Hi, I've joined this support forum because I am really struggling to come to terms with the fact that I have cancer. I was diagnosed on 24th March 2023 but belive the symptoms were with me last year, when I had constant acid reflux and heartburn, I was also quite tired a lot of the time. Since Christmas the tiredness was taking over, I wasn't able to get to my course and I found doing the smallest tasks made me exhausted. The around January time I found that I was unable to swallow, then I had chest pains. I had been with the doctor on and of for a few months getting various blood tests, as no one could work out what was wrong with me. Then when I had lost 2 stone in eight weeks, and unable to swallow, they sent me for an endoscopywhicg showed a 'raised, inflamed bump' which was concerning. To follow I had CT, PET and MRI scans, and also a few more endoscopy. I have a feeding tube fitted but still no staging. I went for another endoscopy last week and I'm waiting on results but in the mean time they are checking if I'm fit enough for radiation. I hope to start chemo and radiation in the next few weeks then I'll have a 6 week break before my esophagectomy. My whole life changed in an instant, and I'm struggling to cope with all these changes. I feel like there is a dark cloud hanging over me and I can't seem to escape it. I am only 36, so young for this type of cancer, and I have two sons 16 and 13. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster and it's overwhelming. I also have a partner who I'm lucky to have, but I've been taking things out on him amd now I have guilt to add to the pot. Thought by coming on and reading others stories and getting some advice, it might help me to navigate this new and scary journey. Sorry for long post.
Hi Kells9186 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I'm sorry to read that you have just been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and I know what a shock it is at any age.
The online community is divided up into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you join and post in the oesophageal cancer group which I'm sure you'll find is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join, just click on the link that I've created which will take you straight to the group. Once you've joined you can then start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and tests so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
