What does it mean

Less than one minute read time.

I have been diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of oesophagus T3 N1 M1 it extends virtually the whole length of the oesophagus and also spread to the lymph nodes within the area, although none of my major organs are affected.

I have recently had 2 stents fitted and am able to eat virtually normal again after not eating for nearly 3 months. In general I feel good in myself although I lost 3 stone I am now an healthy 14 1/2 stone and feel better for it. Last week I saw the oncologist and he explained that it was very unusual for someone with my cancer to live beyond 2 years and the average patient would survive less than 12 months. I am only 49 and reasonably active, I go for walks everyday and would gladly return to my work if the doctors would let me. I am due to start chemotheraphy on april 8th and hopefully this will have the desired effect and shrink the damn tumour but however positive I remain I am not sure it will shrink enough to operate and remove. 

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Pete

    Don't despair - there are plenty of people on the site who can help and advise.   I suggest that you post on the gullet cancer forum where you will be able to 'meet' more people who are in your situation.  My husband who was 51 when he was diagnosed with inoperable oesophageal cancer fifteen months ago was only given months to live. But he is very much still here.  Take care and don't panic.

    Best wishes, Grace.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Can anyone tell me what the T3 N1 M1 means please

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello Peter welcome to the site! I am sorry to hear that you have cancer too - its a bit of a shock isnt it. Anyway I do not have the same cancer as you but I found this information for you on this site via the 'cancer information' tab then I clicked on gullet (oesophageal) cancer. I have put a direct link to the info about staging for you. There is a helpline number too which you may find helpful to use and speak with a nurse about your condition (its free).

    I am sure you will find loads of friends via this site who will support you during your treatments. Best wishes, Jools

    Here is the link: www.macmillan.org.uk/.../Staging.aspx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Had my pre chemo assessment today, they explained all the possible side effects, took my blood test and showed me the chemo suite. It doesn't look as bad as I first thought but it is still scary that I am having chemo over an 18 week period. Is it usual to have chemo once every three weeks? I know I have to take the tablets to go with it and fingers crossed its going to do the business for me.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Yesterday was my first session of chemo, it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. Only side effects so far are pins and needles in the fingers, oh and when I drink something cold my mouth gets a tingling sensation. Hopefully thats as bad as it will get. I start taking the chemo tablets from today I will give an update in a couple of days.