6 monthes since the op.

Less than one minute read time.

FormerMember

7 May 2010

Hi, this is all a bit new to me but it is great to know that there are other poeple out there who are happy to talk about there experiences. I was diagnosed in May 2009 with Cancer of the Oesophagus and had an Oesophagectomy in September 2009, now so far on and still with lots of problems but feeling so much brighter about life.

I have two childre 8 and 12 who have been so wonderfull through this horrible rollacoaster ride and they have kept me going giving me me strength.

Life is not the same... will it ever? I don't know, everyone keeps saying I was so young to get this type of Cancer. I think only now though do I realise how much of a major operation it was. I feel very mixed up at times, I don't know what to do about work or things too far ahead. Trying to get benefits has been a nightmare but it has helped me get my fight back...

crystalclear over 14 years ago

Hi there

Welcome to the Mac site where you’ll meet lots of very helpful and supportive people. If you feel like posting in the Gullet (oesophagus) Group, you’ll meet both patients and carers at various stages with lots of experience and helpful advice. A few are awaiting surgery, and a few of us are post surgery and well into recovery. We call our recovery and subsequent changes to our life style the ‘new normal’, which is an apt description really.

It’s early days for you yet although you sound as though you’re coping really well. You’ve probably discovered by now that there are setbacks, but gradually progress becomes more noticeable and it does get better in time. Yes, if you had the Ivor Lewis surgery it’s one of the most serious and radical operations there is, so naturally recovery is a very hard and a long process. Life won’t ever be the same exactly, but the new normal is pretty good and you can do most things as before but in different ways and time frames. It’s great that your young family has been so supportive as I know it must have been so hard to see their mum so ill.

Benefits has caused many people a great deal of upset when they can least deal with that sort of stress and it made me so ill that in the end I had to abandon the whole thing just to preserve my fragile health, not to mention my sanity Lol. I wish you good luck in your fight and in your recovery. Very soon you’ll be at your new normal too and everything will be so much brighter for you.

Take care

Love Crystal xx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Issywig ,

I was diagnosed 29th April 2009 and had chemo followed by the op in October and then chemo again. I have a 14 yearold son who was fantastic throughout. Did you have chemo too? I am finding that the road to recovery needs to be taken slowly but it gets better every day. have you tried talking to macmillian to help with the benefits nightmare they are very good and can access other help if all else fails. Life I don't think will ever be the same as before but I think it will eventually be better. have a great weekend cheers Liz
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