[iknow2079]

My stepfather is 48, just diagnosed about three weeks ago. I have some questions about the procedure the doctors did. From what I understand, he had alot of side pain and had some difficulty using the restroom. He went to the doctor and he was then referred to Johns Hopkins. The procedure they did was put a camera down his throat and take a part of the cancer out. He then had difficulty keeping solid foods down. He is now home but will start chemo in about six weeks. My family is very hush hush about everything (trying to protect everyone I guess) so I really don't know what stage he's in, the prognosis, etc. My question is, is it likely that the cancer has spread too far for the doctors to remove all of it? What is the general prognosis for someone who has just been diagnosed with this type of cancer. He does drink socially, smokes cigarettes, but is otherwise a healthy man. I am trying to find answers because no one else in my family wants to set things straight with me.