I was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I didn’t even know that was a thing. I don’t drink nor do I smoke. Im a female who could at the time before diagnosis stand to lose a few pounds however now I’ve lost almost 40 pounds through being sick. I thought to look up support groups because as much as I am positive I will get through this there are just days where I cry because I don’t want a jtube. I want to eat normally and I can’t. The tumor is high in my esophagus and narrowing it. Th scopes wouldn’t go down during the endoscopy. I haven’t eaten in over a month. I can’t swallow anything right now in case I choke. I swish and spit for taste. However even water is disgusting now. I have 28 radiation sessions and I’ve done 14. I’ve had about three chemo sessions so far. I feel nauseous and weak at times because I get dehydrated so I’m on IV fluids weekly now at the hospital. My heart rate gets fast too. It’s so much and I get emotional dealing with it. I just want to drink a nice cold beverage and taste it and swallow it sooooo badly. I cry because I miss hose things. I miss not being sick. I’m dealing with this but some days I want to give up. But I can’t because I know I will pull through this. I pray for myself and will pray for everyone else. I pray this group can help us all stay positive
Hi ChosenTreasure, I’m Tony one of the Community Champions, sorry to hear your problems and see you are struggling with the treatment, as you will see I have survived OS cancer, mine was high up in my OS so had the same treatment, mine was 35 rounds of RT and 8 of Chemo, unfortunately I can’t wave a magic wand for you as the treatment does take it’s toll but trust in your Oncologist and cancer team, I hope you are telling them also of all your problems and worries as that’s what they are there for and most likely help you through it, as I say I can’t put rose petals round it but =keep going and try to get the plenty of fluid- if this is proving difficult then definitely speak with your team for a food rig to be fitted so you can get food and more importantly fluids.
You should also repost on the OS forum as we will give you more support from other sufferers and survivors like myself :
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/gullet-oesophagus-cancer-forum
I do hope you speak with your Team – Please do asap
Best wishes and take care
Tony
We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,
call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Onwards and Upwards
Voicebox Cancer- Laryngectomy 2020 and Oesophagus survivor 2022
Adminitrative Assistant at Frimley Park Hospital, Cancer Support Hub
