Hi, I'm Bill 56, Scotsman with T3N0M0 Tumour in oesophagus. Having 4th chemo this week. It has not worked. Tumour grown. Nil by Mouth for 10 week. No contact with oncologist through treatment now having to seek alt/private/abroad plans. Any advise plea

Hi Bill,

I'm so sorry to hear what's happening for you. I think its unacceptable not to have had discussions with your oncologist. I'd suggest sending a registered letter requesting a consultation to your oncologist, stating your concerns and the difficulties getting in contact. I would use phrases like 'clinical risk'. 

I'd suggest a second opinion - I'm only on my first round of chemo but so far I'd recommend my team. I'm being treated in Guildford (at the Nuffield) and I'm aware that they offer chemo, radiotherapy  and immunotherapy. I've met with my oncologist a couple of times (before treatment started and then on the day if the first chemo session) and several times (two formal meetings and several calls) with the surgeon. My case has also been discussed at MDT. I'd be surprised if it couldn't be done via zoom. 

Wishing you all the best.

Take care

What type of chemo are you on? Are you on FLOT chemo? I had FLOT chemo and it worked very well for me. I saw my oncologist once a week. I think the way your hospital has treated you is appalling.

Bill, go and get treatment with Dr Asif Chaudry at The Royal Marsden. Call and book an appointment with him ASAP. I cannot recommend him enough for private surgery and treatment.

Hi my husband had t2n0m0 so not quite the same as you.  However he was and is still being treated at salford Royal hospital.   He had his chemotherapy at Christie's hospital Manchester.   His consultant at salford royal is ms farooq.   His consultant at Christie's was mr mansoor.  Both were extremely good. Hope this is useful 

Cheers Red, made initial contact and waiting for reply, thank you, bill

Made initial contact, cheers

Hi Suzie, to be honest it has been one of the biggest struggles through this. Being utterly dumfounded by the lack of any contact and made to feel guilty for asking to even put questions towards the Oncologist because of how busy he is. I have never spoken with a surgeon or consultant and feel completely left in the dark especially since now it is obvious, I am having to guess that the chemo has not worked. 11 weeks Nil by Mouth and loosing so much weight. Thank you for your reply, Bill

Hi Kells, yes FLOT chemo, 4 sessions to reduce before op but tumour has increased in size after 3 and MacMillan nurse reckons that they will not bother with the 4th and simply try a different chemo. Need to find out if there is any better treatment/surgery to save my life as loosing my faith in NHS Scotland which breaks my heart.

Hi Bill, 

This is medically negligent. Using risk language should light a fire under them. This is your life!!! I'm absolutely disgusted by the response you're getting to be honest.  My surgeon is Nima Abbassi-Ghadi - he has been amazing so far and comes with an impressive CV. My oncologist is Seb Cummings and he checks in while I'm having FLOT. 

I hope it all works out. 

Take care 

Well done Bill. Any luck on a follow up ?