4 months ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 osophagus cancer. I was deemed as stage 4 and incurable because I had tumours in my osophagus, but also one near my kidney in my lymthnodes which meant they could not operate. My oncologist was pretty brutal I was told I was incurable and that the treatment decisions were a difference of months to my life expectancy.
After recieving the news I went into a dark hole for a few times. I was blessed to have a legend called pat reach out to me on here who was stage 4 with a worst prognosis than me who was lucky and reacted brilliantly to treatment and was now cancer free. This and speaking to another friend who was stage 4 for 5 years who has fought every step of the way with positivity and humour really helped me develop a positive attitude and to fight this with everything I have.
When I started treatment I could barely eat soup or drink water. After starting chemo I reacted really well and stopped being sick. In fact I haven't been sick in 4 months. It has been a slow progress but I slowly build up what I could eat taking baby steps.
After 4 months of treatment and a much more positive oncolgist in my hometown I had new pet scans. The results from the scans have been remarkable the lower down tumor they can no longer see and the primary tumors are barely visible. The plan now is one more round of chemotherapy, as endoscopy for the surgeon to view my osophagus and then 3 months of herceptin whilst under surveillance. If all goes well they will operate which is the path to cure.
I am under no illusion I have a difficult battle still ahead if me, but it's heaven to be given hope. So many of you are joining the forum and have recently given bad news. Please don't give up and be positive whilst believing in the treatment. The statistics are outdated and don't reflect the new treatments that we recieve now. I appreciate I am younger and stronger to deal with the treatment, but I was also in a position at one point where I lost 3 stone and could barely swallow water, but came back from a really bad place.
Everything I have learnt regarding eating and chemo symptoms can be found in my profile. Please don't hesitate to add me as a friend and contact me if you want to talk or want any advice as I'd love to try and help. I am so buzzing right now and bouncing off the walls. Love you all keep postive
Thank you, my first oncologist was brutal and gave me little chance. I have a long battle ahead still, but this is great news. It's vital we hold our heads high and fight with everything we have got. Believe in the docters, focus on the right nutrition and be positive
Well done Vinny, you are an inspiration to many people here with your story and your strength. Keep on being positive and enjoying your life. Kind regards Frank.
Thanks Frank, don't underestimate your contribution to this community either you are such a kind guy with great advice for others who need it.
Amazing news Vinny, so so pleased for you. Keep fighting, you are a tower of strength for so many of us on here. X
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