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

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    hi all this weather is getting me down now, its hard getting out and about. unless my hubby takes me then iam stuck. because we live in a close the roads are very ice, the though of me falling on my back side hurts. last few days i have felt good, more like the old me. if iam to long on my own the horrid thoughts creep in. so my advise never stayed to long on your own. have people around you. happy snow boarding. talk soon.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi everyone, Hurrah Dancing on Ice is on the box tonight and I for one will watch with new respect after trying to stay upright outside for the last week ,lol !!

    Goodness knows what I look like as I sort of paddle around. I think if someone had taken the time to video lots of different people trying to walk without falling, then put it to music they would have had a hit!!!!!!!! love leisha xx

    Hi sharon, you are not on your own as there is always someone on here to talk to so dont let those horrid thoughts creep in, I listen to loud rock music when they try to invade me they dont like that, ha ha ((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Everyone

    I haven't written anything on here for a while,as things have been going quite well with my husband,I had been looking into him having PDT treatment at UCL and the consultant there had been looking at his diagnosis to see if he would be a suitable candidate for it,but I have heard today that he said Tom was not suitable for it as it is only for really small tumours and when the cancer has not spread and unfortunately Tom's has spread to his adrenal glands so I am feeling  really deflated and let down as I convinced myself it would happen.I am thinking of you all and hope things are going well with everyone.

    Marianne

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Dear  Marianne

    I am so very, very sorry.  I know that our 'story' had raised your hopes.   You will be so devastated.   However, we know that it is not a 'cure'  - we are just perhaps buying a very little time.   Forgive me if I have given you false hope. 

    I am really heartbroken for you. 

     

     

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Grace

    You never gave me false hope all cases are differant and it just so happens the consultant in UCL has decided after looking at Tom's diagnosis that he just was not a suitable candidate.Can't remember if it was today or not that hubby was off to leeds but if so I hope he got away ok I will be thinking of him and I really wish him well.

    Look after yourself and those gorgeous hounds

    Marianne xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Marianne - he is at the York Laser Centre.  The surgeon is Professor Moghissi.  I will let you know how it goes. 

    Thank you for all your good wishes.

    Love to you both, and your gorgeous hounds. 

     

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Sorry,  that should have been the Yorkshire Laser Centre.  It is in Goole - not a good name in the circumstances.  xx

  • Hi Marianne

    I’m so very sorry that the consultant couldn’t offer your husband this treatment.  It’s a devastating situation you find yourselves in and I’m truly sad and upset for you.  As you say, each and every case is different, but how we all wish with all our hearts there was a cure.  You’re in my thoughts. xx

    Hi Grace

    I’ve been thinking of you and your husband too and the difficulty you must have had with the snow in getting to the appointment.  I hope the treatment goes really well, so please let us know how he gets on.  xx

    Love to everyone, you’re all in my thoughts.

    Crystal xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to crystalclear

    Hi Marianne and Grace, thinking of you both, (((((((((((((((((((((((((((bighug))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) xx love leisha

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Leisha and Crystal.  

    Thanks for your thoughts and good wishes.  Thinking of you too. 

    Best wishes to all of you out there.