Hi all, my husband has been diagnosed with osephageal cancer and lung mets T3,N1,M1 so surgery is not an option. He is due to start chemo next week. Does anyone have advice please on how to remain positive? The chemo sounds gruelling and dangerous but I know it’s to try and hold cancer back. I can’t understand why they can’t do surgery on gullet then when he has recovered move to treat lung mets? He’s 54 years old and was still playing football until this bombshell. He has slight dysphagia with bread buns but nothing much else. I’m just frightened he will go through this awful chemo and still lose his life in the next year. Does anyone have any positive stories to give me hope? Right now I just can’t digest this. Sorry to offload but hubby not a talker and processing too.
Hi Jo1631 and a very warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your husbands Osephageal cancer and Lung mets diagnosis. This is such a challenging and stressful time for all the family but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer specific support groups and other services so can I recommend that in the first instant you consider joining our supportive Gullet (oesophagus) cancer and Lung, secondary cancer groups.
These are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions, get support and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on this specific type of cancer journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group, you do need to join the group. Click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Chat’ or ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive general support groups like our Carers only group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
