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 gg1630

    I am really sorry to hear your news my thoughts are with both you and the girls.

    Look after each other.

    love Marianne x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to gg1630

    I had to write to express my sincerest sympathies to you and your family.  I may not post very often but I do read and sympathise with everyone's stories of heartbreak, sorrow - and some times on rare occasions, a story of hope.

    This is such a cruel disease.  my hubby is half way thru his combined radical radiochemo having first endured what was meant to be 9 weeks ECX prior to surgery - which was called off 5 days before surgery cos they found his heart wouldn't stand up to the surgery.  He has good days and bad. .   Until he has his scan when all treatments 'have been absorbed' which they say won't be for another 2 months, his prognosis is unknown,All I can do  is pray.

    Once more, my heart goes out to you.

    Carol

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    hi, I also wanted to pass on my sympathies. You have been so kind to share your posts about Roy. I wanted to thank you for that. I have learned alot from you and other posters. Please still post sometimes and say hello as we will miss you if you don't.  Kind regards to you, from Mydad

  • Gill

    I am so very sorry to hear this news and my deepest sympathy goes to you and the girls.  I hope you can take comfort from the fact that you were there for Roy all through his illness and that you did all that you could.  My thoughts are with you and the girls at this sad time.

    Love Crystal xx

     

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to crystalclear

    Dear Gill, my thoughts are with you and the girls at this sad time. You have been amazing throughout this and will be there for the girls as they grieve but take care of yourself too as you have had to be strong for everyone, Love leisha xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Dear Gill

    I am so very sorry.  From the little that I 'know' of you from this thread, I sense that you have tremendous strength.  

    My sincere sympathy to you and your girls.  

    With love, Grace. 

  • Thank you all so much for your kind words.  The past few days have been hard especially for the girls and when you are a parent it hurts me so much seeing them hurting and not being able to make it alright for them but we are just taking each day at a time.  They are going through so many emotions at the moment but hopefully in time it will get easier for them.  I send my wishes to all on this site and hope that life is good to you all.

    Gillxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to gg1630

    so sorry to hear of  your sad loss. god bless you all. xxx

  • Hi Sharon

    How are you? I haven’t seen you around for ages so I hope that’s because everything is going smoothly?  I do hope you’re progressing well with not too many horrible side effects.  Please let us know how you’re doing and if you’re managing to sleep better now. xx

    To Everyone that posts here, I think of you all often and hope you’re feeling good or as well as can be, especially Ben, Li, Janet and Gill.  Gill, I hope that each day gets a little easier and that your girls are coming to terms with their loss, although it must be so difficult for them. xx

    To All looking in, I hope your evening is warm and comfortable.

    Love Crystal xx

  • valentineheartsgbdhearts2.gif picture by crystalalbum

    To Everyone that’s ever posted on this thread, and to all out there looking in, I send you warmest wishes and hope that you and those close have a really Happy Valentines Day.

    Crystal xx

    valentineCupidRedGlitter.gif picture by crystalalbum

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