Oesophagectomy worries

Hi JuneB and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis. 

A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type and support challenges can help a lot.

The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our supportive Gullet (oesophagus) cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.

When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family and friends you may also benefit from joining our Carers only support group where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.

To join a group first click on the “Bold Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)

You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.

It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use 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 provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.

Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

My husband had surgery for oesophageal cancer in 2021. He was at stage 3/4 but hadn’t spread anywhere. He had to have 4 rounds of chemo before surgery and did lots of physio beforehand. Huge operation but he came out of hospital after about 8 days and he recovered really well. Once he was fit enough he was given 4 more rounds of chemo which was a bit harder on him. He got his strength back and got back to work. He was more tired than he had ever been but he managed so well. It certainly gave him his life back for a while. He would urge anyone to have the surgery if offered. Unfortunately his cancer has come back and has spread to different places as well but that doesn’t happen to everyone. I wish you both all the best whatever you decide to do.

Hi Tompernator, thank you for your reply. I'm so sorry to hear your husband's cancer has come back. 

I feel like both my husband and myself have one huge mountain to climb and it is so scary. He has had all of his tests done now and we are waiting to see the doctor on Wednesday for his staging and his treatment plan, then he will have to decide what to do. Our family has had no luck where cancer is concerned, my daughter-in-law fought thyroid cancer twice a few years ago, and my son-in-law has just had a large melanoma removed from his scalp two months ago.

I wish both you and your husband all the best.