Treatment Choices

My  dear husband  62 in otherwise good health, non smoker, was diagnosed stage 2 last week.  We are now drowning in treatment choices. Pre chemo radiation vs. post operative.   The 5 weeks of radiation and chemo frighten me considering the seriousness of the operation itself and his physical condition after treatment.  We have found one surgeon who wants to operate first while he is in good physical shape and treat after with the radiation and chemo.  We are clueless and would appreciate anyone's input as sometimes patients give the best info.

I am so sorry about your husband. I do not envy the choice you have to make. I did read somewhere that the pre-op treatments made one more likely to develop pneumonia after surgery. You may want to ask the Dr's.

After being on this board for almost a year (My mother was a stage 3 before treatments, no surgery) if it were me that had this beast I would really, really reseach my options before having that surgery. It helps some people but after getting to know some of the people that have gone through it on this board, I really don't know if I would agree to have it at all if there were other options. That is just me. Take the time and read some of the stories on the board. 

 The good news is that your husband is stage 2. I hope you and your husband get all the info you need to make the best decision for him. Lots of luck and good wishes to you. Please keep updating.

                                                            Pat

LeePatrick,

I am sorry you had to come to this board. 

I can't give advice, but I can relate my experience.

I was diagnosed with stage 1 Adenocarcenoma, in June of 2005, at the age of 54.   I had an esophagogastrectomy - Ivor Lewis (esophagectomy) in July, 2005. It was certainly no picnic!! I had no chemo or radiation at any time. Today, I am recovered, very active, working full time, and able to eat well enough to maintain my new weight ( I lost 20 pounds after surgery, and am now 175 pounds - a better weight). I have had all clean CT and PET scans.

If I had to do it again, I would do exactly the same. I have read too many stories, on this board and elsewhere, of people getting chemo and/or radiation, and going into surgery in a much-weakened condition. You need all your energy for the surgery and recovery.

 I have cycled for years and was in good condition, going into surgery. I credit that, and having an excellent surgeon, with the the complication-free surgery and a quick recovery.

Get all the information you can.

Beat of Luck,

Steve 

 

I had Esophageal cancer stage 3 (T3N1M0) I cant offer any advice on your stage but you can read my story if you go to Google search and key in             " william66  cancer " to see the journey I have been on  as a survivor for about 5 years now. I hope you can experience the same good results as I have had .   Steve the cyclist is having a good track record also.  Be optimistic and with the help of the Lord we can beat this.

                             Billy

                            

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I cannot recommend which way to go.  Here, however, is my experience.  I was diagnosed with Stage 2A  EC in June of 2006. I underwent 6 weeks of radiation and 4 chemo treatments prior to my surgery in September. I also had to have an angioplasty done to install a stent on my heart prior to the surgery. The chemo and radiation treatments were not pleasant, but were certainly worth it. I was operated on September 20 and was out of the hospital 6 days later. They removed 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 a 3 month period as a precaution. I had followup CT scans, a PET scan and an Endoscope. All came back with no signs of any cancer.  The only change in lifestyle is that my meal sizes are limited, but I just have to eat more meals of smaller size. Keep your spirits up. I am sure they will defeat it in your husband's case also. I think they have made great strides, expecially what I have experienced compared to some of the dire reports you read on the internet. Just help your uncle have a positive outlook and give him plenty of encouragement.  It helps very much, I know, because it helped me.  Especially during the chemotherapy phases.

Good luck, Bill

The "good" news, is he is stage 2 and can have surgery. You did not tell us where your husband is being treated, sometimes a second opinion from a well accredited cancer institution is your best bet, here is their site:   http://www.cancer.gov/

You will find helpful information there, including the recognized nationwide cancer centers, here is that site:

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-center

My husband is stage 4 and surgery is not an option. Everything that I have researched, though, suggests that patients have better surgery success if they have the chemo and radiation first. Go to Google, and start doing some research, you'll find a wealth of information to help you. My best wishes for a successful outcome for your husband.

 

 

 

I am sorry that you have to go throught this experience, but I am also an EC survivor.  I had surgery, transhital also through the neck and the abdomen in April of 2004.  My doctors at Duke MedicalCenter, Durham, NC wanted to do the surgery first, and afterwards I had chemo, Xeloda,38 treatments and 28 days of Radiation.  I was in the hospital 14 days.  My doctors said that to give me the treatment first would weaken my system and make the surgery more difficult, however I understand if the cancer is at a certain stage it is better to have the treatment first.  None of it is easy, and if you are uncertain I would have a second opinion.  I had three opinions before I would let them do anything to me.  Just remember, you only get one shot at this thing to get it right and if you don't like what you are hearing check with someone else. My cancer was stage 2b with one lymph node involved.  I have had clear CT's and blood workups since my surgery.  I will remember you in my prayers.  This is not easy, but not impossible.  God Bless You and those that love you.   

Sorry, I didn't sign my name to that last message, my name is Gerri, I am female and I was 63 at the time of my surgery and otherwise in pretty good health.  I am the one with treatment at Duke medical center. 

Gerri

I am sorry you are needing to make decisions due to this ugly beast rearing it's  head in your life, however, you are truly fortunate to be dealing with stage II!!  I lost my dad to EC, stage IV.  I lost him to the first round of chemo actually, but, I think part of that was it taking 3 damn months to get his first round of chemo and by that time he was weak and frail and had a stomach tube and a trach.  His was a fast and furious fight.  He is my hero on so many levels!  Anyway, I did read on one of the reputable sites, either NIH or National Cancer Institute, in a new findings section or something anyway, this particular study showed no advantage to doing chemo and rads prior to surgery - now, I'm not sure what stage they were studying if any, etc.  I only knew it stood out in my mind because I thought to myself that the chemo and radiation can be so hard on the body and weaken the patient's constitution so much that then recovering from the surgery (which is a tough one!) would be soooo difficult.  I guess every case is different though, so, just look at everything you can.  I don't know what facility you are with, but, I would check other top facilities in the country and see what their protocol for similar would be.  And whatever you do, use a very experience surgeon for the surgery!!    God Speed - please keep us posted!!  karen

One more thing - certainly research first, but, once you decide, make the doctors act quickly!!  Don't let them delay at all!!!!  You are fortunate your husband is stage II, but this beast is RAPID AND AGGRESSIVE and that stage can change quickly, don't delay, stay ahead of it!  Good luck - my thoughts and prayers are with you!!  karen