Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

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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

crystalclear over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Leisha

The kitten cat often sits like that Lol. Did you mention air guitar? That’s my only form of exercise – didn’t you know I’m a rock goddess?

rockguitar.gif Rock guitar anim picture by crystalalbum

I’ll be in Staffordshire this weekend, but I’ll be thinking of you and Ed on Monday when he starts chemo and I’m keeping fingers crossed that all goes well for him and that side effects will be negligible. (((((((Hugs to you))))))). xx

Hi Ben, sending a pub from NZ to the UK is a bit like sending coal to Newcastle Lol. However, the Brits can never have too many pubs it seems, as most towns are crammed full of them. Actually, since surgery I don’t drink alcohol any more as it just tastes peculiar, but not real ale peculier unfortunately. I hope the radiotherapy treatment wasn’t too tiring and that in time you’ll get some real benefit from it. Let us know how you’re doing. xx

crystalclear over 15 years ago in reply to crystalclear

Don’t know why only half my message appeared (probably because I chat too much.) Here’s the rest of it -

Hi Steve, I hope all is going well and that all decorating is now finished so you can sit back and be all cosy ready for Christmas. I was thinking of your DIY skills the other day when we had a torrential downpour of rain in our bedroom! And still the kitten lolled against the radiator gazing at the ceiling rofl. It’s all fixed now anyway. xx

For anyone looking in, have a peaceful evening and a restful night. Love Crystal xx

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to crystalclear

Hi Crystal,

Your pic of your cat cracked me up!! Just loved it you made my day.

Had 3rd treatment today and had the best night last night that I have had in weeks. Already the pain feels different and hopefully will keep improving. Can't believe how tired I am though, I can almost go to sleep standing up!!

Weather changed today to a cool 5 degrees at 11am -- day before was 17.

Take care. Ben.

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hey Leisha

Long time no speak - sorry I have not been blogging much lately, have been reading blogs but fingers just didn't want to start typing for some reason. Anyway, just wanted to send you my love and hopeful thoughts for Monday. I totally understand both your fears re the chemo and wish I could tell you from David's experience to date that its a doddle but I can't do that. What I can say though is we have met many people at the hosp who have found chemo relatively manageable and non-debilitating so, Ed may well be one of these - as always, fingers x'd !!!! David has a slight chest infection at the mo so his chemo No 4 has been delayed for a week or so - HE IS REGIME FREE FOR 7 DAYS!! He went to bed last night really hoping he would wake up feeling so much better, I just love his positivity but sometimes its his worst enemy, cos this a.m when he woke feeling pretty grim, he was just so dissapointed. Anyway, when he wakes from his a.m nap, we are heading off to Torquay to make the most of his freedom for the weekend. Even managed to go out on our motorbikes earlier in the week for an hour or so - great stuff! Will be looking out for your blog re Ed next week - lotsa love.

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Crystal - Hope the tiredness lessening? Can't have the Goddess too sleepy, it doesn't go with the rock'n'roll image!!! What you got planned for the weekend?

To Ben, Steve etc - Very nice to meet you, have been back-reading your blogs so have been getting to know you 'virtually'

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Leisha

Give Ed my best wishes, will be thinking of you both on Monday.

Hi Crystal

That cat of yours looks like he can handle his drink, I wonder if he could handle a screwdriver for a bit of DIY, but then again you would properly come home to a new cat flap in every door with half a dozen of his best mates swigging ale on your best furniture.

Hi Ben

So glad the treatment is working well for you, at last a bit of relief from all that pain.

Hi Julie

I have been following your story on this thread and so it is also nice to make your acquaintance, have a good weekend in Torquay and say hello for me, as it was the place I was born and grew up.

Best wishes to everyone else looking in and don’t let this grey weather get you down!

Steve

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

FANTASTIC to hear from everyone! Heres hoping we all have a great weekend and lots of happy posts next week. Oh I just love crystals pics, lol. I must learn how its done one day.

love to everyone leisha, xxxxxxx

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi All

Sorry I have not been dropping in as often but think abot you often. Dad seems to be ok today although was terrible yesterday - bloated tummy, sickness & tiredness, its weird how one day he is poorly and the next he is off shopping in Ikea ?, he has had his oesophagus stretched twice now and is due to go back next thursday for another stretch. He had to a have a futher biopsy on his oesphagus as during a recent op to remove a huge abcess the surgeon spotted something he was not happy with think he called it a nodule, anyway he cut it away tested it and it came back clear, don't think dad could put up with another op anyway !, hope everyone is well this weekend & thanks for all your support

Janet

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Janet

All these setbacks your dad is having must be a real downer, hopefully the stretching will help with his food intake and associated problems, it’s the nature of the beast regarding good and bad days, and as long as the good days happen more often than not your dad will be winning. Let us hope on Thursday everything is as uneventful as possible.

Keep up your strength; get what needs to be done and look forward to a good Christmas and a better start to 2010.

Keep well,

Steve

FormerMember over 15 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi everyone, Just to say Ed started chemo and met so many in the same boat that he was chatting away which is unusual for him, he sees illness as private so I was pleased. We will see how it goes but there is lots of support 24/7 so that makes me feel better.

I hope you are all as well as can be, pain free and finding something to smile about, Let us know what !!!!!!!!!!!!

love leisha xxxxxxxxxx

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