T4 N3 M1 hit my family this week

I don't have a story with a similar diagnosis but I didn't want to read and not respond.  I am so sorry for your devestating news, there are few words to be said at a time like this.  My thoughts are with you and your family. 

My Diagnosis is not as harsh as your dads and No words i write can take away the pain for you, but I was so sad to read this, it bought a tear to my eyes, mainly because it hit home with my situation in a way, my first grandchild was born in January, he was a beautiful start to the year, but that all changed in May with my diagnosis. All i can say is your father will fight with all his might to give you and your grandson all the love and support that he possibly can during this as you will for him. I have counselling through Macmillan to talk about things just like this as the thought of the possibility of not being around to support my son, daughter who is also a single parent and my grandson going forward is the hardest and most emotional pain for me, but it is also the strength that gives me the fight and positivity.. my son and daughter have also had sessions with the specialist nurses to discuss this journey we are on, so all i can suggest is try to get the Macmillan counsellor service to support you and your dad and your family, his CNS should be able to get that sorted for him and you hopefully. keep in constant touch with the CNS with any questions or concerns
despite the pain, just like my kids your strength and love and your sons smiles will be the most wonderful tonic to your dad im sure during these difficult times,

bless you.

Ricky.

Hi Mabel

My 57-year-old hubby was diagnosed with terminal T4 & T3 (he has 2 tumors never did anything by half!) in March 2018 hes had a long battle but still with us, we have our 18-year-old starting Uni this week and he has fought to live despite several knock backs, he's had chemo last year it helped and shrunk them enough to eat without tubes and this year again but now he has stents so is able to eat so please don't despair cherish each moment and never give up hope xx

Sending love & hugs

Carol 

This sent chills down my spine have to tell you, I was having vomiting in my sleep episodes, I saw the doctor a locum, he gave me Some lansoprezole then when I said it wasn't working he upped the dose, that didn't work so I waited weeks and saw my proper doctor, in August 2019 eight weeks after my first grandson was born, we came to the conclusion I had hiatus hernia. I went to the hospital for the camera down the throat, when I woke I got the awful news sorry to tell you there's a cancerous looking lump in your oesophagus of about 7cm in length, how did you not know it must have been there at least a year. Well CT scan and lots of other tests later I was diagnosed with oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma T4 N3 M1, inoperable incurable and I'm now on palliative Chemotherapy, with a side dose of Immunotherapy from a clinical trial, it's called Nivolumab or Opdivo, it or the chemo we are as yet unclear has reduced the overall cancer presence in me by 75% overall, I struggle with solid food still as most of the reduction appears to be in the nodal system and the secondaries, I'm halfway through the chemo regime at cycle 3 and TBH I feel like crap but the alternative is not in the frame, I'll suffer on to see my grandson to at least his teens if at all possible, I'll do it on my belly slithering if I have to. I hope your dad remains strong and can fight this evil horrid disease, I hope to have many years left yet, don't lose hope the magic bullet may be around the corner, much love Steve. 

I am reading these posts, wondering how you are all doing, those with a diagnosis and those with loved ones living with OC.  

My husband Dal has a pT3 N3 M1 diagnosis a month ago. today is his 2nd Chemo session, he has the same mentality as you JuanK1ng and if you looked at him you would not believe he had anything wrong with him. But he has and it is the most frightening thing,  

My husband had also thought it was a hiatus hernia, and after only a few weeks of struggling to eat he contacted the GP, in many ways, with what our current situation is in the world, he has been extremely fortunate to have started his Chemo within 17 days of diagnosis. 

Food wise, we started off blending everything, focusing on fruit and veg with high anti-oxidants, smoothies, soups anything that was manageable. slowly building this up. He has managed crisps and crackers, sliced skinned sausages with tinned spaghetti, and small squares of dark chocolate periodically. 

I am a need to know person, the bad, the ugly, the good and the positive but those answers are not coming from the professionals at this time, we only know that they suggest months rather than years.. again like JuanK1ng he has different plans, we are really lucky to have a large family, we have 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren, the youngest nearly 2 years old, the eldest is 18. and Dal has a really positive mentality and works a great deal with healing crystals, (we will try everything to beat this incurable invader)

As I said at the beginning of this post, after reading all the posts above and feeling your pain, I am wondering how you are doing now?

Lowe' 

Ok I'm many months into treatment now and have 3 treatments left, I'm struggling like crazy to cope with the chemo as it's very harsh. I had a stent fitted about 3 months ago that helped no end with swallowing, but is very uncomfortable, my consultant said to me that the average survival rate with this cancer is 18 months/2 years I was diagnosed in August so apparently don't have long, we will see about that. I'm very weak now as I had to stop working in February then the lockdown happened and getting out for exercise is a bit of a pain, they reckon that they have rid me of 75%+ of the cancer but can't tell how the main tumour is doing because the stent has metal in it and that blurs the scans. I'm hoping that the immunotherapy keeps the cancer at bay for a bit longer than the time I apparently have, it is currently a big unknown. 

JuanK1ng

Thank you for posting your update, I really appreciate your honest feedback, and hope that you manage to stand up to the  next three treatments of chemo. A difficult thing no doubt but your determination shines in your posts and I pray that you have a positive many years rather than the suggested timeline. 

I know my husband refuses to take into account the time frames of this condition, much like your earlier post he has a dedicated mind, and I hope you can maintain yours. 

Currently Dal is only on the Chemo, no other treatment has been offered, we have been told what he can't have, but no suggestions of what he can have. 

I'm sending you additional strength and will add you to my positive healing thoughts (can't promise that it will help, but it is very much worth a try)

Stay Strong and thanks again

Lowe'