Last Flot tomorrow, CT scan on the 1st Feb

Hi Hollywood,

Hope your scan went well today and you are still on course for the next stage of your treatment plan. 

Now on Day 11 after Cycle 4 and I think I’m finally starting to feel a little better. Last few weeks have been pretty rough. Have come away for a few days and it’s lovely to have a change of scene from the same 4 walls. Unfortunately it’s also bitterly cold and my peripheral neuropathy hasn’t settled down yet so I might not be able to make the most of the beach walks. Still, the views from the windows are lovely. How is everyone else doing?

Glad to hear it, Cool Blue. I am on Day 11 after Chemo 3 and feeling exhausted. Much worse this time round.Days 1-5 were OK. Had to freeze my gym membership as so few days feel iike going. On the positive side am half way though treatment and waiting for results of CT scan last week. From what I tell them they say it sounds kike it is working as now got no eating problems,

Hi Rosiecat

I am also at a similar stage in my treatment. Had my final chemo FLOT Cycle 4 three weeks ago and no it is full steam ahead to have the operation. Had had my final PET-CT Scan and CPET to check on my hyscail condition. Have been told to increase my cardio - pre op but have had. a viral infection and cough.

Operation is planned for March 5 - I also know what will happen - cutting open the rib cage and collapsing of lung to get to the stomach and oesophagus. 8 hour op and the risks associated with a major op and open surgery. Cut to the chest and neck too - not looking forward to it.

Reality has finally hit me of how horrendous it will be - so not looking forward to it one bit.

I know that the recovery will be awful and knowing that I will have tubes/wires coming out of every orifice will be even more horrifying.

If anyone has had this experience - please let me know what I should expect.

Hi Bob, 

I had my op in September and came through it ok. Like you I was worried/anxious before. I was upset at the point when I walked into the operating theatre and had to say goodbye to my wife and daughter, not knowing if I would see them again. Upsetting for us all.

I came too, what for me was seconds later. But was actually, nine hours. I was in intensive care and being wonderfully looked after. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Uncomfortable for sure and lots of pipes and wires everywhere. My aftercare was second to none. As soon as I moved or looked like I was struggling a nurse would be by my side taking care of me. That continued for the nine days that followed until I was allowed home.

I suppose my message to you is that it's not pleasant but no need to worry. You will be fully supported and everything will be explained. The physios will have you out of bed walking a short distance on day two. You'll be able to sit in a chair which is great after lying on your back for a few days...lol. After about six days, if all's going well, you will have a flouroscopy. This is just an x-ray with a dye that you drink. It's too check for leaks at the joint in your throat. If it's ok, you will have most of the tubes and other bits and pieces taken out and you'll feel much better for it. Once you've eaten, drank, toilet and walked up some steps they will let you go home.

It's a tough next step but one you will managers get without too much trouble I'm sure.

Good luck and best regards

Geo.

Just read your profile - journey is similar to yours - so eager to see how mine is compared to yours - glad you posted about the wires and tubes - that is the bit that worries me the most - worried that I will lose weight too…I weigh 99 kilos and the eating problems that you have experienced does worry me too.

Hi Bob, you're bound to get anxious, you wouldn't be normal if you weren't. It will be tough but not crazily so. You'll be over it before you know it and back to facing the side effects of more chemo...lol. It's definitely a roller coaster of a journey.

Take care

Geo

UPDATE FOR ME

Firstly its good to read your journeys and share as we are all at similar stages. Thinking of you all as you move forward.

I am 3 weeks after the last FLOT, I too felt un-recovered from round 3 when I sat in the chair for round 4 and it hit me hard, I have felt really good in week 3, managing to do a 4 mile walk on round a reservoir in the Beacons, got away for 5 days, so nice to get away.

I had my CT scan on the 1st and met with the surgeon on the 9th. I am trying to stay positive but I am a nightmare with my thoughts. I am going to post this bit in the general post also as I would like to know if anyone else has had this happen. My tumour has shrunk considerably (which I sort of knew as I can eat anything and no other symptoms) but they want to do another laperscopy on the 19th Feb. Reasons given. My tumour was very bulky it covered the junction and was in the stomach. Junction now free and tumour only in the stomach.
What the surgeon said, ? Is it oesophageal cancer or stomach cancer. ? 2 possible ways to do the OP, she then also said there are some lymph nodes next to the liver, ? they would remove these (are they attached to the liver ?) so they want to go take a look as the best way is to look visually.

Op penciled in for the 12th March and she said she feels it is a 95% green light for the Op. I have come away feeling really good. But I am worried about the 5% and thinking about those lymph and my liver? 
The whole team were so positive, I felt so positive then these bloody thoughts start to creep in..

I am going to phone the team tomorrow, just to talk it out again. 

Of to take our dog for a walk, my 1st dog walk in months, it’s so great to feel so much normality.

#onedayatatime 

Jen

Hi Cool Blue

I'm doing ok thanks. Now that the op is behind me feel much better knowing the cancer has gone. Eating and drinking is still challenging but not surprising given that my stomach has been removed.

Oncologist consultant appointment is this Thursday to discuss chemo to make sure it's all gone.

Shame you can't go walking on the beach but at least it's a change of scenery.

I had bad neuropathy too so I know what it's like, hope it settles down soon for you

Best wishes 

Dean 

Hi Bob A

I had my op just over 5 weeks ago to remove my stomach. It was about 7 hrs but you have no concept of time. When you wake up you will be in ICU and yes there will be quite a few tubes but the staff there will look after you so well.

I was fortunate to only be in ICU for just over a day before being transferred to the ward. The nurses there were absolutely wonderful and they will help you every step of the way. If recovery goes well some tubes are removed after a few days and you will be up and about quite quickly and it does feel good after being in bed for a while.

It is hard not to worry about everything but you will be in good hands from start to finish and you will get through it .

Good luck with it all

Best wishes

Dean