Cheekyscouser
Hi to anyone affected by oesophageal cancer. I was diagnosed on 2nd May this year following an endoscope as I was having difficulty swallowing certain types of food especially bread. All I can say after receiving my results of 4cm tumour in lower oesophagus and also in 1 lymph node. My life felt as if everything had came crushing down and I felt totally devastated and out of control. To say everything over the following few weeks was a total whirlwind is an understatement. One scan after another CT scan PET SCAN Laparoscopy various other tests combined attending three different hospitals just wore me out to say the least.
Following all this 24th June I started my first cycle of flot chemo with a further 3 to follow over a 6 week period. I had a tough time with the chemo suffering from nausea, dry mouth, dizzy spells, and extreme fatigue. Following my 1st cycle I felt that bad I told my husband I wasn't having anymore. But these side affects gradually settled which effectively spurred me on to complete the course. If I can give any advice to anyone that feels the same way on there journey stick with it and it is 1 big box ticked.
Following my lovely experience with flot I was scheduled for 16th September for Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy to admit I was really scared would be an understatement but I remember feeling an overpowering strength that came over me when I point blank asked my surgeon did I have an option to which the answer was no.
From that day on I grabbed everything by the seat of its pants and ran with it. I wasn't prepared to let it beat me and I genuinely feel that fight and positive attitude got me through what was ahead of me with the support of my husband and my son who were my rock and support from family members and friends helped me through my bad days. The day of the operation my husband and son came with me for support they both seemed more nervous than I did I remember.
Anyone who is to have this procedure obviously will know it is a major operation. I was advised to have an epidural which I have to say was a godsend following the operation and would definitely recommend it. Yes the next couple of days you are under close watch in high dependency unit and 1 thing is for sure your linked to every tube and drips that are possible which is a bit daunting but when your transferred to the ward they are gradually removed over a few days. Normal stay in hospital is 10_14 days I was discharged on day 8 which I was really pleased with but as I said before stay strong and positive it really helps.
So here I am 12th October looking back and all done. 2 big boxes ticked still on soft diet for now which is adapted as time goes on. The recovery is a slow process so I believe but can be done. All results from pathologist was great news no sign of it spreading so all in all was worth everything I have been through.
Next step is second course of flot oh! Happy Days 
but finally that is the last box ticked and put to bed.
I could not finish without showing my utmost gratitude and appreciation for the whole team of professionals that I met along the way they truly have given me my life back which I am eternally grateful for. They made me feel special from day 1 which continued right through my journey and gave me the belief and confidence that I could beat this which I am very glad that I have.
Yes you will have bad days allow yourself that and don't knock yourself its all part of your journey. Just remember to pick yourself up grab it by the seat of its pants and run with it and you will see the rewards.
Good luck and sending lots of positive thoughts to anyone who finds themselves in the same position You can do it.
Hope this helps
