Pet scan

Hi Donnadonz

This was the samec diagnosis I was given Aug 2013, T3N2M0, indicating the tumour is contained to oesophagus and possibly stomach junction with cancer also being present in some lymph nodes.

I had 2 rounds of intrevinously given 24/7 chemo for 5 days each round the the Ivor Lewis surgery to remove tumour and lymphs.

As none of the 28 nodes removed had any sign of cancer and as I had good margins around the tumour I did not require any post surgery chemo. After examining the nides and tumour the canter was downgraded to T2.

It is now 5+ years since treatment ended and so far no reocurrance.

Apart from the occasional acid reflux, late and early dumping syndrome and lack of energy, fatigue, I havr a good quality of life 

It took me a year and a half to recover from thus major surgery. Eatly recovery feels very slow and it was 7+ months before I really felt I was starting to recover at any pace.

You are in good hands. Just keep a positive attitude and laugh rather than weep, it is more positive. This battlehwill make you grow mentally. Be ready to fight and rest when your body is telling you to rest.

There are many good people y this forum, full of life experience and info, help.

I am now 57, 58 next month and returned to full time employment 20months after surgery, usually have a European city break, 3 times a year. I have to go to bed by 9.30 pm most nights and rest 1 day at the weekend.

I take vitamin and mineral supplements as may not be getting these due to only having a small stomach due to surgery.

All the best in your recovery.

Eddie.

Hi Eddie ,thanks so much for your reply it has given me some hope ,just soo worried pet scan might show it has spread the waiting is awful ,i am so glad you are well and enjoying your life 

Donna

Hi Donna

Like Eddie I’m 5+ years post surgery and my recovery and current quality of life is much the same as Eddie’s. Being 10 years older than Eddie and retired, I holiday a bit more than him, and further afield. I enjoy food though my taste for wine has dropped off. 

This illnesses takes some getting over but life is so much better now than ever before. I’m 1953 days cancer free now, and living life to the full, while trying to help others as much as I can, ‘cos God knows others helped me get through this cancer and there’s no way I can thank them, so I help others and I feel hope that this in some way repays the debt.

It’s OK to be scared but learning to be positive at the same time helps enormously. Learning to dance in the rain rather than waiting for the storm to pass.

I can’t promise that you’ll be fine but I have no reason to think that you won’t come through this just as so many of us have, and live a long and happy life thereafter.

Hi Brent ,thanks for your reply ,i am feeling more positive now i have found people that have been through this horrible journey and have got through it all 

Donna 

Hi Donna, 

I was diagnosed T4AN2M0 after my PET scan which was downgraded to T3N2M0 after exploratory surgery found my tumour was resting on my diaphragm and had not spread to my diaphram. I was diagnosed at the age of 58, had 4 rounds of FLOT chemo, surgery, and another 4 rounds of FLOT chemo. Post surgery (laparoscopic assisted left thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy) my tumour site and 36 lymph nodes removed showed no sign of cancer. I'm now in remission, 7 months post treatment, and recovering slowly. So there is every hope! I know it's sometimes hard but try and be positive.

Hi,thanks for your reply ,just had my first pre op flot unfortunately it caused some trouble with my heart so unsure what will happen with chemo now im home feeling not bad just a few bouts of and a little tired but in all ok .Just have to take each day as it comes ,at least the sun is out and no rain
Take care Donna

Donna, don't get disheartened about the chemo, I didn't have any prior to the surgery and I am doing just fine. A few side effects of the new plumbing system and food dumping but really glad to be here 2 and a half years on. Keep being positive, kind regards Frank.