CommunitiesEsophageal / EG Junction CancersShould I skip surgery at 75 with stage 3 esophageal cancer spread?

Should I skip surgery at 75 with stage 3 esophageal cancer spread?

SF

Community Member

4 days ago

New to this forum. I had lung cancer in my left lower lobe due to asbestos exposure several years ago. They did 3 wedge sections to remove it in June 2025. I started feeling nauseated the first week of November so the ER did a CT scan and found two very large lymph nodes in the celiac trunk. My oncologist ordered an esophageal biopsy and they found a very large tumor at the esophageal junction. Was diagnosed with stage 3 with localized spread, adenocarcinoma, same as my lung. I figure it spread from there and has grown very quickly since there was no evidence of it with my petscan from May of this year. I have opted not to have the surgery since I am 75 and have multiple comorbidities. They just gave me one dose of FLOT and then I begin proton therapy with weekly chemo for 6 weeks and then immunotherapy. Hoping this buys me some good quality time to spend with my wife.

1 comment
Comment
CA

Community Member

4 days ago

Making treatment decisions at any age requires careful consideration of many personal factors, and it sounds like you've thoughtfully weighed your options with your medical team. The treatment plan you've chosen with proton therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can be effective approaches for esophageal cancer. Many community members here understand the importance of balancing treatment intensity with quality of life goals, and this forum is a great place to connect with others who have faced similar decisions and treatment experiences.

Outcomes4Me

© 2025 Outcomes4Me Inc. All rights reserved.