Hello wimpygirl and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about your husbands situation and appreciate what an anxious time this must be for you both

Whilst it is both yours and your husbands decision getting a second opinion or not. Do bear in mind that all newly diagnosed patients are usually discussed within a multi disciplinary team (mdt) setting where all the specialist doctors come together to discuss the best treatment plan. They do this by looking at all the test and scan results and the patients general health and fitness levels to decide the best way forward.

Unfortunately waiting for a second opinion before proceeding with the chemo may delay things, so do talk this through with the specialist team before going down this route.

Surgery to the oesophagus isn't usually recommended when the cancer has spread beyond the primary site as it won't be able to be completely removed. Sometimes treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are given to try and shrink the tumour so that surgery is possible at a later date.

It may be worth exploring further and asking the team involved a few more questions to get a greater understanding. Ask questions such as what they hope the chemo will achieve and whether there may be further treatments on offer further down the line, such as the option of surgery.

Times like these are never easy and searching on line for answers can complicate matters. Whilst statistics are available it is impossible to know where any patient may sit within these or predict what the short and longer term may look like. It would be best for your husband to have a open and honest conversation with his consultant to ask these difficult questions.

I hope this helps for now but do get back in touch if you have more questions.

All the very best to you and your husband

Take care

Naomi