I was diagnosed with oesophogeal cancer in Nov 2024. Due to my medical history I was considered too high risk for surgery and was offered just palliative care.
I couldn't accept that and pushed for curative treatment which my oncologist reluctantly agreed too saying he didn't think I could handle it. I had 5 weeks of chemo and 25 sessions of radiothetapy which I handled really well.
My oncologist left so I then had a new oncologist who ordered a ct scan in July and when I saw him in August he said the tumour had gone and there was no spread, just a little remaining in the lining. I was told I now had years ahead of me.
I was then booked in for an endoscopy for biopsies and a follow up ct scan in Oct. I then saw the oncologist at the end of Oct and was told the tumour had started growing again and had spread to lymph nodes either side.
I was again told I was too high risk for treatment and only have about 6 months to live. I asked about further chemo so he went through the risks. The chemo could kill me or cause a brain haemorrhage, or heart attack, both of which I have suffered in the past. I am also high risk for sepsis. The chemo would be for 6 months would make me ill and only add another 3 months.
I took a week so I could think it over, and decided it is too high risk, and I didn't want to be ill before it became necessary. I am currently feeling quite well and can eat, although I do suffer from lack of appetite. Family and friends are very supportive of my decision.
Sharon
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