Deciding On Surgery

My Mum is 67 years old and outside of the EC she has, she is a very healthy person.  She was diagnosed 7 months ago and has received the full treatment of Radiation and 3 sessions of chemo.  We looked into Cyberknife radiation, but with the doses she has already received it was decided after consultation with a few doctors that it was too dangerous.  Her Tumor has shrunk considerably and is located at the level of her voice box.   

She is now at the point of deciding whether to do the Esophogectomy or to try and keep the cancer at bay with future Chemo. We have been reviewing statistics of course as would anyone of survival rates  and of course the importance of the quality of life.  she has been told her voicebox would be removed as well.    Could we hear from people who have had the surgery and also from those who have not as to what to expect with time period of pain, rehab time frame, and if they feel their quality of life was worth the surgery.  From those who did not do the surgery for whatever reason.  My Mum would be having the Surgery down at the University of Miami.

 I have read so many stories here and am so thankful that a site like this exists.  I know we have some excellent Doctors out there doing the best for us, but the importance to hear from those who have gone through this is as vital.  Thank you all.

I am sure that you want to collect as much info as possible and although surgery was not an option for my dad these forums are great help with everything. Another really great site is Cathy's EC Cafe (follow the links to the forum). There seems to be a lot of patients on that forum and they all have a bundle of information and everyone seems to have a unique situation.

All the best

catherine

On 4/20/2008 BelindaBrit wrote:

My Mum is 67 years old and outside of the EC she has, she is a very healthy person.  She was diagnosed 7 months ago and has received the full treatment of Radiation and 3 sessions of chemo.  We looked into Cyberknife radiation, but with the doses she has already received it was decided after consultation with a few doctors that it was too dangerous.  Her Tumor has shrunk considerably and is located at the level of her voice box.   

She is now at the point of deciding whether to do the Esophogectomy or to try and keep the cancer at bay with future Chemo. We have been reviewing statistics of course as would anyone of survival rates  and of course the importance of the quality of life.  she has been told her voicebox would be removed as well.    Could we hear from people who have had the surgery and also from those who have not as to what to expect with time period of pain, rehab time frame, and if they feel their quality of life was worth the surgery.  From those who did not do the surgery for whatever reason.  My Mum would be having the Surgery down at the University of Miami.

 I have read so many stories here and am so thankful that a site like this exists.  I know we have some excellent Doctors out there doing the best for us, but the importance to hear from those who have gone through this is as vital.  Thank you all.

 

 

I am a 40 year old male whom had the surgery on jan 25 08. I weighed 210 pounds before surgery. I now weigh 150. It has been rough I tell you.

I was in the hospital 10 days. The first week is rough not being able to eat or drink anything. Being the worst because of pain meds.

With tube feedings I felt great. After removed I have been having dumping problems and now learning what to eat and what not to eat. I feel sick alot and do not want to eat.

I do not have to take chemo or rad docs say all clear at this time. God willing will stay that way. I had stage 2 tmo 22 cm from my stomach.

I have been asked if I would do this again. My answer right now even though I keep being told things will get better. I say no never again.

I don't think anyone can tell you what to do about your mother. Except her I would do whatever she wants to do.

Hi,

I had the surgery in February last year.  While I still sometimes wonder did I do the right thing in the end of the day I felt that I had a duty to my dad and husband to fight it as much as possible.  Yes, it is still hard with the eating, the pain and the tiredness but I am still here.

Aoife

You may want to consider the method used to perform the surgery. MIE (minimally invasive) versus, Ivor Lewis, etc. Recovery times differ according to many variables but the method of surgery is definitely one to think about.

I had the esophagectomy with a stomach pull up April 2nd,2004.  And althought the recovery time was slow and trying, I have so far had clear CT's and blood work ups. In July of that year I had 28 rad treatments and chemo at the same time.  I was probably a year getting back to feeling half way normal, but heck, I'm alive and they only gave me a 20% chance of survival at the time of surgery.  Is it rough? Yes. Is it worth it? I certainly think so.  I still have acid reflux, I eat small meals several times a day, but I travel, enjoy my family, church and community.  When chemo was mentioned, I had a choice.  I told the doctors that if I did every thing they said and two years down the road, had a relaspe, then I could say I tried my best.  If I did nothing, then I would have regrets.  Life is short, and no one wants the decisions that you have had to make, and that I have had to make in the past.  But do every thing you can to fight this monster.  Life is sweet.

You will  be in my thoughts and prayers.  You have already faced the toughest day, the day you were diagnosed.  The remainder is a slow process, but so worth it.

Gerri

On 4/20/2008 BelindaBrit wrote:

My Mum is 67 years old and outside of the EC she has, she is a very healthy person.  She was diagnosed 7 months ago and has received the full treatment of Radiation and 3 sessions of chemo.  We looked into Cyberknife radiation, but with the doses she has already received it was decided after consultation with a few doctors that it was too dangerous.  Her Tumor has shrunk considerably and is located at the level of her voice box.   

She is now at the point of deciding whether to do the Esophogectomy or to try and keep the cancer at bay with future Chemo. We have been reviewing statistics of course as would anyone of survival rates  and of course the importance of the quality of life.  she has been told her voicebox would be removed as well.    Could we hear from people who have had the surgery and also from those who have not as to what to expect with time period of pain, rehab time frame, and if they feel their quality of life was worth the surgery.  From those who did not do the surgery for whatever reason.  My Mum would be having the Surgery down at the University of Miami.

 I have read so many stories here and am so thankful that a site like this exists.  I know we have some excellent Doctors out there doing the best for us, but the importance to hear from those who have gone through this is as vital.  Thank you all.