Hi, I'm a 63 Yr old who has been diagnosed wih stage 3 esophageal cancer (T3N2) I've been told I can have either chemotherapy and an operation or just chemotherapy. No treatment has started yet and still not sure what to do. The operation has the potential to give me longer but also has a long recovery time been told due to my staging is likely to return. I could opt for just chemotherapy and a stent but I have been told by the surgeon that I would only live for 6-18 months. Of course I could opt for no treatment and have stent to make my last few months as comfortable aa possible. I feel okay in myself apart from not eating well, but I know that this won't continue. I did decide not to have the operation and have no treatment but as the decision date is approaching I'm having second thoughts. I've gone from no treatment, chemoradiotherapy only, chemotherapy and the operation and back again!
I always sited quality over quantity but now feeling guilty of not giving it a try. My wife and grown-up children have told me they support any decision I make. My cancer nurse has told me to think long and hard on me having the operation as the recovery time is long and quality of life can be hard to deal with.
Hi Pondfish and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Oesophageal Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides 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 3 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 and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
