Shocked , scared but ready to fight

Hi

This doesn't sound right at all. I'm assuming your husband's tumour is at the GOJ? If so and he has some spread into the adjacent lymph nodes or even into the upper stomach this should still be treated as curable. This is because the standard surgery removes roughly half of the stomach and as many lymph nodes as the surgeon deems appropriate.

A localised spread is very normal especially into the surrounding lymph nodes. I was told by my surgeon upon meeting him for the first time that after seeing the various scans that it was very likely the tumour had advanced to the local lymph nodes but it wouldn't affect them carrying out the necessary resective surgery.

I underwent Ivor Lewis surgery on September the 24th and they did indeed find 4 affected lymph nodes in the 20 or so they removed.

HOWEVER, my margins were large and clear at all sides and I was told that from a surgical point of view the cancer was now gone.

I would therefore suggest you contact your MDT or surgical team immediately and make them clarify why they have taken this decision not to operate. I wouldn't think it would be on the grounds of health or age as you obviously have a young family. 

Please keep us informed about any developments as we are here to help and give the best advice to our fellow cancer travellers.

Take Care

Anthony x

Hiya 

wow that thats amazing for you

yes at the GOJ . They told us it's localised but spread to lymph nodes ? Stage 3-4
we have a another appointment on Monday . I'll be of more sound mind now I've gone into to this fight mode!  I did ask where are the lymph nodes , the nurse just pointed to her chest and said around here. I must say I was quite hysterical. Definitely more calm and collected now.

thanks for replying to me  x

Well if it's locally advanced into nearby lymph nodes that suggests it's definitely operable in my own experience. Also you confirmed it's location at the GOJ which confirms my thoughts. If there's no other underlying health conditions that he has that would make operating impossible and he's at T3/4 with no distant mestasis I would be going into that meeting on Monday with a gung-ho attitude! Btw I was T3/N4/M0 myself.

Good Luck to you all x

Anthony 

Yep it's nearby lymph nodes. Your comment has really helped me this afternoon . I thank-you for that . Hearing from people living in this craziness is the biggest help for me 

x

Hi .Sorry to hear you’re  going through this .To hear the word Cancer is a real shock to the system for the person affected and it has a ripple effect throughout the family .

I know this wasn’t  the news you wanted to hear , but from what I’ve read on here certain types of Cancer cells react better to just chemo and radiotherapy .I think it’s the squamous cells which react better and some patients with squamous cells aren’t offered surgery .I think it also depends on where the tumour lies and how near to the aorta it is .
My husband’s cells were adenocarcinoma cells .He had chemo /surgery /adjuvant chemo .His was stage 2 and the tumour was contained within his oesophagus. I can recall being told by his surgeon that if it had been any more advanced they wouldn’t be able to operate as there’s a risk of the tumour ‘exploding’ and that would be catastrophic. So this could also be a similar scenario with your husband’s lymph nodes .All very scary at the time and treatment is a real rollercoaster of a ride but my husband is still here to tell his story two years later and up to now we have been told all is looking good .

I don’t know your husband’s individual case but I would  trust what your husband’s  medical team advise .They really do know what they’re doing .Cancer treatment has come a long way in the past decade and his medical team will do everything in their skill and expertise to help him .Ask lots of questions regarding why they’ve chosen this treatment route .I’m sure they’ll be happy to offer an answer and reassurance .

Sending strength and hope 

 J