Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Hi Liesha and all others on air out there

Have been in that in between place for a while and rather low in the energy department. Have recently completeted another bout of radiation and am at that "not sure wether it has helped or worsened  stage " .It's a waiting game and I find that harder than the treatment .Have been stumbling a lot and had two bad falls giving myself a couple of lovely blackeyes ; not a pretty sight. Booked in   for brain scan in 10 days - thats if they can find one!   try to sort out if it is a medication problem or something else.

Apart from that everything is going well with lovely summer weather to die for  ooops did I really say that!!

Anyway I can sum up my present state of wellbeing as I put in my original profile. 

Pain is inevitable --- Misery is optional

No time for misery!!!!

All the best from Ben.

Hi Ben

Just picked up your message, as I am working a night shift; sorry to know about your falls, all this treatment knocks you for six, my father-in-law kept falling over when he was on this treatment so take extra care when trying to get around as you can do without getting any broken bones. It's so good to hear from you I hope your scans go well and that Sharon is well.

To everyone else looking in I hope things are as well as they can be,

All My Very Best Regards,

Steve

Hi Ben, good to hear from you but take care. I know we cant see you, but poor Sharon must wonder if she brought home Mike Tyson by mistake ! You fellas are made of stern stubborn stuff so keep smelling those roses, xxx

Hi Steve, you are another macho man working away while we all snuggle under the duvet. Take care of yourself, dont work too hard, spring is coming for us all to enjoy, xx

Love to everyone looking in, leisha xxxxxxx

Hi Ben

It’s great to hear from you as you’ve often been in my thoughts. I felt that the radiotherapy might be making you feel drained of energy and not your usual bouncy self, but I’m really sorry to hear about you falls, so fingers crossed that it’s just due to sudden fatigue and disorientation from the radiotherapy.  The waiting is a very hard thing, but I know that you won’t waste time dwelling upon things and will be doing your best to do as much as you reasonably can.

You are a lovely person, always bringing a smile here, so thanks for that.  Take good care Ben and keep in touch when you can.  Love to you and Sharon.

Crystal xx

Hi to Everyone, hope your day/evening is a peaceful and happy one. xx

No sure when the surgery has been scheduled, but would expect  mid to late April. Into my sixth week of chemo, except for some irreglar heart beats have managed to stay out of hospital for a  while and get some excercise. I am currently on heart tablets and daily injections of Clexane (self administered). Told the doctor the other day, I have asthma, heart going funny, cancer whats next diabetes more likely Alzheimer's  and forget I got the lot of them.  No matter how  bad you are or get, you can always be worse off.

I always hold with the following prayer :-   Give me the humility to accept the things I can not change, the strength to change the thing I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Regards Lou

Hi, You have terriffic spirit and a great sense of humour, I hope all goes well for your op. In the meantime I hope you are enjoying the lovely sunshine where you are and able to get out and about training for the marathon! All the best ,love leisha xx 

Hallo everyone

I have been following this sight for a long time but am now asking for help. My husband had a 9cm tumour removed from his oesophogeous more than 4 years ago, followed by chemo. About 15 months ago 2 more tumours (enlarged lymph nodes about 6 cm each) we removed from his neck and chest, followed by chemo and radiation.  Unfortunately the beats in back and he has two smal tumours, localised though..under his ribcage and one lower down..they won't operate which would be the best and his oncologist wants to give yet another round of chemo. I would rather he had more localised treatment ..radiation with some chemo.

Has anyone experience like his ...in as much that they have had secondaries twice and what treatment did they have and where...am will to travel anywhere  Please please help as I am desperate to help him.

Hi Lou

It sounds as though you’re doing great and I’m sure the exercise is helping you to get through the chemo so well.  You won’t need alzheimers, you may well get chemo brain like many of us, which is just as effective at making you forgetful and absent-minded.  Usually though, it clears up, but for some of us……Lol.     

Keep that sense of humour, a smile really is good medicine. xx

Hi Susan

I’m so sorry that your husband’s cancer has returned, especially after such a longish interval, so I can’t begin to imagine all the worry that you’re going through yet again. 

Whilst I’ve heard of secondaries appearing more than once, the treatment has differed only because each situation is different and it is dependant on a number of factors, not least as to where the tumours are and their location.  Sometimes, radiotherapy can’t be given if the tumour is located close to another organ, or if it’s in an inaccessible place.  Naturally, you’ll want to leave no stone unturned in your search for treatment and I’m sure you must have discussed all possible options with your current consultant.  If you feel that you need to have a second opinion then this is entirely within your rights to request one.  I wish you good luck with whatever treatment your husband has and hope that it proves to be effective and control or halt the cancer. 

I think if you contact the Oesophageal Patients Association they will be able to help and advise you further.

http://www.opa.org.uk/

Lots of Good Luck

Crystal xx

Hi Crystal ....it has taken me a little while to find your very sensible reply...still trying to navigate the site...but thank you so much.  I am very happy for you that you are well and appreciate your taking the time to reply.  I will contact the OPA tomorrow.

Meanwhile I am in a dreadful state as I have to wait.  My dear husband doesn't yet know he can't have surgery and I feel so bad when I speak to him on the phone that I haven't told him but he is away on a business trip with one of our sons (in Brazil) and I won't spoil his time by telling him. I do hope I can find someone for another opinion ...anywhere...

All the best and hope to chat again soon

Sue x