September, 2006. I was operated on September 20 and was out of the hospital 6 days later. They removed 75% of my esophagus (through my neck) and 20% of my stomach (through my abdomen). My stomach was reshaped to replace my esophagus. The pathology report came back saying the tumor was virtually gone as a result of the chemo and radiation. There were only a few microscopic cancer cells remaining in the area. All the lymph nodes were clear. I then underwent 4 chemo treatments over the the next 3 months as a precaution. I completed the chemo and had another set of CT scans, PET scan and another endoscope. Everything has come back clear.  Keep up your spirits and good luck, Bill

 

On 10/12/2007 Bill1941 wrote:

I am now totally free of EC. I was diagnosed with Stage 2A in June of 2006.   This was done after having CT scans, PET scans, and an ultrasound endoscope.  I underwent 6 weeks of radiation and 4 chemo treatments prior to my surgery in September, 2006. I was operated on September 20 and was out of the hospital 6 days later. They removed 75% of my esophagus (through my neck) and 20% of my stomach (through my abdomen). My stomach was reshaped to replace my esophagus. The pathology report came back saying the tumor was virtually gone as a result of the chemo and radiation. There were only a few microscopic cancer cells remaining in the area. All the lymph nodes were clear. I then underwent 4 chemo treatments over the the next 3 months as a precaution. I completed the chemo and had another set of CT scans, PET scan and another endoscope. Everything has come back clear.  Keep up your spirits and good luck, Bi

 It sounds like I am heading on your track- see my post (update LaRae).All that I have read to date, talks about complete removal rather than the 75%. Please tell me anything else you know regarding your surgery on my posting. Thank you-LaRae 

The 25% of the esophagus they left is the portion in the neck that controls swallowing.

Bill

I am so sorry to hear of your husband EC. What stage does he have? It is important to have it staged. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Kim