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
Thanks all for your kind comments.
It does feel exactly like a birthday Leisha, and I did indulge myself with cake, but that’s normal, and there’s no harm in having some more cake is there? xx
Grace, you’re absolutely right, but in fact, I didn’t think I’d be here at all three years later, let alone doing quite so well. Each of these milestones leaves me amazed to be honest, but very grateful. xx
Steve, you too have come a long way and congratulations on your milestone in April. I do get those happy surprises you mention, first when I open my eyes first thing in the morning and then, as you say, when I can do that little bit more than I thought I could. xx
Love and Hugs to each of you.
Crystal xx
