Mid Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis?

Pete look through posts on here. Go to MacMillan site, speak to the GI nurses and www.bhf.org.uk/.../get-in-shape-for-surgery

Thanks Tink.

Hi Pete 

I'm assuming you're having four sessions of FLOT over eight weeks? All I can say is I've just finished my last session a couple of weeks ago and found the last two quite challenging. I've lost about two and a half stone but now trying to get some weight back on. It's all well and good them advising you to get fit and put on muscle but when you're very lethargic and have lost all sense of taste and appetite it's easier said than done! I have my meeting with my MDT on Tuesday to discuss my last scan results but whatever that might be I will insist on having a few weeks to undo the damage that chemo has done and get as fit and healthy as possible. I wish you all the very best and hopefully you sail through the therapy with only minimal side effects

Anthony 

Hi Anthony,

Hope everything works out for you.

Not sure what FLOT is but mine is going to be neoadjuvant chemotherapy every 2 weeks.

Quote "It's all well and good them advising you to get fit and put on muscle but when you're very lethargic and have lost all sense of taste and appetite it's easier said than done!"

I was thinking the same thing, just a bit over whelmed at  all the information I've received and knowing what to do first.

Pete

FLOT is an acronym for the four types of drugs they give you. Three are administered at the hospital and the last one is given in an infusion that you take home with you. 

Hi Pete. I was given the same advise but found the chemo really tough. I had every side effect and rarely felt well enough to do more than go from my bed to the sofa, however during the time between Chemo and surgery I consentrated on eating as well as I could, in very small portions and gradually built up the exercise, even if it was only a walk round the garden. By the time of surgery I was much stronger. I hope it all goes well for you 

Thanks Mburn, hope you are doing well now. Thanks for the response. I suppose I'll just take it one day at a time, no choice.

Hi Pete,

The hardest part will be trying to keep your weight up during chemo as many of the side effects (nausea, lack of appetite, loss of tastebuds, etc) will make eating more difficult so it will be important to ensure that what you do eat has a high calorific value. Hence plenty of full fat milk, cream, cheese, eggs, cake, buns, etc. There will be days during chemo when you’ll hardly want to leave the bed/sofa but, on your better days, try to get some exercise to keep your strength up. Make sure you have a good support team around you and be prepared for some difficult times ahead and rest assured that you will always find a receptive ear and some good advice on this forum from those who have travelled this path before you. Best wishes, CB

Thanks CB,

already getting a lot of helpful info on here. Thanks for your words. Dreading what's coming but anything I get from here can and hopefully will help me through it.

Hi Pete, 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis it’s definitely not nice being told the news. I myself am on the same pathway as you being the 4 FLOT, op and then 4 following FLOT.

I’m due my 4th treatment this week, I was due to have treatment last week but I’ve come down with Covid. The side effects for me have worsened every time but everything has been manageable. It has been similar every cycle for me e.g Thursday/friday infusion days, Saturday feeling okay but steroids are wearing off, Sunday/Monday/Tuesday feeling side effect’s and then it’s like a flick of a switch come Wednesday where the main side effects have dropped off as such. I’d say fatigue is the lasting side effect but it’s very manageable especially with a coffee(I’ve never been a big hot drink, drinker but this definitely helps)!. As for food I cannot comment as I’m extremely lucky to have no difficulty swallowing, I generally stick to a healthy diet most of the time.

My oncology team and the acute nurse helpline have been magnificent in prescribing the correct medication to combat side effects, so make sure you make them aware of any side effects and they‘ll be able to help.

Presumably I think you’ll be given steroids to take the day before chemo, the day of chemo and the day after. These seem to be like rocket fuel! As soon as these wear off that’s when I feel the side effects coming along. 

I have to admit I have age on my side just turning 29 and I was a very avid gym goer which most likely helps regarding fitness levels but everyone responds differently to chemotherapy as I’ve read and seen. So taking each day as it comes necessary!

All the best Pete,

Rich.