Advice On Surgery

My mom was diagnosed last week with Stage II-III esophageal cancer. Her doctor wants to immediate surgery to remove her esophagus and replace it with her colon. They will further evaluate her lungs, trachea and lymph nodes at surgery to evaluate the need for additional treatment. My concern is that my mom may not be strong enough to recover well from such a major surgery and further more, her risk of complications if she does not stop smoking, drinking and begin taking better care of herself. I am trying to help as much as possible, but she won't even drink the Ensure... it's tastes yucky... she's down to about 98 pounds... and so on. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Ashley

I also had stage two with lymp node involvedment and needed immediate surgery.  There is a good chance of success with stage two if surgery is done and then with me, chemo and radiation afterwards.  The doctors will not operate if they do not think they can be successful.  My surgery was 4 years ago, chemo and radiation 3 months after that and I am doing fine now.  I have regular CT's with (so Far) no sign of cancer.  I could never  drink ensure, however I never smoked and I do not drink.  I am sure that giving up the cigarettes is going to be mandatory.  Please make sure the surgery is done at a hospital that does a lot of these surgeries.  Keep up posted.