Just been diagnosed

It is almost six years ago that my wife came with me when I had my endoscopy, really only because we were told best not to drive straight after. We were not expecting to be given such bad news then, just like that. So I know exactly how you are feeling. All the plans and hopes you had for the future... where are they now?

 I can only retell my experience and give you hope that normal life can be resumed. Everyone here has a similar story to tell. One of a journey of six weeks or six of tests and scans. Appointments every week, and still you don’t know exactly what the future holds. 

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, more chemo? You can hope for a cure. I hoped for a cure... I never hoped to be healthy, only happy, and I got my wish. But hurrah I’m healthy too, now!

My ‘friends ‘ here on this site will all tell you that a positive attitude will improve response to treatment and help recover from surgery. 

You must have lots of questions just now, and it’s horrible waiting, but don’t google for statistics as they are old and can’t be applied to an individual. All the information you need is on the Macmillan web site and in their booklets. You will be guided through the treatment pathway by your new best friend, the specialist nurse. Meanwhile if you have specific questions, just ask here, there are loads of people here who have been through what you are going through just now; not something you would wish on anyone but you are not alone!

Hello Gill

I am sorry that you & your husband find yourselves in this position but you have found the right place to get information, advice & support. There are a lot of lovely people in this group who will be there for you ....this is the first time  I’ve really posted in the group but I read your message & wanted to reach out to you. 

I know exactly how you are feeling. My husband was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in February. I can remember feeling totally shocked by the news & scared for the future. 

It is a roller coaster ride with ups & downs, good & bad days, laughter & tears but there are amazing people in the group who have been through the tests, the awaiting results, the treatment and have come out the other side. What I’m trying to say is there is always hope.

Sending you a virtual big hug. 

Suzanne

Hi Gill,

I know your pain...my mum has just been diagnosed with the same thing.... I have no idea what the  future holds I'm absolutely petrified! We have to just be strong for our loved ones... has your husband got the feeding peg? I'm currently back in hospital as we think my mums tube has become infected shes in loads of pain. Just nothing we can our loved ones life is in the doctors and nurses hands it's so scary. Sending you my love and positivity xx

Hi Gill,  I understand what you are going through, my husband received the same diagnosis in June, he has just completed his pre-surgery flot chemo and has been given a date for surgery, early October. There are so many lovely people on this site, the advice they will give you is invaluable.  Sending you both love and positive vibes. Any questions, ask away XX

thank you so much for such uplifting words.  The tests have been going on for some weeks and I think we knew all along what today was going to tell us.  But it still wiped us out. we came out of the hospital to the most beautiful sunny day and yet all we felt was despair.  I've read your post out to my husband and it has been such a comfort.  We still have to await what the consultants/oncologists make of the results regarding treatment and we already have the specialist nurse allocated who is so lovely.  (I have however told my husband that she can be his second best friend, as I'm his first.)  thank you again, what a wonderful website this is.

Good luck and best wishes Gill,

As Brent and many others have commented , whilst always shocking news re diagnosis, the medical world have never been so advanced. I am very nearly 2 years post op and my daughter is updating my blog over the next few days  - I will share it with you.

Best wishes to your Hubby. Try to keep as positive as can be - it makes  huge difference on your journey 

There are real and genuine people on this site that will help you any step of the way 

Pete

Dear Luv Chox

thank you for your lovely post.  When we received the news today it just seemed like a death sentence and we came home in complete despair.  We still don't know whether it is treatable or not - should hear something the end of next week after the findings have gone back to the team, but the lovely people on this site are giving us such wonderful uplifting hope.  I hope that things go well for you and your husband too.  I may well be back with the questions.  thank you again, love G xx

Dear Gill,  The waiting is the worst part, keep yourselves busy and keep the faith, hugs XX

Dear Suzanne

I'm not sure if I'm replying to the individual or if my replies go out to all on my site, in which case you'll all be reading the same things over and over. I'm sorry if this is the case.  However thank you for your lovely words. To be with people who know exactly how I feel is such a comfort, and to have someone say there is always hope is wonderful.  I hope that things are going in a positive direction for you and your husband, and thank you for the hug - it was so needed

Gill  x

Thank you Pete for this, and please do share your blog with us.  We need all the positive vibes we can get at the moment.  I'm still finding my way round on the site at present, so probably doing everything wrong.  But I'm reading all the comments out to my husband and he has more colour in his face now - I think when we came home we were both so fearful of what we had been told. Fearful not quite the right word, we were both just scared.

thank you so much again