12 years ago, after a year of visiting my GP with symptoms, I was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer. It was too large and complex to be operated on. I was given 6-12 months prognosis without treatment. 2 years with treatment. Chemo and radiotherapy were brutal but amazingly cancer went into remission. It returned four years later and, once again chemo alone put it into remission. Returned again this year. Caught it early and hadn’t spread so had 4 cycles of 80% chemo (which was harsh) followed by Ivor Lewis Oesophagectomy 5 weeks ago.
Am recovering well from surgery and chemo. Fatigued and some pain but slowly improving. Just been told by surgeon they got all of the cancer in the oesophagus out. Also removed 26 lymph nodes, 3 of which had cancer cells. Am seeing oncologist next week to discuss possibility of immunotherapy to mop up any possible remaining cells. Chemo has worked in the past but my body really struggled to cope with only 4 cycles prior to surgery. I guess that’s why I’m likely to be offered immunotherapy instead. Has anyone had any experience of post surgery chemo or immunotherapy due to cancer in lymph nodes? How was it? Do you have any advice or suggestions?
I’ve been very fortunate. I was 52 when first diagnosed and am now 64. That’s amazing. I had thought I wouldn’t make it to 54 let alone 64! Am daring to hope I might make it past 70! Just want to do the best to give myself and my family the best outcome. Thanks for reading this.
