Hi - I am 70 and I was diagnosed with stomach cancer last August for which I had my stomach removed and part of my bowel used for the new stomach. I have recovered well from this operation and was told there was no spread in the lymph nodes. I also have been treated for Barrets Oesophagus for quite a long time prior to this and would get scopes done every 6 months. I had a scope done in January of this year and was told in February that I have 2 tumors on my oesophagus which are cancerous. Had a PET scan and there is no sign of spread in my body, and I have been told that I have 2 options - do nothing and I will have 9 months to live or go for a cure (40% success rate) which is removal of my oesophagus leaving me with a stoma on my neck which will have a bag. I already have an illeostomy which I've had for nearly 50 years and due to a twist in the bowel after that I have not got enough bowel left to be used for my oesophagus hence the stoma in the neck. I will not be able to eat after this and I am already on a feed nightly after my stomach removal. My question is has anyone ever had this done as I think it is not common. I have to go see the oncologist ref having chemo done before the operation if I decide to go this route (leaning towards this). Can anyone tell me what it is like to have this done and is it a painful recovery and what other things may happen post surgery. I like to know exactly what I am to face if I go this route. This has been such a shock to both my husband and I and it is so hard having to make a decision. Thank you for reading this and I look forward to some replies.
