Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

((((Ben))) How lovely to see you and I’ve often wondered about you and hoped you were still making hay, and I see you have been Lol. Even cadging a first class ride home I see. It must have been worrying at the time though, especially for Sharon.
Whilst it was very bad luck to have found a kidney stone, on the other hand this enabled the docs to find a potential problem sooner rather than later, which hopefully they’ll be able to deal with if it’s anything sinister. In the meantime, whilst waiting for the tests, try to remain calm and focus on wellness. I like your quote at the end of your message. When you first came on this thread I read your quotes in your profile and gave you three of my own, page 14, so now I have another one: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." (Vivian Greene.)
I hope today finds you feeling good and out in the hay fields.
Come back soon Ben and let us know how you’re doing as I'll be thinking about you and hoping all is well.
Love Crystal xx

Hi All

This thread has been awful quiet of late. Netty I hope your recovery is progressing well and that everyone else who is looking in are as well as they can be.

Very Best Regards

Hi Crystal

I hope your B12 injection gives you some more energy soon and try not to overdo things. I am wondering if the treatment you are on may help me as my wife has prescription vitamin B compound, I gave them a try for a week and I do feel less tired and coping a little better at work.

I went for the swallow tests, all seems ok with the upper join, the chocking and coughing is as I suspected vagus nerve damage which has slowly been improving which makes sense if it were just bruising, however I think my swallowing is as good as it’s going to get so will just have to live with it. The tests have shown that I am not aspirating into my lung from my swallow end, however further examination of the stomach shows that there is a restriction where the food leaves the stomach. I could see from the scan results that my stomach was quite full with only small amounts of food and water laced with barium but was reluctant to go anywhere. This could account for possible aspiration caused through a similar effect to reflux coupled with the fact I feel so uncomfortable after eating anything, although the pains in my lung are not so frequent now. They are going to discuss their findings with the consultant, and I suspect but I am not sure about possible dilation of the affected area, although I don’t think there is anything sinister going on at this time.

I hope everyone else looking in is having a good day even though I know some of you are having a damn hard time of things lately.

Take care

Hi Bad Year
I’m almost sure that your doctors would have routinely checked your vitamin B12 levels in your blood tests, although as the body can store this vitamin for many months, it’s possible that a deficiency hasn’t yet shown itself. It might be worth mentioning though. Mine was picked up within six months post surgery, but I’ve heard of a couple of cases where it wasn’t an issue for well over a year. If I try B12 supplements it doesn’t have any effect, as my body can no longer assimilate the vitamin from food sources, so it has to be administered via injection into a muscle. It does have a good effect eventually, so hopefully it will kick in soon. Without it, I tend to fall asleep at the computer. Zzzzzzz

It’s good news that your choking and coughing can be attributed to bruising and should therefore improve in time. Also, excellent news that there was no aspiration into the lung as I know that was one of your main concerns. I’m just wondering about the problem area where the food leaves the stomach. Do you think it could be a stricture caused by the healing scar tissue along the join, and as a result impeding gastric evacuation and causing gastric retention? This would leave you feeling very bloated, sluggish and tired, as well as nauseous. From your description, it sounds as though that could be a possibility, though I do realise I’m only guessing. The thing is not to worry, although I know that possibly having to face a dilation with a battle weary body, isn’t a picnic exactly. I’m sure all will be well, and hopefully it won’t be anything that can’t heal on its given time. Let us know how you get on and what the doctors come up with.
Crystal xx

Hi Crystal

Thanks for your reply; sorry I missed it, there are so many threads. I will go back to see the ENT consultant on Monday, I have to be honest I have not had a blood test since leaving hospital and haven’t seen my original team for some months which was when I was referred by them to see the ENT. The ENT consultant will properly refer me back to my team over the latest findings; I tend to keep well clear of them all as all they do is weigh me and moan about weight loss, I won’t travel to London just for that so I will only see them if I have a problem which looks to be about now.

I can live with these problems I am having, just so long as the cancer does not come back, so if any fix is too involved I will give it a pass. I just feel so lucky to be getting on with my life albeit not firing on all cylinders, but you know better than most that certain things about our lives will never be the same as before the operation xx

If possible, you should try to lead a stabilised lifestyle, which means not doing shift work. You need to conserve all of your energy and get into regular sleep patterns. Also, if you are lacking in B12 this seriously diminishes energy levels. You really need to talk to HR or your line manager regarding your shift working. xx