Just had "the diagnosis" ... Thought I'd best be sensible and join up here.

Hi Snake and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, this must have come as a shock. This is such a stressful and challenging time for you but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.

The New to Community area is like our reception desk where we can signpost you on to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Gullet (oesophagus) cancer, Liver, secondary cancer and Lymph nodes, secondary cancer groups. These are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green links 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 or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.

You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].

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 be very helpful 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.

Hi Snake, 

First and foremost I'm so sorry for what you are going through. You must be in shock right now but hopefully you will be able to talk to your team and figure out what treatments are offered to you.

My grandad was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer back in September. His cancer wasn't operable so he's been having chemotherapy. He's been okay and has luckily not been made that ill from the chemotherapy. However, he was very unhappy about the chicken flavoured vitamin meal replacements so if you're offered those at any point. Beware!

Wishing you strength throughout your treatment x 

Thanks for the reply EruannaCliffe.

Mines not operable either and I've signed up for chemotherapy which will hopefully be starting in a week or so, can't say I'm looking forward to it but needs must eh.

I'm glad your grandad isn't having a hard time on chemo, let's hope it stays like that for the foreseeable and give him my best wishes.

And I shall be cautious about the dreaded chicken vitamin meal when / if I get offered it ha ha 

Regard

Snake

Highlander,

I've joined what I need to join after reading through your message.

Thanks very much for that it was helpful.

Snake