Oesophageal cancer

Understandable!

You will be fine. The oncology department at Addenbrookes is busy but the staff are wonderful. You’ll see young kids coping as well as oldies. You’ll see apparently well people and really poorly people. I even saw a prisoner  in hand cuffs! There will be lots going on to keep you from thinking too much about yourself. Take a book and some music or podcasts to listen to. A puzzle book or crossword if that’s your thing.

If it’s still the same someone will come round with sandwiches and drinks. 

You’ll be fine. You don’t need luck, you just need to trust the staff and stay positive. As you say you journey starts in earnest.

I’m sure you will surprise yourself.

Thanks for the reply Brent, always happy to hear from someone knowledgeable, who has fought the battle and won, just done my first day in treatment centre, don’t feel to bad at moment, bit hot and sweaty earlier, felt a little bit vacant, don’t know if that was the drugs being pumped into me. Now time to go home and see what the next few days bring. Wish me luck, as I wish you luck on your journey. Haybag

Hi Haybag

Now a few days on, how are you feeling?

Lowe'

Not to bad at the moment, bit groggy and tired. First night worse regurgitation and coughing all night. Back on omprezole . Seems to have sorted it out at the moment. Haybag 

Thank you for responding, I hope that there are more positives for you than the initial negatives you experienced and that the omprezole does its job.

Sending strength to you

Lowe'

Hi Haybag

13 months since diagnosis and now 4 months since final FLOT cycle (round 2)  and nearly 8 months since the op.

Nice one on getting through the 1st cycle - it's by far the worst in terms of not knowing what it is you are letting yourself in for and your mind will play lots of tricks.

Hope the omeprazole is doing it's thing - I'm still on it - but if not then overnight sleeping might help with some of the "rules" post-op in terms of not eating for a couple of hours before going to bed.  Check out a wedge pillow too - it's something I've come to depend on (I try sleeping without it - but can't get through the night without some kind of reflux going on).

Feel free to fire away with any questions!

Yes it is all a bit daunting, body seems to be acting different, feel a bit weak then feel fine. Finding it all mentally tough, sleeping seems to be a problem, mind working overtime at the moment, few pills to take, still eating ok, went on a 10 mile walk yesterday had no problems, don’t seem to be able to wear myself out. Still onward and upwards. Thanks for the reply whodathough. All the best Haybag.

As journeys go, it's one hell of a rollercoaster with the odd dodgem thrown in for good measure.

Exercise is ideal to get you fit for the op, just remember to bulk up as you will lose a considerable amount soon after.

The mind is great at firing on all cylinders, especially at 2am. We all have our ways of dealing with our condition, but having your own mortality suddenly bought to your full undivided attention,  when all along you knew it's there but not something that you really need to think about,  can be overwhelming. The great thing about the forums is that you can rant away,  howl at the moon,  shout and scream,  and we'll just join in with you.  :-)  

Hi Haybag

Love your spirit and approach as you start your journey - I was diagnosed pre Chemo T3N2M0 back in April 2017 - I was lucky to see an article that advised the mental challenge and approach being just as important as the physical one.

As with many members and viewers on this site - we all move into a new world that none of us ever expected to visit. My daughter and I have compiled a blog that tries to decipher some of the new terminologies along the journey - just a small thing to help others.

https://myoesophagealcancerjourney.wordpress.com/

Please feel to ask anything at any time - there are some genuine people here who are only to happy to support and where possible share some positivity 

Best Wishes

Pete