Diagnosis

Hi  and welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one ever really plans to see themselves joining and so sorry to hear about your on going investigations and that cancer is suspected.

Cancer investigations brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but until your team have all the parts of the jigsaw put together your mind will be a whirlwind and I do hope that you get answers soon.

Once you have a clearer picture the Online  Community has various support groups where you will be able to connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family.

The first list is for our Cancer specific Groups. The second list is for our various our Cancer experience groups.

What to do next? you may find talking with some one and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information and support. The service is open every day 8am to 8pm and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here for more information.

You can also email them, use the online chat and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

Our Online Information and Support Section  is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.

All the very best and keep us posted as to how you get on ((hugs))

Hello Ragtag. I sympathise completely as I had the same experience about ten months ago. You should expect the medics to come up with a treatment plan for you when they have the results of the biopsy, scans and other tests (e.g. I had a physical test to assess my fitness on an "exercise bike" machine.) If the problem is cancer in your oesophagus, then there is some surgery which may possible. (I wasn't fit enough for that option.) Again, if it is confirmed as cancer, then the programme of treatment is likely to include chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The waiting is the worst, I know, but everyone here has been, or will be, going through it and you can share experiences and get advice. The side effects of both are various and variable, and for my part not too difficult.

I suggest you go as a couple to any meetings and that you try to have questions you want answered noted down so you don't forget.

At this stage the not-knowing is the worst, as you know. I suggest not bothering to delve into the internet to discover more about the disease and treatments until you have a confirmed diagnosis. Having a more general chat with the Macmillan helpline is better. Best of luck.