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