Just chemo ?

[Deeedals]

I’m about to complete my 4th cycle of chemo .

Does anyone know of a case when chemo was enough and surgery not required ?

[Brett77]

Chemo / immuno regimes are better than even just a couple years ago, but I’d have thought neoadjuvent chemo /radio is standard approach followed by surgery. Have they explained why they’re going chemo only?

[Deeedals in reply to Brett77]

They’re not, I was just wondering. I’ve since spoken to my specialist nurse and surgery is th only way to ensure eradication

[telford-hiker]

I think I asked this question,but unfortunately seems very doubtful I’m afraid..I also had hoped that adjuvant chemo wasn’t goin to be needed..but again I was wrong..don’t wanna be negative,but I’d expect everything..then if any procedure is not needed,then a bonus ..,hope your well,your doin great ..1 step closer to normal

[Beatrice90]

Hi, I had my Ivor Lewis surgery 8 years ago, with chemo before and after. It was Adenocarcinoma 5cm tumour which reduced to 1cm with the pre-op chemo. I asked my Surgeon about continuing the chemo the totally eradicate the tumour and he said surgery was the only way to ensure it didn't recur. My Alum was the excellent surgeon whim I trusted. He saved my life! Good luck. Angi xx

[Deeedals in reply to Beatrice90]

Thanks for your reply. You’re right, I’ve since spoken to my specialist nurse. Surgery it is then !

[Mentalmicky6 in reply to Beatrice90]

William Allum did mine as well in October 2012 at the Marsden in Chelsea and I'm still here now at nearly 73 and still working as a plumber, a million thanks to all the people that saved my life

[Rsw1fe]

My husband was lucky 9 years ago in that the chemo worked well for him. But he had the IL op anyway and the surgeon noted that they could hardly see the site of what had been a large tumour. He made a good recovery and at 86 is going strong, notwithstanding the usual changes of life-style following this op: smaller meals, sleeping on a slope.I hope it all works out well for you too

[kiddy]

I was offered chemoradiation only as a back up as my surgery was complicated but not as a curative. I went ahead with the Ivor Lewis and 5 years on now have made a good recovery and my Husband thinks I’m healthier than i have ever been. Obviously it is a major op and takes time. Building up exercise into your routine ,eating differently like a child and occasional dumping . You will learn your limits on things as your body will tell you.

Good Luck you have done well so far.

Debbie

[Onebox21]

I'm 2 years post op. I too had considered not going for the surgery since the radiation and chemo seemed to restore me back to normal. My oncologist told me the chance of recurrence would be around 70%. I went ahead with the surgery. A biopsy showed no cancer in what remained of the tumor, so the radiation and chemo were very effective. I'm still glad I went for the surgery for the peace of mind. I just had my 2 year CT scan and everything is fine. I know there are patients that have opted out of the surgery but have no idea what the long term consequences are. I'm 73 and have made a good recovery. No complications, just the usually manageable side effects.

I would opt for the surgery.

[Deeedals in reply to Onebox21]

Thank you my minds made up. Surgery it is !

[Onebox21]

I think it is a wise decision. I didn't find the surgery or recovery that big of a deal like some patients have. With the pain medication available now I did not suffer from any great deal of pain and the recovery was rather quick. I spent 8 days in the hospital and was sent home with a feeding tube but did not have to use it. I ate naturally although I experienced weight loss for about 4 months which is normal. In fact some experience weight loss for a few years but I was good after 4 months and started to slowly gain the weight back.

Good luck to you.

[Deeedals in reply to Onebox21]

M specialist nurse put me in touch with a man who is exactly the same as me but a year on. It was great to talk to him and I feel much more optimistic than before. He was home in 12 days which is much quicker than I thought and a huge relief as I’m a carer for my husband and was worried at the prospect of a long hospital stay. You and he have given me a real boost, thank you x