Hi This is my first post, shortly I have to make the decision of my treatment for Oesophageal cancer, it is an Adenocarcinoma T2N1. I am 78 and reasonably fit.
The choice I have to make should I have surgery or chemo radiation, I would like to here from people who have had treatment for this and their experience
Thank you
My husband had chemo for 9 weeks and then keyhole surgery two weeks later. It is a difficult decision for you, especially if generally you are feeling well at the moment. I think my husband was very grateful to be able to have the operation but it was stressed that he would feel worse in order to get better. He did have some complications afterwards caused by a leak in the join, and there is no doubt it is a massive operation to get over. If you read a sample of posts on this site, you will get an idea of the problems that can occur, but also you will read many inspirational posts from people who are making a good recovery and looking forward to life afterwards.
I would suggest you talk it over with your surgeon and healthcare team, and also your family. If you have some support at home it can help a lot after the surgery . Also, consider that you may not be offered surgery at a later stage should chemo not have the desired result. Despite all the problems my husband encountered, he is now 3 years on from his surgery and generally enjoying life. I am fairly sure he would opt for surgery again.
The best of luck with whatever you choose.
If you are fit for the operation ,my advise would be go for it. There are 2 patients I know who would like to have your choice but have not been offered the operation.
Phil
Personally I would
Opt for the operation indeed I did back in 2009 and have not regretted it. It's a big op and recovery takes time but personally I told my surgeon that I wanted to be as aggressive with the cancer as it would be with me if I did nothing . I
Was
Told that if I did nothing I had 10%chance of making it to a year, I am now 7 1/2 years post op and thank the surgical team every day for giving me more time I have a few problems no and then but the alternative did not appeal to me at all , as has been said the operation may not be offered at a later stage so I would grab the opportunity to give yourself the best chance of recovery and live til you are 100 like I plan to 
Hello KTaylor,
Like you, I was given the option of chemo or surgery. Prior to making this big decision I had appointments with doctors from oncology & the surgical side, to hear as much information as possible to help me make this difficult decision.
Because my cancer was high up as well as lower down, I faced the possibility of losing my voice box if I chose the surgery - in the end I did choose the surgery & although it has been a difficult time, I would still make the same decision. Post op, it has been mentioned to me that I made the right choice because 'chemo doesn't always work'.
I am 70 this year, & had my op in February, so Ive still got a way to go but I'd still make the same decision .
Good luck with whichever way you decide to go & I hope all goes well for you.
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