Just diagnosed T2N0M0, terrified

Hi Davidjo

It’s seven years since I had the same diagnosis as you. Very similar treatment pathway, too.

Everything went to plan, barring a few minor hiccups on the way. Since then I have been enjoying 2,418 cancer free days. Leading a perfectly normal life, doing everything you’d expect of a man my age.

I was 62, twenty years older than you, when I went through all this. Although it is a shock for someone as young as you to get this, you have age on your side when it comes to coping with chemo and surgery. You have a tough year ahead but with positivity and a sense of humour you’ll be fine, especially if you have a good supportive wife (and it sound like you have). So chin up, and look forward to greeting your grandchildren when they arrive!

keep posting and asking questions.

Counting the days and making every day count,

Brent

Thanks Brent, it’s nice to see someone doing well out the other end thanks for the positivity, I’ll post updates and questions when I have them

Hi David

No surprise you have had support from Brent already. He and a few others were truly insiprational for me as I embarked my journey almost 3 years ago yesterday!

I am now 55 yrs old and initial pre Chemo diagnosis of T3N2M0....post chemo T2N1M0

Your head will be spinning and I am sure you have a muddle of enotion and thought at the moment.

My daughter helped me construct the blog site below to help others understand some of the new world and terminology you have just started on your journey, as I knew nothing of this condition until I was eventually diagnosed

https://myoesophagealcancerjourney.wordpress.com/

There are some brilliant , positive and supportive members on this site that will genuinely be here to answer any questions at anytime.

Stay strong, stay safe and good luck on your journey

Pete

Hi David Please try and stay calm as you need positive energy it’s a big thing to have and get through but you will do it and be well again , there is lots of us on here that have been through this and can help you emotionally , you really will be ok xx

Hi Davidjo, sorry to see you have joined the group. I was 57 in 2016 when diagnosed as T3  N2 M0. I also did some research, mainly cancer research UK.  The statistics for survival were frightening to say the least, I did at one point think, why bother. However, I decided I wanted to live and I was fortunate to get help from an NLP practitioner. She helped me get into a positive state of mind and I have not looked back since. I had the surgery in October 2016 and it was a slow road to recovery, but I could enjoy food again. In a strange but satisfying way my life has improved. I was self employed and used to travel all over Scotland. Due to the recovery process with the unpredictable food dumping I decided to stop working as I would not be reliable to fulfill clients training courses. I am enjoying life, and as Brent said having a good sense of humour helps. I have a dark sense of humour anyway and it did help me get through this. So do what you need to do to get in a positive state of mind. Don't try to hide your feelings and fears from your loved ones, let them help you. Please ask anything else you want, you will get through this. Kind regards Frank.

Thanks Frank, I’ve had a look and there is an NLP practitioner near to to me, I might give her a call and see if she can give me some advice

Hi Pete, thanks for your reply I really enjoyed looking at your blog as I’ve no idea what to expect

Thanks Jackie, hopefully once the shock settles down I’ll get into a positive frame of mind

Hi Davidjo,

Let me say you are in fantastic hands with the RVI. My Dad had his treatment there.

Wishing you all the best, from a fellow Cumbrian.

Hi Davidjo, I have only just joined this community. I have just been told my squamous oesophageal cancer has gone. I'll try to share a bit of my experience. Initially the plan was to have 6 lots of Folfox chemo followed by surgery. 

After I think 4 or 5 sessions of chemo, My oesophagus was so blocked I couldn't even swallow my own saliva. I then had a stent fitted. They also decided to change the chemo to a different type once a week for 6 weeks, with radiotherapy every day for those 6 weeks. 

I have lost a lot of weight, & no doubt part of your team will be dieticians, they will arrange for high calorie drinks like Ensure. As part of my treatment I had a Hickman Line fitted, you might or might not have one. I had a stent fitted, but no one told me, if it is in too long, the skin grows over it & can never be removed. 

I would suggest that you go for counselling, I didn't think I needed it, but I thought why not.

You will soon learn, who your friends are, there were several people from my work who I thought would keep in touch, & others who surprised me, by asking how I was. 

Money can be a big issue, ask about the financial support you can get. I work in hospitals & know how much parking can cost. Some hospitals do offer concessions for cancer patients. 

Post back if you want any practical advice. 

Keep your chin up.