Hi , I’m new to this site but wanted to share my experience of living with oesophageal cancer. I realise that I’m one of the lucky ones in that my cancer was caught relatively early and was therefore operable.
I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in February 2007 and after many tests and two sessions of chemotherapy I underwent an Ivor Lewis operation, which is major surgery to remove the cancer, and lasted around seven hours. I responded well throughout and remained only five days in intensive care before being moved to a general ward and released a week later.
Since then, I’ve continued to do well but suffer from dumping syndrome as a result of the surgery. This is an unpleasant side-effect that causes fatigue, sweating and nausea after eating. Also, I now have to have vitamin B12 injections every three months as my body can no longer process this essential vitamin.
All in all, I feel ok and have remained positive all the way through. I realise I’m extremely lucky and count my blessings every day.
I’ve read so many negative reports about this type of cancer so I felt I had to share something positive for those of you who have, or know someone with, Oesophageal cancer.
All the best
Crystal
Welcome back Crystal, glad u are better - you have been missed.
Love and hugs to everyone on here.
x
It is SO good to see you here again, Crystal. I have been checking daily to see if you had posted, or if anyone had heard from you. Anyway, keep mending. You're right, this community is so very caring about each other, and your absence was very much felt.
Pilla xxx
Hi to everyone, i think you are all amazing, what are you? AMAZING!
Good to hear from you Crystal, Keep rocking! love leisha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi to everyone
So glad to hear you are on the mend Crystal, you sound like such a fighter. It is really great to be able to speak to you all about my worries for my dad, it seems to ease things.
Big hugs from Dooker
Crystal
So glad you are on the mend, please don't rush back make sure you are well recovered first as these viruses have a sneeky way of hitting you even after you think you are well again. We all miss you when you are away, but I know how much of your time you spend caring for everyone here, its almost like a full time vocation, so remember to take care of yourself becuase there is only one Crystal.
Steve x
Hi Judy
You’re right about the flu jab and like an idiot it’s just something I never thought about, nor was it mentioned at any of my GP visits. It seems I should have been more proactive and actually requested the vaccination. I’ll be better prepared next year. You’re also correct when you say we get three or more post notifications at once or none at all. This is happening all the time and I end up with dozens of emails.
Take good care.
Love and Hugs
Crystal xx
Hi Michael (jo ninty)
It’s nice of you to join us here, so welcome, and thanks for your good wishes. You are right in that we are stronger than we think sometimes, and I think that this is partly due to stubborn determination. In spite of that, I’m still a great advocate of medical science, so made full use of various medications to help me deal with the symptoms.
I hope you’re continuing to do well and that you too have a very healthy and happy year ahead.
Love and Hugs
Crystal xx
Hi Maisiebird
Thanks, and I’ll be dropping you a line, hopefully in the week. Energy is still so low, but getting there. Hope you’re feeling a little better within yourself.
Crystal xxx
Hi Pilla
Thanks so much for your thoughts and kind words. I see you’ve recently celebrated your 60th birthday, so many congratulations and Many Happy Returns. I’ll be catching up with your blog over the next few days, but I’ve just briefly scanned it and the photos are lovely.
Love and Hugs to you and Ed.
Crystal xx
((((Leisha)))) yes, we are ALL Amazing!!! I hope you’re feeling good, having fun with your family and looking forward to your next charity run. Ed would be so very proud. In fact, I’m sure he’s encouraging you. You’re an inspiration to all of us and an asset to the charity. If I keep rockin’ will you keep rollin’?
Love and Hugs
Crystal xx
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