Dad 59 has esophagus cancer

gtillison
gtillison Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My dad was recently diagnosed (Early April) with esophagus cancer in its early stage. His doctor recommended that he have an esophagectomy. He is scheduled to have the surgery next week and is currently running a series of tests to make sure that cancer hasn’t spread to the rest of his body, having heart tests, etc. As always, my dad is remaining upbeat about the whole process. What treatment options does my dad have? He doesn’t seem to think that there is anything other than the traditional esophagectomy that they can do. After reading the message board, I have found there are several other options available. So far, I have read that about the Endoscopic Mucosal Resection and the Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy. Are these the only other options out there? If so, what are the advantages/disadvantages versus a traditional esophagectomy. As always, I will continue to pray for my dad and I hope God makes the whole process on him as easy as possible…Gregg

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  • Unknown
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  • lej25
    lej25 Member Posts: 1
    #4
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    Hello - my name is Leah and I just read your reply. I recently found out that my 63 yr. old stubborn, Sicilian father-in-law may have esophageal cancer. In fact, I'm quite sure that he does.

    He has been having dysphagia over the last several weeks and finally went for an x-ray. It showed a spiculated mass in his esophagus, so it's not looking too good. I want to remain optimistic for him, my husband and the rest of our family, but I am shocked and angry over this news. He is just getting ready to retire and enjoy all of his grandkids (my daughter was just born on his birthday in January!).

    Reading your reply has already helped me feel a little better about the whole thing. We won't know definitely until after he has had the scope and biopsy. I would imagine that they will be able to explain the staging once they have reviewed all of the tests.

    Thank you for your story and all of the resources that you posted.

    Sincerely,
    Leah
  • worried1
    worried1 Member Posts: 3
    #5
    Gregg,
    My dad is 49 and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer about 3/4 years ago, and it took him from being on the go and being lively to pretty low. But the best thing your dad can do through all of this is to keep being the same old perosn he has always been. That will help him get through the process with a positive attitude. As for treatments, being he is in the earliest of his stages there are many test that should be run and keeping a really good eye on the progress of the cancer. I think your best bet to finding out all your options is to go striaght to the doctor. A lot of the information found on websites may only scare you, and lead you to thinking and worrying more than you should and your dad needs you to stay strong for him.

    The process of this all is one of the hardest things to watch someone you love go through, and I wish your dad and you and your family the best..

    missy

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