have just been told i havecancer iam 76 years old in two weeks what are my chances

[henry]

[Hidden]

Dear Henry

I am guessing that you have been told that you have oesophageal, rather than any other cancer?

The outcomes for dealing with oesophageal cancer are dependent on a number of factors. First is the stage at which the cancer has reached; the second is how fit you are. Add a third, which is what sort of oesophageal cancer is involved. There are two sorts of this cancer: the first is squamous cell carcinoma, (about 30% of cases in the UK) which can sometimes be successfully treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The second is adenocarcinoma (about 70% of cases) where treatment is usually chemotherapy, followed by an operation, and sometimes more chemotherapy. The chemotherapy before surgery is to try and shrink the tumour and make the surgery more successful.

It is a big operation and they will do an assessment to see how fit you are. We have known of patients having the operation at the age of 80.

So I am really sorry that you have had this bad news. It may take a lot of adjustment to come to terms with the diagnosis. You will probably have some more tests and scans to investigate your situation in greater detail and the hospital multi-disciplinary team will have a meeting to work out the best treatment strategy for you. This may all take a couple of weeks or so.

In theory it is fitness that is important rather than age. But some doctors do have opinions about the age at which surgery can be realistic - other doctors might disagree so sometimes, if a patient is your age and feels that he wants the surgery and all other things are favourable, a second opinion might be an option. But that is jumping ahead.

Try and work out what you yourself want, if it is possible. Ask the specialist nurse and the surgeon at your next appointment, and listen carefully to their advice.

If at all possible they want you to be cured, and so do we!

All best wishes

Alan

[henry in reply to Hidden]

thank you as it is O S cancer but in early stage [i hope] your words are welcome but the thought is still there. ihave a ct scan next week which should tell us thank you again henry

[juliamac]

Dear Henry

I'm a bit younger than you. I have had 2 lots of cancer now, 20 years apart. Clear for the last 5 years. Your message struck a chord...Im sure it did for lots of people.. I so remember what a terribly difficult time it was around diagnosis waiting for tests and results and before a treatment plan was agreed on. It is such a lot to think about and process.

I just wanted to say good luck to you. Im sure everyone is sending good wishes your way.

Big hugs...if I may!

Julia

[SteveJ]

Hi Henry

Just to send you my best wishes. I hope everything works out well for you.

Kind Regards

Stevej

[russo]

Henry,

What a blow for you. I am terribly sorry. Alan has already covered some sound basic advice and information in his reply.

Your Specialist Nurse will be the person to contact for support during the coming weeks/months. Do not be frightened to seek help/advice from them; they will not think your questions “silly”. If you are unsure about something, ask…

Let any friends/family into your new situation to provide support; those nearest and dearest will need support too. My wife and children had virtually no support during the period you are going through, and after my oesophagectomy, but that is another story…

All best wishes to you for the future. We will be rooting for you.

[Charlie36]

Just adding my good wishes for a positive outcome Henry. It's awful waiting on tests and scan results etc. so you have all our sympathy I'm sure. Let us know how you get on, sending all good vibes and another hug!

Charlie x

[StephanieC]

Dear Henry,

I hope the news and outcomes will be good for you. I agree very much with Alan's comments. Fitness is more important than age - people over 80 years have had the operation.

Best wishes and keep positive -