Surgrey

json_2011
json_2011 Member Posts: 100
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Is surgrey performed on the tumers found in ec? Mother is more worried about that . From what im hearing it is the best way to start ? God bless ya'll out there today and this comming week.


Jason

Comments

  • json_2011
    json_2011 Member Posts: 100
    #2
    by the way
    She does have a 3 cm ? tumer on mid/ mid upper if this helps .
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #3
    json_2011 said:

    by the way
    She does have a 3 cm ? tumer on mid/ mid upper if this helps .

    I don't know if I know what you need but here it is
    The stage of the cancer determines the order and type of treatment. Also, sometimes a particular medical center may prefer one type of treatment or chemotherapy over the other.

    For those EC patients that surgery is an option, again, depending on the status of the patient and the tumor, a usual method of treatment is combined chemo/radiation over a period encompassing a month or so. Then, another PET scan and then surgery to remove the majority of the esophagus. It is important that even if the followup PET scan appears to show no cancer, go ahead with the surgery. EC is tricky and can hide behind scar tissue, etc.

    Wherever possible, the MIE form (minimally invasive esophagectomy) is preferred: Faster recovery with less side effects. However, for various reasons, the more invasive IL (Ivor Lewis) may be necessary. Whatever, if feasible, the surgery is essential in almost all instances.

    The treatment can be challenging for some. The patient and caregivers cannot lose sight of the fact that this treatment is the only hope for life [except in the rarest of instances of which I am unfamiliar with].

    So, get ready for a bumpy ride, but be there to help your Mother. It is doable. My husband went through the chemo/radiation with lots of side effects and had the IL form of surgery. Presently, he's 15 months post-op with no evidence of disease. He's enjoying living.

    Please keep posting and provide the best information you can so that the other members of this discussion board can be of assistance.
    Good luck!
  • blm5429
    blm5429 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    BMGky said:

    I don't know if I know what you need but here it is
    The stage of the cancer determines the order and type of treatment. Also, sometimes a particular medical center may prefer one type of treatment or chemotherapy over the other.

    For those EC patients that surgery is an option, again, depending on the status of the patient and the tumor, a usual method of treatment is combined chemo/radiation over a period encompassing a month or so. Then, another PET scan and then surgery to remove the majority of the esophagus. It is important that even if the followup PET scan appears to show no cancer, go ahead with the surgery. EC is tricky and can hide behind scar tissue, etc.

    Wherever possible, the MIE form (minimally invasive esophagectomy) is preferred: Faster recovery with less side effects. However, for various reasons, the more invasive IL (Ivor Lewis) may be necessary. Whatever, if feasible, the surgery is essential in almost all instances.

    The treatment can be challenging for some. The patient and caregivers cannot lose sight of the fact that this treatment is the only hope for life [except in the rarest of instances of which I am unfamiliar with].

    So, get ready for a bumpy ride, but be there to help your Mother. It is doable. My husband went through the chemo/radiation with lots of side effects and had the IL form of surgery. Presently, he's 15 months post-op with no evidence of disease. He's enjoying living.

    Please keep posting and provide the best information you can so that the other members of this discussion board can be of assistance.
    Good luck!

    BMGky, my mother-in-law will
    BMGky, my mother-in-law will be soon having surgery to remove the majority of the esophagus believe it will be the IL type. They said a lung will be collasped to do the surgery - therefore 1 to 2 days in ICU. What kind of advice can you provide for after surgery? Do you remember how long your husband was in the hospital? Did he have chemo and or radiation after the surgery?

    Blessings...
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #5
    blm5429 said:

    BMGky, my mother-in-law will
    BMGky, my mother-in-law will be soon having surgery to remove the majority of the esophagus believe it will be the IL type. They said a lung will be collasped to do the surgery - therefore 1 to 2 days in ICU. What kind of advice can you provide for after surgery? Do you remember how long your husband was in the hospital? Did he have chemo and or radiation after the surgery?

    Blessings...

    Husband was hospitalized for
    Husband was hospitalized for 30 days due to atrial fibrillation. All radiation and chemo finished before
    Surgery. He had lots of adjustment to eating. No appetite. Supplemented short
    While with jtube feeding. Closely monitored pain medications. Needed fentanyl patch.
    Took about 7 months to get back to feeling well. You need to stay focused
    On the realization that each day she is getting better. Bumpy, but doable.
    If she can get the MIE, recovery is less challenging.
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #6
    blm5429 said:

    BMGky, my mother-in-law will
    BMGky, my mother-in-law will be soon having surgery to remove the majority of the esophagus believe it will be the IL type. They said a lung will be collasped to do the surgery - therefore 1 to 2 days in ICU. What kind of advice can you provide for after surgery? Do you remember how long your husband was in the hospital? Did he have chemo and or radiation after the surgery?

    Blessings...

    I noticed you joined in aug.
    I noticed you joined in aug. 2010, but the patient seems to be your MIL now. Can you repost seperately and give us more info. on your MIL? When was she diagnosed, What stage and her treatment so far?

    I had the IL surgery--was in the hospital 14 days. the IL is very invasive and I beleive , I would look into the MIE.

    I had chemo pre-opt surgery. Started chemo after,but it had to be stopped a week into it because of side effects. I have been NED three years.

    Please keep us updated on MIL,

    Sandra\

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