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 Bacardiwoman

    Everything crossed my end

    My thoughts are with you and waiting to hear the good news

    big hug

    David [X]

  • Hi Bacardiwoman

    My thoughts are with you and hoping that everything is progressing as it should.  Hope to hear from you soon.

    Love and Hugs

    Crystal xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to crystalclear

    Hi folks

    The surgeon rang just after 9 last night to say hub was out of theatre.  They had hoped to do part of the surgery by keyhole but it wasnt possible.  Popped to see him for 15 mins about 10pm but he wasnt really conscious and was quite agitated, thrashing about and crying out every so often.  Not sure if he knew I was there but he did quieten when spoken to.  Hoping they have his pain more under control today although the surgeon did say that it might not possible to get him totally pain free.  Have rung this morning and they say he is more settled so will find out more later when I visit.  Pleased I went last night because I had been really worried about seeing him with all his tubes,

    Thank you for all your kind thoughts.  Great news for Maisiebird yesterday but very sad to read of Pablo's passing.  Rollercoaster days......

    Take care everyone xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Bacardiwoman

    So pleased over your news, one massive part of the journey over, now the road to recovery one careful step at a time.

    Take Care

    Steve

  • Hi Bacardiwoman

    Thanks for taking the time to post, as I know you’ll have other things on your mind.  I echo Steve’s words in that a massive part of the journey is over, yet in another way, it has just begun.  The road to recovery can be difficult at times, but we’re here to help, and with luck and patient care, let’s hope your husband will be reaching his ‘new normal’ before too long.

    Keep us up to date and take care.

    Crystal xx

  • Hi Steve

    You will be in my thoughts on Monday, but as you’re feeling quite well now, I’m sure everything will be absolutely fine.  Fingers crossed that it is, and that all our concerns will turn to big smiles.  Have a good weekend and do not worry.

    Love and Hugs

    Crystal xx

  • Whilst we’re saddened that some of our Mac friends have lost loved ones recently and we will do all we can to support them, and others are struggling at the moment, it’s also important to know and remember that we can and do recover from this, with or without surgery.  We are all survivors in our way, and Mick is a good example and an inspiration of what is possible.  Today, many congratulations Mick on reaching your five-year milestone.  I think it’s today that you have your final check-up isn’t it, so do let us know how you get on.

    Love and Hugs

    Crystal xx

    milestone1.jpg picture by crystalalbum

    xxxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to crystalclear

    Hi Folks!

    Hubbie doing pretty well.  They have struggled to get his pain under control today so he had a bad morning but had his epidural increased and put on morphine too and eventually it kicked it but made him very sleepy!  They are still encouraging him to do his breathing exercises although he is struggling at the moment.  On the whole though hes doing ok.  Thank you all for your good wishes.

    Congratulations Mick, thats fantastic x

    Bacardi x

  • Hi Bacardiwoman

    Thanks for the update and I’m so very pleased that everything is going as it should.  The pain should be managed at all times otherwise it interferes with proper recovery. If your husband feels even slightly uncomfortable, he should inform the nurses, because pain is much easier to manage when it’s slight and not severe.  Also, no matter what, he should do those breathing exercises, as they are an essential aid to lung recovery and avoiding chest infections.  It does really hurt to do them, but ask him to try to stick with them.  Sorry I sound like a Hattie Jaques type matron here Lol, bless her.  (I'm trying to type before my computer crashes again.)  I’m sure the physios will have him up and about soon all being well.

    Take good care and I hope you’re managing to get some rest yourself.  Keep us posted.

    Crystal xx

     

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to crystalclear

    Hi

    Have rung to see how hes been overnight and hes not been good.  His epidural isnt working well and they are still struggling to control the pain.  Hes also on alot of oxygen she said and morphine.  They called the Physio out in the night to try to get him to cough as it sounds like he needs to bring something up but cant.  She said hes very tired now.  Feeling abit tearful after the phone call I must admit but its about time I let something out.  Will see how hes doing later xx