Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

1237 replies
7 subscribers
1238268 views

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

FormerMember over 13 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hello Lou xx

Well. Saturday didn't go to plan and the cream cake was a no-go (what do they say about best laid plans??).

At the moment I am on the 'M' run - (a large chain of fast food restaurants)- Dad can manage a large milkshake. A healthy diet has gone out of the window, it's calories all the way.

I didn't realise I was in such talented company - what with Griff's singing and yours and Steve's writing, I'm very impressed!

Loads of love to you all,

Sarah xxxxx

FormerMember over 13 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I have 1 claim to fame, I am the worst singer in the world, even the dogs run away.

Regards Lou

FormerMember over 13 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Ho Lou

I am glad you have been inspired to write again, for me it's the best therapy of all. It sounds like you are doing well and that is good news for all of us.

All the best,

Steve

FormerMember over 13 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Dear Crystal Haven't heard from you for a while. I trust you are busy with your house move etc. But would be good to know that you are well. You have been such a source of information and support, and laughter, on this site, and it dawned on me that we haven't heart from you for a while. Hope all is well with you. Sheena xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

crystalclear over 12 years ago in reply to FormerMember

It's been many months since I posted here so I thought it was about time to just update this thread. We relocated to Lincoln at Christmas time and although the move depleted my limited energy, I've never been happier anywhere than I am right now, both physically and emotionally. In May it was five years since my diagnosis and subsequent surgery, and I have now been signed off by my consultant and Mac nurse. My health is fine, just energy fluctuations are problematic, but one learns to juggle and to be extremely grateful for anything life has to offer after such extreme surgery. I began this thread over four years ago to act as a record and to offer encouragement to others along the way. However, after all that time I realised that as I was regaining health I needed to let go of the Mac site and start to live the rest of my life in some other way. This year I've taken up watercolour and acrylic painting and hope to exhibit next year. It takes up all of my time, but is a very peaceful and therapeutic pastime. To all the people who've posted here, I hope that life is kind, that you are doing as well as it's possible to do, and that if you're struggling with further treatments, that you will plough onwards with renewed energy and determination. Anything is possible! To newcomers, take heart from all the love that this Mac site has to offer. I wish you all lots of love, peace and hope. Crystal

FormerMember over 12 years ago in reply to crystalclear

Hi Crystal

I was only thinking of you recently I used to read your posts on share you give a lot of people support just wanted to say so pleased every thing is going well for you I have not had cancer myself but lost Veronica through bone cancer

love and hugs to you

love Janice xx

crystalclear over 10 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Some of you here may have had the good fortune to know Steve ( 'Bad Year is now a Good Year') and will know how very kind and caring he was on this site for a number of years. It saddens me deeply to have to tell you that Steve passed away on Tuesday 1 July 2014.

Since leaving the Mac site, Steve and I stayed in touch via email, continuing to support each other through our 'new normal' and sometimes difficult days. Although we never met we became good online friends and I will greatly miss his good humour, kindness and his creative writings.

I know that some of you here, undergoing your own treatments and recoveries, were friends with Steve and a member of his family asked me to tell you how they appreciated your support and kindness to Steve, as Steve himself did.

For those that don't know me, I had the Ivor Lewis procedure in 2007 and created a blog here on the Mac site called Surviving Oesophageal Cancer. I stopped writing my blog a couple of years back as I just needed to move on. You can see Steve here and many others, sharing their experiences.

I can see many new faces here sadly, and also some of the old crowd. I wish for you good outcomes wherever possible and send healing thoughts to you.

Finally, my sincere condolences to Steve's wife, family and friends at this very sad time. I send them love and healing thoughts.
Crystal xx

FormerMember over 10 years ago in reply to crystalclear

So sad to hear about Steve - I remember his posts well. Hope you are in good health Crystal. Long time since I have been on the site - received an email with your post. Shaun still plodding on - nearly 3 years since Ivor. Still suffers from the usual effects of surgery but doing well . Still in contact with couple of ladies who used to be on here but sadly both are widowed now. Shaun is one of lucky ones. Love to all fighting and surviving this evil disease - best wishes - Rosemary xxx

crystalclear over 10 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Rosemary, great to hear from you and to know hubby's recovery is going ok, albeit difficult at times. The main thing is he’s progressing!

I'm fine thanks, still got the energy problems, but now have the B12 jab every eight weeks instead of twelve weeks. I took up painting a couple of years back and it's become a passion, so I paint every day. I'll try to attach a couple here, but if I can't I expect it's because the site format has changed.

Hope you're keeping well too! xx

crystalclear over 9 years ago in reply to crystalclear

I see it's been two years since I last updated this blog!

The 21 May saw my ninth year post surgery and although we didn't celebrate too much, I managed to build another rockery in the garden and plant a large section of bedding plants and containers, followed by a steak dinner.

When I look back all those years ago I remember clearly the hard, slow recovery process, the fear, hope and impatience and finally the realisation of my full recovery and how lucky I have been. These days, absolutely nothing is taken for granted, I appreciate every moment and try to live life to the full. I still paint my pictures and have taken up new hobbies besides painting.

To anyone in recovery reading this, I wish you a long and steadfast journey into complete recovery and wellness.

Love and Healing thoughts x

Here is my painting of my beautiful little dog, a Pomeranian called Max.

More from this forum

Surviving Oesophageal Cancer