Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Ben

This is not the news any of us wanted to hear, I am gutted for you, just when you feel you have cracked one thing another comes along. What can I say pal except I am sad and angry over what you now have to endure. I can now see where all that shoulder pain was coming from, don’t be shy in asking for as much pain relief as you need, my thoughts are with you and Sharon, let us know how you are getting on with your treatment plan.

Keep up the good fight,

Steve

Mick

I hope your check up went well today, four years quite a mile stone to achieve. So you did a little coach driving too, I used to do some tour work and hypermarkets, however there was nothing more enjoyable for me than excursions; my first coach driving job was with Wallace Arnold on the south coast, but I used to drive the trucks during the winter months. Who did you drive for?

Best Regards,

Steve

Hi Ben
As you so rightly say, this is not at all the news we wanted to hear and I’m really so sorry that there are ‘suggestive’ and ‘suspicious’ signs of metastases. I’m only sorry that you have to undergo all this treatment again and my heart goes out to you and Sharon. Your GP is really on the ball not to be complacent and ordering the bone scan, so at least you now have the chance to get this under control with the combined modality treatment. It’s my understanding that through such treatment of balancing the chemo with radiotherapy a status quo can be realised, or a state where the cancer can be controlled for a long time.
I just want you to know that I, and I’m sure the others will echo this, am here for you any time you need support or just some light-hearted banter and a joke. Let us know when things start to move on the ‘schedule of events’, but until then, just put it all on the back burner. And now that you have effective pain relief I hope that you and Sharon will be able to continue doing the things you love to do, and making hay as you have done all along.
I send you big hugs ((((((Ben))))))
Love Crystal xxx

Hi Mick
How was your check-up today? You know how we all worried last time so please let us know how it went. I have mine coming up in November, it will be two years and six moths. Xx

Hi Li
I’m generally well thanks, just the usual fatigue that comes and goes, and the dumping that sometimes gets the better of me. In myself, I feel happy so at the moment all is well. Like Ben, I make hay when I can. Gerald seems to be doing so well and I’m very happy for him. It’s remarkable really that he’s returned to work so soon as I’ve never heard anyone being able to return that early. Tell Gerald this is another first, and well done. We’ll have to nominate him for the record books Lol. You say Gerald has sarcoidosis. Remind me to come to your thread one of these days and tell you quite a remarkable story about someone having that. Hope you are well too. xx

Hi Wendy
You’re a wonder woman with all your gadding about, so it shows that you’re certainly on the mend. Actually, getting out as much as possible is essential to recovery, as the combination of fresh air, exercise and mind stimulus does wonders for the body and the morale. From day one at home after surgery I used to walk every day, increasing the distance each time, until I could walk to the nearest handbag shop to reward myself. Sometimes, it’s the little things that spur us on isn’t it? Lol.
As for the electronic, reclining bed, my husband bought me one with a memory foam mattress and I can’t praise it enough. Yes, they are very expensive, but the comfort and support that it provides is worth every single penny. It reclines at the head and feet at various angles and firmly supports the sensitive scars and helps stop acid reflux. You can get one from most good bed shops or online where the prices are more competitive. Nicu got mine online from Furmanac, the model is called Chloe and at that time it cost £600 for the single 3 foot. The headboard is an extra £50 but is an essential item really. It’s dearer now I’m afraid but here’s a link to the company.
http://www.beds2go.co.uk/adjustablebeds_chloe.htm
I was a bit cross with Nicu when he bought it as I thought it was over the top and way too expensive, but it’s turned out to be a good investment.
Hope you're well this evening.
Keep in touch. xx

Hi Steve
I hope all is well and that you’re getting some rest and not overdoing things. Are you still at home? If so, take some time out and about. xx

Hi to Everyone else looking in and a Good night to All.
Love Crystal xx

hi Crystal,

it would be good to hear a storey about it, Gerald had a check on it to day and they said it was ok nothing to worry about, but they want to keep a eye on it he is back in 3 months. im Glad you are well, Gerald said you and mick and all the others that have come this far spur him on he stll is getting very tired and keeps getting food stuck where he is eating too much too quickly but gerald being gerald willl not listern lol.

hi ben i dont think we have had the pleasure of chatting yet but im sorry for the news you have just recieved i hope you are able to keep up the good things you enjoy,

take care all

Li

Hi Crystal
I go back to work on Thursday, only a couple of coats of paint on the skirting boards and the bedroom is finished. I can’t believe how well I am feeling and not even over tired, things must be on the up and up, and I am even managing to eat a little more which must be helping with my energy levels.

Hi Li
I am glad Gerald is doing well and it’s good that he wants to keep working, I believe it is good to push yourself a little to see how far you can go, but there is nothing wrong in taking a step back if you realize things are getting a bit too much or you can end up doing more harm than good. Tell him life has to be more of a marathon and less of a sprint and like any good marathon you need to build up to it and get the diet right.

A very good night to everyone looking in,

Steve