Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Hi Janet

I’m so sorry that your dad’s cancer has recurred, as I remember back in January that he had some concern then didn’t he?  Sadly, even with no lymph node involvement, all of us that live with this are keenly aware that it’s possible to recur, even though we know that it’s likely that we could go on for years as well.  As you say, I’m sure the setback must have hit your dad very hard, so I hope that you and all his family will surround him with a wall of support and encouragement to help him get through further treatment.  I’m sure you will, but it is hard for those that have to do this. 

I wish you lots of luck on Monday when you see the consultant and find out what his treatment will be.  Hopefully, this will begin soon and be effective at controlling it or bringing about a remission.  I’m keeping fingers crossed for you and you’ll be in my thoughts on Monday.

Blimey Crystal you are a fountain of knowledge!  Thank you for the links.  They are very useful!  He is due to go in hospital on the 7th, I assume the op will be the next day. His pre-op is Tuesday.  I have been full of cold this week (typical as not had a cold for about two years!) so he has worked away from home for a few days (as he did regularly pre illness) but hes still got a bit of a sniffle so am hoping and praying this wont delay things.

So sorry to hear your news Janet.  Its a rotten disease.  Hugs to you and your family x

Hi Crystal

Thanks for response and your kind words,  yes dad has not had a smooth ride since his op, we have spent all weekend together as a family, and think we have come to terms with the shock of it all,  dad is physically strong although mentally think he may still be struggling although he would not admit this.  Our appointment is 3pm and we are all going with him - this will help him through I am sure, hopefully its a good prognosis will keep you posted.

Bacardiwoman

Really sorry you find yourself here my thoughts are with you as your husband op approaches, I am sure he will be fine, if he is anything like my dad he will want to be back home after 24 hours !!  and won't discuss any of his feelings or thoughts just carries on as if it isn't happening,  yet my mum, sisters and I just openly fell apart for weeks !. I will be thinking about you as the op approaches, stay positive ,

Janet

x 

Hi Crystal

Thanks for response and your kind words,  yes dad has not had a smooth ride since his op, we have spent all weekend together as a family, and think we have come to terms with the shock of it all,  dad is physically strong although mentally think he may still be struggling although he would not admit this.  Our appointment is 3pm and we are all going with him - this will help him through I am sure, hopefully its a good prognosis will keep you posted.

Bacardi woman

Sorry you find yourself on this rollercoaster, my thoughts are with you all as the operation approaches.  Stay postive !

Janet x

Hi Bacardi

Glad that the links are useful.  Yes, if your husband is to go in on the 7^th then the surgery will be the next day, usually very early.  On the eve of surgery he can ask the nurses for something to help him sleep.

In the meantime I hope he’s getting on top of that cold and keeping well away from other potential infections, as surgery is invariably postponed if the patient has an infection.  It’s important that he’s as fit as he possibly can be and doing some light aerobic exercises if possible.  He sounds quite fit anyway if he’s still able to work and hopefully that cold will have completely gone by next week.  Keep in touch and let us know how you’re doing.

Hi Janet

I’m sure your dad is trying to be strong for you all as well, so it’s good that you are all there for him.  By now I think you will have some idea as to his treatment, and I hope this is encouraging for all of you.  Sometimes, once you have a definite treatment plan, it’s then easier to deal with, rather than just wondering what might or might not happen.  I’m keeping fingers crossed that the news you got today was optimistic.

Crystal xx

Thinking of all that post here, especially Steve and Leisha right now.

Love and Hugs

Crystal xxxxx

Just a quick comment re colds

The lung and windpipe linings become very sensitive after a cold. They will postpone surgery by a month if the patient has a temperature on the day of the op.

It is vitaly important that the surgical team , particularly the anesthetist, is told that the patient has had a cold as he will need to make the call. Please do not be tempted to say everything is ok as the Ivor lewis op is one of the biggest that you can have and has the highest morbidity rate. It was described to me as like 'a controlled car crash' as all of the major organs are involved.

Hope all works out for those who are awaiting the op. I get my 5 year checkup on Oct 8 having been told that I had less than a 1% chance of living 1 year in 2005. I was reclassified as cured on Sept 7 2009.

Hiya Crystal, hope my lovely mate is doing good !

\;0) xxx Mick

The best of fortunes to everybody no matter what you are facing, directly or indirectly, in the future. My thoughts, wishes  and prayers go with you.

Constantly surviving; some days better than others

David

Love & hugs, kisses & backslaps, and positive vibes all round  

Hi

Thanks for everyone kind words and wishes, yes they have confirmed that dad’s cancer has regrown in his oesophagus, it the same as his original cancer – small cell squamous, but they also found another type of cancer in the lining of his oesophagus (I am worried this has travelled from somewhere else in his body.  The cancer appears to be growing along the join that was created during the op.  He now has to go for a CT scan, and ideally a PET scan, but apparently PET scans are expensive so a meeting has to be held to decide whether this is a prudent way to spend NHS cash (even though my dad has worked his whole life without claiming any benefits, ironic eh !!). Anyway if they say no to a PET scan, my sisters and I will take out a bank loan between us to pay for the PET scan as this will our dad his best chance.

Don’t really know what else to say its all very sad after all he has gone through since his operation.

Anyway on to brighter news – Mick well done !!! you are an absolute inspiration to us all, wishing you well for your next appointment.

Barcardi woman – hope all is well and husband is in a strong postion ready for his op.

Crystal a huge thanks as always for your wise and kind words.

Everyone else looking in hope all is well !

Janet

x