I was diagnosed with Oesophagul Cancer back in May 2009, at the time I was a relatively fit 57 year old professional Project Manager with major defence support organisation.The nature of my work meant I was constantly on the move internationally, and never really considered the personal effects until the tumour reared it's ugly head !
Heartburn was considered part of the 'lifestyle'..!
Like most other sufferers, by the time it was diagnosed the tumour was 10cm with a 4cm Hiatus Hernia, so swallowing food was unpleasant to say the least.
The good news after several scans and investigations was that the Cancer was contained and could be operated on after a 9 week Chemotherapy course.
I finished the course last week only to find that I had been infected by the 'Swine Flu' ......confusion reigned as I believed I was suffering from the after effects of the Chemo..! (believe me Chemo is worse than Flu !!)
Anyway I am taking the TamiFlu antidote and feel fine, awaiting a date for surgery to remove the tumour and associated plumbing.!
Although I had originally read the Forum notes from other sufferers I felt that this was a deeply personal experience....funny how attitudes change when you realise what a difference this will make to the rest of your life...
The Username 'Lucky Dave' was part of my ironic sense of humour...partly because of the Swine Flu, but more the fact that I have been the Chairman of a local Macmillan Fund Raising Organisation (MATHS) for the past 5 years..!
This can happen to anyone..I am happy to share my experiences with fellow sufferers / families, and will update as things progress to the operation and recovery...the main thing is be POSITIVE.....
FormerMember
Hello Dave, welcome to this site. How unlucky can you get, picking up swine flu after what you've been through. Hope you're on the mend soon and I wish you the best of luck for your forthcoming surgery. Christine xx
Just to say Welcome to this site & sorry about your cancer diagnosis, but I hope you get your operation very soon.
Quite a few people on this site have oesophagul cancer & some who have had an oesophagectomy, so if you get in touch with them, then I'm sure they'll be able to help support you. A few people have recently been diagnosed too, if you read through blogs, you will find them.
Read your last blog and I wish you the very best, I hope your surgery is successful, for me I am the other side of the table so to speak, as my mum is the patient, surgery isn't an option, and this is all new and scary, I travel alot and so far have been able to avoid the old Swine Flue stuff anyway ....good luck buddy.....
Many thanks to all who have sent their support and encouragement, here is the latest in the 'Lucky Dave' scenario...!
The effects of the Swine Flu have literally disappeared after 4 days of the Tamiflu, temperature normal, sleeping o.k., appetite o.k.ish...(I failed to mention in the previous blog that even after the Chemo nothing has 'shrunk', but the perpetual optimist says that nothing has 'grown' either !) seems a waste of 9 weeks and delay to the op. Hey what's the hurry...?
Anyway I'm due an appointment with the surgeon this evening (albeit over the phone because of the leprosy/ swine flu !) and hopefully will have some form of future programme prior to the op. I'll post the outcome soonest...!
It’s great to hear that the swine flu has all but disappeared and now you should be able to get yourself fit in preparation for surgery by doing some gentle exercise. I shouldn’t worry too much about your tumour not shrinking, as mine didn’t either. My consultant told me that it isn’t so much about shrinking the tumour as to ensuring that any stray cancerous cells are destroyed by the neoadjuvant chemo. At some point your consultant will want to discuss the surgery and recovery issues with you and I’m sure you won’t have long to wait now that you’re over the swine flu. I wish you all the best and good luck on your journey.
