Big C

[sad old git]

A good friend of mine has just been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus. I want to tell him that with treatment everything will be ok but can anyone tell me how serious this disease is and can it be treated? Thanks.S.O.G

[Sqad]

Let me come straight to the point here.....if there is one cancer to avoid (if possible ) then it must be the oesophagus.

Yes treatment is possible but this will depend upon the site of the cancer...upper, middle or lower third of the oesophagus.

Survival rates are not good and depend on many factors....the site, type of cancer and the spread.

Any other questions, then please get back to us.

[sad old git]

Squad. Thankyou very much for your prompt reply. My friend got his scan results today and was told that an operation is possible but he hasn't been given a date for such. I would have thought that speed was of the essence in this case or does it not really make much difference?.Once again many thanks for your help.S.O.G

[Jan1957]

My husband was diagnosed with the same thing in March last year. He was immediately treated with two sessions of chemotherapy which they said had reduced the tumour and was operated on 20th July to remove the tumour. They had to take all of his oesophagus away and used the the stomach to replace this and he has just had the all clear. He still has problems eating but is getting better by the day.

[Jan1957]

Sorry squad but his surgeon said they only lose 5 percent of patients which is a much better outcome than before and he is one of the top in the country. Don Manifold is his name if you want to look it up.

[Philtaz]

As Sqad says, survival rates are unfortunately poor for cancer of the oesophagus.
Depending on where the cancer is situated will often determine which type of operation is required.
Where I work we have an excellent upper GI surgeon who performs this operation almost exclusively laparoscopically(keyhole), which is far less traumatic than the common method, which often involves opening the ribs and going into the chest, as well as via the abdomen.
Ask your friend to enquire fully about his prognosis and all the surgical options open to him but prepare for a less positive outcome to most other cancers.

[Jan1957]

Which is probably what i just said! I have just had to live through it with my husband so stop with the guessing people that have been out of the business for years. You shouldn't hang around websites scaring people when you're not up to date!

[ttfn]

Hear hear, Jan

[Mamyalynne]

Jan sweetheart, take heed of the people who have nursed your darling through this, go to bed with a happy heart please ♥ Mamya's orders.

[Jan1957]

I am listening mamya and am now going. Night night lovey. xx

[Mamyalynne]

Night my love ♥

[Buenchico]

Sqad is AB's medical expert but this might also help:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/Treatment.aspx

I've chosen to link directly to the 'treatment' page but you may wish to look at the other links in black, as well as the 'Real stories' link.

Chris

[ttfn]

I would have said that Sqad is 1 medical expert on AB, but by his own postings has said his expertise in certain areas is limited. No disrespect to the man, whatever. However, one would be foolish to discount any up to the minute experience given by another.

[Philtaz]

Don't know who that was aimed at, but if it's at me I was typing my text as you posted so I'm not 'guessing' anything, nor have I 'been out of the business for years'.

I see this operation performed 2/3 times a week, both 'open' and via laparoscope. Difficult though it is (and thankfully there ARE exceptions) the facts speak for themselves, which SOG has been made aware of.

http://en.wikipedia.o...eal_cancer#Management

I wish your husband continued success in dealing with his disease.

[Jan1957]

So sorry phitaz, definitely not you. :-)

[Philtaz]

No probs Jan, I did think it a little odd!

Night.

[Sqad]

Jan1957

<<<Sorry squad but his surgeon said they only lose 5 percent of patients which is a much better outcome than before and>>>

This is a meaningless statement.......as the success or otherwise of cancer survival is based on 5yr survival rates and in some cancers depending upon type and staging..3yr survival rates.

<<<<<t with my husband so stop with the guessing people that have been out of the business for years. You shouldn't hang around websites scaring people when you're not up to date!>>>>

I have been retired, but not out of date as i keep up with surgical procedures and regularly attend meetings in the UK. I have personally performed many head and neck procedures and i feel that that MIGHT qualify me for an opinion.

I try to help people as much as i can and i resent your comment "hanging about websites scaring people" Read my initial OP and I have given a factual account of the question as i see it.

I can understand your concern but find you comments rude, ill informed and disingenuous, but perhaps you are right, it is time to stop "hanging around " websites as you so kindly put it.

[anneasquith]

jan. i wish your husband continuing good health.

[sad old git]

Thank you all for your replys.Sqad,jan1957,Philtaz and all..... I guess it's in the hands of God? Fate? or whatever.... who knows? All the best to you all.S.O.G

[sad old git]

A PS to my last post......It is mainly in the hands of the very competent surgeons who perform these operations....S.O.G

[Mamyalynne]

Having lost my darling husband to cancer, I can only say that you hope and pray that your loved one is the one to survive despite all the odds. I wish that for your friend.