Thanks guys! I always leave this site with a boost of optimism. Actually I am not really down in the dumps. Had I not undergone the treatment we all know where I would be. So I just deal with it. With regard to option 3 (if it comes to that), I am willing to take substantial risk if the reward is some semblence of a normal diet and no tube. If, on the other hand, the risk is high and the likely result is that I would only be able swallow my own secretions and have to keep the tube, then it might not be worth it. Esophageal resections in the lower esophagus are quite common and successful, but high up nea the opening may well be more challenging. We'll see and I'll keep you posted.

Thanks all,

Mr Mike