Anyone Else had this

Hi Mandy,

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it's such a worrying time for you. I'm not sure I can answer your question exactly but just wanted to try reassure you even a bit, if possible.

I was diagnosed in March 2018 with fairly advanced oesophageal cancer, fortunately it hadn't spread anywhere. That whole year's a bit of a blur to be honest because once the treatment plan began it was full on. My first meeting with the oncologist was to arrange the course of chemotherapy which for me was 4 lots of FLOT over 8 weeks. After that the operation was arranged and after that radiotherapy. It differs for each individua what the course of treatment will be. It's probably best to try not think too far ahead, keep as steady, fit, well fed and rested as possible along the way in preparation. It's a long and scary route to recovery but you can get there step by step.

As for the second endoscopy with needle I'm not sure. I definitely had a second endoscopy after ct & pet scans. That was an ultrasound one to check the walls of the oesophagus I think, the needle is to take a biopsy I think. Maybe they need to do that on the gland they're wondering about. I had a few biopsies taken on my first endoscopy but didn't feel it. If anything the 2nd was even easier because a mild anaesthetic was given so I didn't even know they'd done it even though I was awake. 

Everyone finds different things the biggest worry, for me it was waiting for the operation but that went fine. Chemo wasn't half as bad as I imagined either. Not sugar coating any of it but it is doable. Teams of people will be planning your care package. I just had to trust (once I'd decided to go ahead with the treatment plan) and get on board and treat myself as well as possible throughout that year and to this day. 

I hope you start to know you're not alone. Many have survived and recovered well and gone on to live happy healthy lives. I feel for you so much because this not knowing what's ahead is probably the most shocking and hardest part. Wishing you all the best for what's to come, as confusing and drastic as it all feels you're being looked after and planned for by teams of experts and specialists. Go easy on yourself. I'll be thinking of you. B x

Just as Bernbe says... I had an initial endoscopy during which they took biopsies. Most people have a second endoscopy with ultrasound. I even had a coloscopy as the pet scan showed hotspots in my colon. (They were benign polyps and removed at the same time)

the number of lymph nodes affected contributes to the staging, which I’m guessing they haven’t got to finalise yours yet)

it’s usual to have lymph nodes removed during surgery (29 removed in my case)

The waiting at this early stage is worrying but quite normal. I had one scan or appointment every week for what seemed like months.

positivity and fitness are the two biggest non medical things that you can have (or get) to help you deal with the treatment and surgery.

The oncologist will outline what chemotherapy is advised.

I hope everything went ok yesterday.

good luck