Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Hi Sharon

Good to hear that you’re doing ok although it must be worrying when you have to undergo the dilations so often, as we can all empathise with that fear of not being able to swallow.  Hopefully, that problem will eventually resolve itself, as I believe it does, so further dilations won’t be necessary.

It sounds as though you have dumping syndrome as well, which can be a real problem.  Mine went on for almost two years and I still get it from time to time.  You’re doing the right thing by cutting out sweet things, and just eating little snacks also helps.  Good luck with the chemo, I hope you don’t get too many side effects, so just envisage it zapping all those bad cells that might be still there, but hopefully aren’t.  Keep in touch as it’s always good to hear from you. xx

To everyone else, I follow all your news as much as possible and send you healing thoughts and positive energy.

hi everyone! Lou that is interesting about the different operation. When is it sked? Glad your chemo is going OK. Dad handled his 5 weeks chemo-radiation really good. His surgery is sked for late March. So I will let you guys know how that goes. Thanks everyone!! from Mydad 

Hi Leisha

I am so glad that you are back - I was missing you!  Weather bad in Benedorm?  Hah!   I think it is about eight inches of snow with us just now ... and you have missed some major weather dramas.  Glad you are safely back and that things - despite theft - are going well.  We have had a little theft here too - Jonathan's mobile phone has been lifted by a 'friend' of a friend with all his contacts, emails and everything.  How could anyone do this to someone who is so ill? 

Take care all of you, 

Hi Mydad

As you know, I can't comment on different types of surgery but I am glad that you are back on the thread!  Someone will be back to you, I am sure.  

Best wishes, 

Hi Buzzie

I have just read your profile and I am interested to know how your husband was offered PDT treatment and what hospital you have to go to.

My husband has a in-operable brain tumour and I have been looking into this treatment on the internet.  I tried to contact a hospital in Grimsby and they referred me to a hospital in Dundee but I never got any replies to my queries.

We spoke to our oncologist about it and he said that he would gladly refer us in the future but it would not be funded by the NHS.

We dread the day when they say they cannot offer anymore treatment (you never know if it is the lack of funding or whether it cannot be treated anymore).

Hope you don't mind me asking you about this.

best wishes

Ann

Hi Ann

I am so very sorry about your husband's situation.  I know how desperate it is when you fear that you might have reached the end of all treatments offered by the NHS and also the frustration that there might be some other treatment out there which would help but which is not being offered.  

My husband had PDT at the Yorkshire Laser Centre.  The surgeon's specialism is cardio-thoracic surgery and I do know that he does treat lung cancer, as well as oesophageal cancer.  PDT has been mentioned in connection with brain tumours but you probably need to find a brain surgeon?  However, it might well be worth your while contacting the Yorkshire Laser Centre - they may well  be able to direct you to someone who performs this procedure on brain tumours.  We have found them very helpful indeed.  You would be unlikely to get it on the NHS but I think it is worth investigating all avenues, don't you?

As I understand it, Ninewells in Dundee is pioneering PDT for skin cancer but someone can correct me if I am wrong! 

Wishing you both the very best of luck, 

Best wishes, 

Hi everyone. the doc was pleased with ed on friday and he starts 4th cycle of chemo next week. We all had a laugh about wine as ed has had a few on holiday but i said no more now we are back. doc says he can have a glass as long as it does not make him feel ill. I said a glass a day NOT  a glass an hour !

We both watched England play rugby ( and loose! ) with a glass of red each, it felt like old times ! Going for sunday lunch at our favourite place today.

I hope you are all having a happy and peaceful day, love leisha xxx

Hi Leisha

Welcome back and I’m glad to hear that Ed is doing ok and still able to enjoy that all important one glass of wine, by doctors orders!!

Cheers!!

Love Crystal xx

Oh boy, do you get up early or what ! Mmmmm think I might send Ed back to school as 1 turned into 4 yesterday !  Still only starts chemo again  wednesday so I will let him off till then. Crossed it off the shopping list though.

The sun is out here, washing out and Ed outside potttering so all is well today., I hope you and anyone looking in is having a good day , love leisha xxx

Hi Ben, not heard form you lately. Would love to know how you are and if you have had any horrible weather that I see is around in your part of the world. my sister is on her way home whilst she still waits for visas. She loves New Zealand but cant work without the paper work. Hope to hear from you soon, love leisha xxx