Hi - I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Terminal Cancer in late Autumn 2022. I have primary cancer in the Oesophagus and secondary cancer on my Liver. I had no idea I was even poorly and I just happened to mention to our practise nurse during a routine diabetic check-up, that I was occasionally experiencing a bit of discomfort at the top of my stomach when eating. That triggered a whole series of scans, hospital appointments and the eventual difficult meeting with the Oncologist.
The course of Chemo was quickly engaged with and then rapidly followed up by 3 week interval Immunotherapy sessions which continue for up to 2 years. The only side effects I’m having to live with now is increased fatigue and lack of sensitivity in my finger tips and toes. Not particularly comfortable but nothing to complain about given the circumstances. I’ve also had regular Reiki which confuses me as why it would work but there is no doubt in my mind it has helped. I’m shortly also going to be trying Acupuncture to see if this helps with the sensitivity issues. So big thumbs up from me on relevant supportive alternative medicine as well but would never consider this a substitute to the fantastic treatment I have had to date from the NHS and the support from MacMillan.
I have tried to be very positive so far and was lucky enough at my last scan (second 3 month interval post Chemo), that the primary had shrunk considerably and the secondary was now not showing on the liver.
despite having been so positive, there is always that niggling worry that as the cancer is locked into my system now, that it may well re-emerge again sometime soon or hopefully much later
I have however decided to take my life off semi-hold and as I’ve recently retired from work, get on with things, planning ahead and even taking on a college course.
what will be will be and right now I have no idea where this journey is taking me and when it will end but just now, it’s time for me and my wife to get a decent holiday booked.
