Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Sally and John - I am so very happy for you both, I must admit to shedding a tear when I read your post. John, grit your teeth and do those breathing exercises, you've done a fantastic job. Sal, you've been so brave and now you can nurse John back to good health.

Send my very best wishes to John and a great big hug to you both (((((((Sally & John)))))).

Love and best wishes - Crystal xxx

Hi Sally
Fantastic news!! so pleased for your both, now its a matter of john getting his strength up, keep us posted, and you remember to look after yourself too

everything crossed for the best possible result in 2 weeks, we are all behind you both.

love Anne & Ted xxx

Hi everyone

Just thought I would drop a line or two to tell you of Johns progress. We are already on day 6 and I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed, I thought it would go much slower. John is making good progress, is now doing two walks a day and has straightened up when walking. The stomach drain and a few tubes have been removed (I think it was the blood pressure and temperature as they are doing these manually now) there is such a lot to absorb. The main issue is the barium swallow on Thursday to see that the wound has joined properly and he can begin eating. He is in very good spirits and the staff are really pleased with his progress. I got there yesterday to find him in tears, my stomach dropped as I thought he had been given negative news but it turns out a priest had just been to a lady opposite as she had taken a turn for the worst, I said to John we prepare ourselves as best we can for the treatment and operation and the stay in hospital although we forget recovery is in intensive care and not an ordinary recovery ward and scenes like this can be quite upsetting. I was quite emotional on Sunday worried I was breaking but I think it was just the relief of it all being over, it's constant phone calls and enquiries from ppl and although this sounds really harsh and selfish at times I just want to be left alone. One of the nurses was saying not long ago the Ivor Lewis was being done once or twice a month, now it is three to four times a week, this awful disease is on the increase. I am coping in the fact I think to myself it is not each day I am without him but a day nearer to him coming home, the house feels empty without him. Although not out of the woods yet I also feel guilty for the people that haven't come as far as John with this condition. Again I thank you all for your kind wishes, support and really helpfull advice.
my love always
Sal
xxxxxxx

Sally thank you so much for updating us as I know you have your hands full. I also know that your news gives such a lot of hope to others. As you mentioned, this particular cancer was considered fairly rare but now there are so many new cases that I'm shocked by the numbers cropping up. Some of these people facing this surgery gain great hope from posts such as yours.

John is doing really well isn't he and his recovery is going well. Try not to worry about the barium swallow, these docs are so highly skilled and they know what they are doing. When it comes to eating for the first time I asked the docs to remove the feed drip so I could eat by myself. They were at first reluctant but I pressured them and was able to eat toast with no problem.

I hope all continues to go well for John, I'm sure it will by the sound of it, as the staff are very pleased with him. Once he's home you can relax a little and pamper yourself too.

I'm so happy for you both Sal. Please keep in touch and let us know when John will be home.

Love always - Crystal xx

Hi Sally

Good to hear that John is continuing to do well, once he starts eating a little he will soon be allowed home. When Ted was diagnosed last August we had never heard of this type of cancer and we thought it to be quite rare, but since joining this site I am amazed at the number of people who have found them selves in this position it does appear that for what ever reason it is definately on the increase. Ted has his op at Bristol and we were told just prior to the op taking place that they carry out about one per week, I'm unsure what area that covers. Hope things continue to improve, keep us posted

take care love Anne & Ted xxx