Hi there,
My boyfriend was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer last week, he has a tumour which the consultant said was an adneocarcinoma. Following a CT scan on the same day, we have just found out that there are 'spots' on his stomach, kidneys, aorta and possibly some lymph nodes. His gastro consultant said that surgery was likely not an option, but that chemo and radiotherapy would be offered. We haven't been given an official stage yet, but I'm assuming this is Stage 4?
He has PET scan on Friday, and the consultant said the MDT would be in touch after they met to discuss his results. My boyfriend is only 44, fit and healthy aside from having difficulty swallowing. I'm wondering if there is any hope that if the chemo/radiotherapy works well on the other spots, then surgery may be offered?
We are absolutely up for the fight against this awful disease. Does anyone else have any experience of this or can offer me some hope?
Thank you in advance.
Hello PaulaC84,
I am really sorry that you have found yourself having to post here, but you have come to the right place for support and experience .
My husband was diagnosed in May, Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Stage 4, Liver,Lungs and Lymph nodes; non-curable, but treatable and like your boyfriend, surgery has not been considered an option.
I know how hard it is to begin to get your heads around the diagnosis, especially as your boyfriend seems so healthy other than the swallowing, but you seem to have the right attitude to this awful disease, fighting will help you and I wish you every success.
It would be wrong for me to consider that I can answer your query on whether chemo/radio works, would surgery be offered, I can only tell you that when I asked the same question of my husbands oncologist, I was advised that this would not be the case.. There are though stories from others experiences where surgery has been considered later on, so it is important that you both receive the correct advise based on your boyfriends specific diagnosis and reaction to any treatment given.
My blog, Facing The Future Together https://community.macmillan.org.uk/blogs/b/facing-the-future-together may give you some insight, but this is our journey and things may be different on yours...I am happy to communicate with you if you need someone to let of steam to/with, it can be scary, emotional and draining, as you travel through the coming weeks, but I hope you get to here from the MDT very soon so that you both are able to prepare yourselves for the treatment.
Fingers crossed for you both
Lowe'
Thanks so much for your reply, I really appreciate it 
️ I hope your husband is doing much better and that you can enjoy Christmas together. We're still trying to take things in - have appointment with the oncologist first week in January to learn what's ahead. The MDT meeting advised yesterday that surgery wasn't an option at this point due to the nodes near the kidneys, but they said they want to look at his biopsy again to see if he's suitable for a different type of treatment along with the chemo/radiation so I hope that's a positive thing. My hope is that the treatment works well then allows for surgery at a later stage but I don't know how realistic that is. We are hoping that age and fitness will be on my boyfriend's side and that he can kick this thing. I know the stats aren't good as such but there are always exceptions to the rules, and again I'm hoping that being younger etc really helps. Just riding the waves of tears at the minute but trying to be positive too and not let this crap win.
Thanks again for your reply xx
You sound like exactly the sort of support your husband needs, thank you so much for your advice ️ Lots of love and good wishes to you both, and everyone else reading this too. Xx
Thank you for sharing your journey Jellybean, i often wonder if they will reverse the decision regarding an operation for Dal, but with the other secondaries may be the reason why they don't?
I hope your husband continues to thrive, now sure how he is doing now but really hope he is doing well
Lowe'
