Newly Diagnosed

Hi Igraine so sorry you find yourself on this journey.

I too am recently diagnosed and start chemotherapy and radiotherapy on 24th.

Everyone on this site is so helpful and supportive, I am sure they will answer any questions you may have. I am not having surgery so unfortunately unable to help you in that regard.

Take care

Glebe 

Thank you I hope it all goes well for you in 24th x

Sorry I got the same

Hi Ingraine. Sorry to read about your illness but you have come to the right place for support. You are still young and  you need to take every opportunity that your MDT are able to provided you with to fight this horrible disease. You will probably already be aware that many of the people on this site are on different treatment routes and the best advice will come from those following a similar route to yourself. Mine is a little different to you but I have had the Dutch radiotherapy/chemotherapy course followed by  major surgery in 2023 (Ivor Lewis) so this is an area I can possibly help with in the future. Of course you are worried - we have all been through that stage - especially at the start of diagnosis and it must be even more difficult as you live alone.

All my best wishes.

Hi Igraine

I was diagnosed the week of my 63rd birthday so similar age to you. Also I live alone and prefer it that way. You can click on my profile and see the basic details of my journey.

I was worried about coming out of hospital after the operation as I live in an upstairs flat but the surgeon assured me that wouldn't be a problem and I would be discharged if it was. I came out after 7 days and sure enough could climb the stairs. I did have my eldest sister pick me up from the hospital and stay with me for the week afterwards. The company was nice and she could drive me to a beach each day (we have 3 nearby) but it would have been fine to come out on my own. By the fourth day I went out for a short walk and just carried on till I got to the beach 1.2 miles away and said hello to some people I know down there. I never used a keysafe I had installed by the front door as I could get up and down the stairs.

I know I was lucky in so many ways as I didn't have any serious complications but also I did make a bit of that luck by walking for at least 2 hours every day - to clear my head as well as get fitter. Optimism apparently doesn't improve survival statistics - but it does keep you happier while undergoing treatment. 

Hi ingraine I am on the same path as you I have completed my 4 chemo sessions with few side effects and now have surgery booked for the 24th March ! I have huge faith in my GI team who assure me that the treatment plan they have given me is my best chance of a near normal life and the chance to be cancer free and I have grabbed this opportunity with both hands, I know surgery will not be easy and I’m not really looking forward to it but I trust in them implicitly. I do hope that you manage to feel better about your journey sending love and hugs Tricia x

Thank you it makes me feel a bit better about the future Linda x

It good to hear some positive news. I have a sister and brother in law supporting me but we all still work full time so it’s not easy. Can you tell me what FLOT means ? x

It’s the first letters of the chemo drugs they use Fluorouracil leucovorin oxaliplatin and docetaxel  hope that helps The fluorouracil you have in a pump and you take it home overnight and the take it off the following day hope that helps !

The docetaxel is sometimes called taxotere hence the T but this will all be explained when you see the oncologist!