Husband is 75 and for a few months had suffered from excessive burping when eating/drinking. Went to GP after suddenly almost choking one day. GP (bless him) immediately arranged for camera-down-throat job at Southend hospital. We had thought they'd say hiatus hernia or similar......
However, they couldn't get the camera down all the way cos of a 'growth' blocking its passage and the operative told us, regretfully, it was almost definitely cancer. Biopsies were taken and a CT scan done. We went back a week later & told T3N1 oesophageal cancer. PET scan done and then seen by surgeon from London Hospital, Whitechapel (they don't do this surgery in Southend) who said that cancer was at junction to stomach, it is operable and the intention was to CURE. Arranged for 9 week's ECX chemo (3 sessions every 3 weeks plus daily chemo pills 1300mg twice a day). Plan is 9 week's chemo, then scan, then 4-6weeks for body to recover, then surgery, then repeat of 9 weeks chemo. 1st infusion done 2 week's ago. First 9 days poor hubby felt awful but got considerably better from then & his ability to eat has vastly improved tho sometimes he gets bad pain in front and in back.
Appt.with oncologist Monday 21st Sept, He was encouraging saying that as hubby is having less problem getting food down over last week, more than likely chemo already shrinking The Beast. 2nd infusion Friday 25th. Having read other folks' problems after surgery, while trying to be optimistic we are dreading the surgery/recovery bit. Sounds horrendous.
If anyone has had surgery done at London Hospital, Whitechapel, would really appreciate hearing from them.
Just to add to the picture, I had breast cancer 6 years ago (surgery/chemo/radio) and poor hubby had major surgery for an aortic aneurysm 4 years ago. We thought we'd had all the bad cards dealt..........
Can't believe our luck: Southern Oesophageal Support Group (afli. to Oesoph. Patiets' Ass) referred me to a guy who last year had same surgery as my husband hopefully will have after this chem AT SAME hospital BY SAME surgeon. He was very helpful and encouraging. He also mentioned that he got FULL travel insurance (including this cancer surgery etc) from Medici Travel (link below).
http://www.medicitravel.com/cancer-sufferers.cfm
