Surviving Oesophageal Cancer

Hi everyone, there seems to be some good vibes on here in spite of setbacks so I thought I would add mine. Ed has been so Ill and the weekend before last was horrendous. The GP advised telling the family and tried to get Ed in the Hospice. must have been fate that there were no beds as Ed didnt want to be there. Nurses come everyday to refill syringe driver and , very slowly, little by little Ed is improving. he is now able to read the paper again, swallow and snack on mushy food, even able to hold short conversations, up and dressed ( takes an hour! lol) and back in his relax chair in the lounge! I am amazed, cant believe it, painfree and just so pleased to be alive! What a fighter, love leisha

Thinking of you steve, ((((((((((((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Bacardi

This is the sort of improvement that I’ve been crossing my fingers so hard for.  If the doctor was happy to stop sedation then that is a good sign and hopefully from now onwards, he will become stronger.  I’ve still got fingers crossed until he’s breathing unaided and talking properly.

Hope he has a good and peaceful evening, and you too.

Love and Hugs

Crystal xx

((((((Leisha)))))) It’s your great devotion, not to mention your sheer determination that Ed gets every possible help, that keeps him strong, and in his turn it’s his devotion to you that keeps him going.  I’m so glad that he’s at home and pain-free where you can be together and keep an eye on him.

Sending you both good and peaceful vibes.

Love and Hugs

Crystal xx

Hi Sue

Sorry for not responding earlier – you were over on the previous page, so I typically forgot, and this is due entirely to chemo brain (not my age)! Lol.

It’s fantastic that Deter is back at work, truly incredible and all credit to both of you for your strength and being so positive.

Thanks for asking how I am too.  I’m very well, but the fm (fibromyalgia) tends to kick me down sometimes and the new meds don’t work.  However, I kick back with my own way of dealing with it, and this seems to keep it subdued. 

There is no need of thanks Sue, you do so much for those that need support and it’s great to know you’re here to help.

Love and Hugs

Crystal xx

Very agitated today and still not 100% with it.  Difficult day watching but nurse says that its sort of drug withdrawal and next few days will be hard.  See what tomorrow brings.  Have asked if histology report back yet but so busy there today not got back to me. They dont think he will remember much of this time thankfully.

Hugs to you all.  Leisha you and Ed are so brave and inspirational.  Rosemary so pleased that Shaun is coming home to you.  Steve thinking of you too and just sending love to all of you xxx

Hi Bacardy

Just a word of caution, don't take it personally if he loses his temper with you, mood swings are to be expected for a while, if he does lose it just step back and let him have his say and let it go over your head as it will be the drugs making him this way.

Steve x

Leisha

From the first time you posted on this site it has been abundantly clear what a wonderful relationship you have with ed and your family, ed knows this all too well and that’s why he is not ready to leave you just yet, it is you that keeps him at peace through his times of despair and you who will be at his side to the end which is no more than I would expect from an enduring love which has been stretched to the limits of every emotion; a love steady and true like an arrow drawn from a master archers bow.

Wishing the best as always,

Love Steve x 

Another difficult day, still very agitated and uncomfortable.  Has a temperature today too.  Also got histology report and whilst surgeon happy that tumour had shrunk well with chemo and hes removed it all there are lymph nodes affected so he will need more chemo.  Thank you for your advice Steve I have already witnessed a bit of this today when I asked at one point if he wanted me to leave him and shut up and he said yes!!  I understand its the drugs talking but it is upsetting.  As I left tonight he was wanting to pull out all his tubes which was very distressing so have had a very tearful evening.  Hopefully this phase will pass soon?

Love to all xx

Hi Bacardi

How quickly one forgets, but I am reminded how obnoxious Dieter can be on the steroids...he'd have those for the first few days of chemo and became v hyped up and tense and unpleasant.  Sometimes it's easy to forget how scared and angry they must be...aside from the pain and knowing all the life changes ahead. I'd get ratty too.

Many times I've cried, but I do find a glass of red wine helps. I guess from you name what your poison is and a little tipple now and again can help take the rawness of the upset..not too much or the opposite happens!!!  I hope I'm not breaking any 'mac rules' by saying that.

Thinking of you as you go through this agonising time.

Love Sue x

ps love to all 'the others'

Hi Bacardi

Hopefully he should become more settled as the drugs wear off and each progressive day he becomes stronger.  His body has suffered major trauma through the surgery and his subsequent struggle to recover takes its toll physically mentally and emotionally.  Exhaustion such as you just can’t imagine invariably makes the patient short-tempered, showing lack of interest, short attention span and sometimes nasty or aggressive and prone to imagining things.  I refused all visitors bar my husband until I got home, as I just hadn’t the energy or inclination to see anybody.  I even sent hubby home from his visits a few times because all I wanted was peace and quiet.  Things do improve a lot and get back to normal before too long.

Take care.

Healing Hugs all around.

Crystal xx