Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Hi Sal

Sorry to hear that John is losing weight, albeit just a little. By the sound of it he’s eating quite well at this stage, but by no means enough to sustain his normal weight. Things will settle down after a while, you’ll see, and then his appetite will improve and he’ll gain weight. He really just needs to eat at his own pace and to eat exactly what he feels like at the moment. It is quite a hit and miss affair so gradually he'll get used to his new likes and dislikes and to the amounts he can eat without getting sick or being hungry.

In my case, after the surgery I lost 10lbs over a couple of months, mostly due to the fact I could barely eat and was retching and had diarrhoea. I threw the Fortisips away as they just made me feel so ill! After things settled down I began to eat full-fat stuff such as mashed potatoes made with butter and cream (although dairy was and still is difficult.) Lots of fruit ice cream, trifles without the cream, chips which I hated before the surgery but loved afterwards. Pate on toast with scrambled eggs on top was a favourite. Basically, anything that was fattening and not too dairy orientated. I soon made up my weight and now maintain it with a more healthy diet.
Try not to worry as John is at least eating ok. When are you seeing the consultant again, is it next week? I’m sure all will be well. Also, how’s your mum recovering after her mini stroke? You’ve had your hands full a bit haven’t you?

Michael - how is Frank today? I've been thinking about you both and hoping that Frank's chest infection is improving.

Mick - you handsome, immodest rascal you LOL. Are you keeping well too?

All on here, I hope all is as well as can be. Take care everyone.

Love and hugs Crystal xx

Hi Michael
I’m really surprised that your district nurse doesn’t call at your house and you should arrange for her to do so through your GP. Like Mick said, mine too came every week without me having to ask. I’m sure its part of the after-care service for cancer patients provided by the local health authorities. I know some areas are trying to save resources but this is not on in Frank’s case. It’s too much to expect Frank to travel at this stage. You’re doing really well Michael and I know how worrying and difficult it is for you. You’re doing everything right and good and being positive is totally the best attitude, so a big hug to you.

Hi Bob – how nice to have a chat with you here and I hope today is a good day for you and your family. I keep up with your diary from time to time and always admire your positive attitude and your sunny disposition and humour. I notice recently that you’ve been suffering from acid reflux on top of everythig else. It can be triggered by certain foods such as tomatoes, chocolate, coffee and our beloved curries. Certain drugs can also cause it such as aspirin or calcium blockers, in which case you’d need to talk to your doc. I was prescribed lansoprazole which was useless, then I tried Gaviscon which was also useless. The best thing I found was to eat 3 hrs before going to bed, sleep almost upright or in a reclining position with loads of pillows and simply chew a couple of Remigel when I felt it coming on. If it happens suddenly the pain is unbearable isn’t it ( I even get mouth ulcers from that acid). In which case, ice lollies help soothe. Good luck and I hope you can get it sorted.

Hi Sal – hope everything is going ok for John. Is he still eating ok and is he in good spirits?

Hi handsome one – oy Mick I’m talking to you! So are you now the best looking bloke in Brum? And if so, why are you? ROFL. Hope you’re doing well Mick xx

To everyone else I hope your day is as good as it can be.

Love - Crystal xx

Hi Everyone,

Has it really been almost 3 weeks since being here? So much has been going on, have been suffering depression and not wanting to do anything, have just had the house remodernised-so stressfull, it's just been manic. Anyhow, how are things with everyone. How is Frank getting along Michael, hope you are both doing fine. Crystal, Mick hope you two are well also. We went to see the oncologist yesterday, we were told they removed 21 lymph nodes at the operation, none of which were diseased and no need for further chemo as John has been given the all clear!!! Well, he is in remission, I don't think you are ever clear from this emotionally, he still has barretts so has to be monitored closely but they are happy to wait another 3 months before seeing him so at long last we can start and move on with our lives although there is no way I'm leaving this site, it has been a godsend especially you Crystal. John is suffering with a niggling cough, not constantly, it seems to come and go but I think this is common after the operation, I forgot to mention it yesterday but John isn't concerned and has told me to stop worrying so much over things, he is quite something else! Well as I say i am up to y neck at the moment but will pop back in reguarly, love and best wishes to you all

Sal

xxxx