Oesophageal cancer

In my experience. Diagnostic tests and treatments were expedited by the NHS and I can not see where reaching out to Europe would have been of any advantage. 

I would imagine it would be quite difficult to treat in Germany unless you were able to rent somewhere for a year or so as the treatment isnt completed that quickly, plenty of people have to go into hospital for  different reasons after the operation or if there are certain symptoms they are back to the hospital for tests or scans, I can’t see how it would work. If it is what you go for I wish you every success. My husband was diagnosed in March 2023 with a stage 3 OC and he is still getting 3 monthly scans and visits to the oncologist. Stay strong and positive, it is a long road and loads of people have good news in the end. This group is amazing and so helpful to patients and family members. 

Thank you both so much for those helpful comments and you’ve both confirmed for me what I thought deep down. We have a really good centre in Guildford and we live quite near which makes life easier. The stress of going abroad would be huge, much better to be in your own home amongst family and friends and as you say there will be so many trips back and forth to hospital. Already I feel better having this group to share a thought with. 
I suppose the only time it might be useful is if a single treatment was suggested that isn’t offered here. Then through this agreement with the EU and Switzerland you can access that treatment, then return home and continue with your hospital here. 
We are lucky to have choices. 

Hi, I was treated for 2 cancers at Royal Surrey and I can assure you they are brilliant the RSH Cancer is one of the top facilities and treatment in the Country, as the others have said you will possibky have to travel to Germany with the results of the pre tests so by the time you have all those in place they will be ready to start treatment

I had 5 to 6 weeks of tests and pre selective sessions before my treatment started, until you know the staging and position of the cancer then you possibly would be travelling to somewhere to start again, he could like me just have Chemo and Radiotherapy but also he may need surgery followed by Chem and RT

I would in my opinion stay with RSH as they are on the ball with Cancer 

Hope he gets the next step quickly

Both take Care

Tony

Hi Kasvin  

so kind of you to reply with that advice. We have just had an appointment with the surgeon at the RSH. They are a very, very good cancer treatment centre. He had the biopsy results, in a quick appointment, no sugar coating, we were told the cancer is metastatic, small lung nodules therefore inoperable. 9-16 months sort of outlook. Afterwards the clinical nurse whom we’d met before and who had sat in on the appointment took us to one side. She was so kind, we were speechless with shock. We asked how long until we see the oncologist to go down the chemo pathway. She wasn’t sure but a lwhile. Then my husband mentioned he had private insurance, wasn’t intending to use that but she she said she recommended we take it up as the initial procedure would be quicker,  and we can come back to the NHS as needed. One less person for them also. 
We have had our oncology meeting and a plan is in place . Combined Chemo and immunotherapy starts next Thursday as long as every single piece of info is ready for the Consultant to make sure ithe plan exactly correct for my husband . 
Either way it doesn’t alter the feelings of fear, and sadness. Good to know something is happening though . 
Knowing what awful things people are enduring makes me cry all the time. I think I’ve read so many sad stories that I can’t think positively anymore. 
I must only hope that he responds well to the treatment. Can’t imagine life after 47 years together without  him. We aren’t alone in this I know but it is lonely. Sending love and wishing everyone the very best. I will continue to follow the journeys of everyone here . It helps a lot x

Hi again Kasvin, 

I just wanted to say I’m so glad you are doing well. That’s brilliant. I don’t know your history but it’s reassuring that there are some good outcomes. I just can’t find that many sadly 

Hi there

I’m so sorry that you’re both having to going through all this , you’ll be reeling from the shock of the news and trying to cope with the diagnosis as well as trying to think about the treatment. I and lots of others in this wonderful community know exactly what that feels like so do reach out as often as you need to, people will always respond. 
It’s good to read that your husband is starting treatment soon, many of us would say the waiting and not knowing what the plan is are the hardest times to cope with. I’ve also learnt that if I have a dreadful day of crying and feeling hopeless, it usually doesn’t last and I somehow manage to pick myself up and find a way to manage a bit better the next day. My husband has just been diagnosed with a recurrence and been given 6-12 months with no treatment and 1-2 years with treatment. We’ve been married 40 years and I too can’t imagine life without him. But he’s just started chemotherapy and immunotherapy and we do now have some hope back. 
Do message me if you want to.

Sending love and strength to you

Jane x

Hi Jane, so nice of you to take the time to reply. It helps knowing others understand and I looked at your profile to understand your situation better. Such a tough time you’ve had. Strangely I’ve read so many stories of one in a couple getting cancer which is awful enough only to find their other half then has a similar diagnosis later. Perhaps stress plays a part. It’s hard to maintain an even keel isn’t it!! I can only  imagine how you must be feeling at the moment. Such a good outcome initially, just starting to relax and enjoy life and then you’re hit with a sledgehammer. My heart goes out to both of you . Still I’ve seen that people do beat tthe odds and you just never know! What can we do but get through each day. My husband had just gone off for a PET scan. I’m dreading what else it is going to find. I have 3 grown up daughters and a six year old granddaughter. She adores her Grandad and it’s makes me weep to think she may not have him for long. Thinking of you and sending love. 

please message me also if you would like to. 
Ann x

Be strong

Thank you Ann, I’ve sent you a friend request.

We’ve got 2 grown up daughters and 3 gorgeous grandsons (a 4 year and 18 month twins who adore their papa as they call him). I’ve started to learn how to take it day by day and try and hold on to some hope.

thinking of you too

Jane x