CancerCompass message board discussion started by Barkley on 1/29/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20453,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My dad was diagnosed with EC 12/14/07.  He has had every possible test.  My dad is 83.  Last Friday 1/25 dad had the EUS.  Today we met with the surgeon.  The Dr. told us that the EC is a Stage III A or B.  He gave us options.  1.  Surgery followed by Chemotherapy/Radiation. 2. Chemothery and Radiation.  3.  Do nothing.I asked the Dr. all the questions I could think of.  I told the Dr. that dad must be a good candidate for the surgery or he would never have presented that option.  He said that my dad's best chance for survival is the surgery.I know there is no good option with this disease.  I will take any all all advice that anyone cares to share. I really appreciate the help that all of you have sent.  Your sharing and kindness has really helped me to stay strong for my father.  God Bless All of you.Steve Barkley Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Steve,I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad.  Only he can decide what he wants to do but at his age I would be concerned about his ability to withstand the surgery.  My Dad was 79 without any other health problems when he had surgery for salivary gland cancer and never did recover from that.  He was unable to swallow or talk and consequently passed away in 5 months.  I wish he would have tried the radiation first to shrink the tumor but the Dr. insisted that surgery was the best chance for survival.   I pray that God will help you make the correct decision and give you and your family strength to get  through this.  God Bless :-) allpoos Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Every time I was presented with a decision such as this I always asked the doctor.  What would you do if it were your Dad or yourself?  I would hope that he would answer honestly.  If your dad is otherwise in good health, then go for it.  As the poster above said, things can go wrong, but if you don't get help they are going wrong anyway.  And at his age surgery of any kind will be very dangerous. Its a tough decision, but I agree your dad has to make it.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.  God Bless you.  Gerri Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT It's a tough decision.  My Dad was dx in Sept.07 and had the surgery October 2007.  He is now going through chemo and radiation.  My Dad is 68 years old and I see the hard time he is going through and it breaks my heart.  What does your Dad want to to?  Need2Know Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your thoughts, they really help.  Dad wants the surgery.  His Dr. explained to us that the surgery is the only real way to get rid of the cancer.  Dad wants to live and knows that what is ahead of him is going to be tough.  Thank you again.Steve Barkley Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for sharing.  With everyhting that has been presented he wants the surgery.  He feels that after the surgery on February 12th, everyday is a step towards recovery.  He knows it is going to be tough him.  Dad is one of those WWII veterans that has an attitude of it has to be done, so let's get started.  Thank you again.Steve Barkley Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  It is going to be hard.  I pray that the surgery and recovery goes well.Steve Barkley Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Steve,I wish your Dad the best of luck with his surgery.  I will be thinking of him. Hang in there and be strong and please keep us informed of his progress.  God Bless :-) allpoos Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT I will be praying for you and your Dad. God Bless you both. Keep us posted.                                       Pat Patty5 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT