Positive update never give up

Hi Vinny, not too bad at the moment cheers, Nick is isolating after his pcr ready to go in for 2nd dose of chemo, he's on capox and pembrolizumab, (immuno) every 3 weeks. He didn't do too bad with side effects, felt a bit quesy for first few days and has been tired but chemo wise OK. He did get stuff stuck in his stent a couple of times which caused him to be sick for 72 hrs and not keep even water down but thankfully it cleared without intervention and he's back to eating now, he even put on a couple of pounds this week which is fab seeing as he's lost about 3 stone since Xmas. We are just trying to stay positive and hope the drugs do their thing and we get a good outcome. Hearing news like yours gives us even more reason to keep fighting xxx

Feeling battered for a few days after chemotherapy is normal I've been in bed yesterday and today recovering from Monday and remember I'm younger. Important to listen to your body and rest. My experience was I was being sick a lot at the start of my treatment, but my body soon settled and the treatment really worked for me. My eating gradually got better and better but be patient don't force feed the calories down as things improve he will have plenty of time to put back on the weight. If you haven't already read my profile where I shared my journey of improving my eating as I've been where your husband is if you ever need to chat you can always message me on here or I am happy to pick up a phone if that helps. I highly recommend protien drinks if you haven't got them already. I am a true believer Positivity and keeping yourself stress free is key as it gives your body the best chance to heal. Sounds really cheesy and weird but every night when I go to sleep I visualise the chemotherapy healing my body and melting the tumours it's helped me stay focused and fall asleep. Something to think about 

Thanks so much Vinny, yes I have read your blog, very helpful and I keep going back to it to re read at times. Yes Nicks got the shakes, he is on one a day at the moment unless food hasn't been good and he then has a secondcto make sure he gets some calories in. He actually managed shepherd's pie and veg last nick which is the most solid food he has managed since his stent so he was happy with that. Back in at the moment for 2nd dose. Fingers crossed side effects will stay the same as last time,  as you say positivity is the key! So we stay positive and hope for the best. Thanks again and I hope you are feeling a bit less battered today, sending hugs xx

Hi Vinny

I am so very excited for what may well be a great outcome for you.. it is such fantastic news... 

Everyone else has said all there is to say, but I just wanted to check in and let you know we are rooting for you 

Lowe'

Hi Vinny, I'm a few days post IL surgery just now. Once I've more strength I'll pop on an update

I've been thinking about you and so happy to see you post. Take it easy and rest buddy I look forward to your update.

Hi Vinny, I'm new to this forum. Firstly I am very pleased for you having this positive news and also pleased that it goes to show things can change. My husband has oesophageal cancer. He had major surgery to remove two years ago. Sadly before Christmas it has returned and now he has been told it is incurable and given him 12-18 months. He has gone in today for round 2 of 5 chemo sessions (liquid feed day one then 21 days of tablets at home). Since his op he has constantly had trouble with dumping syndrome. He can't put any weight on and even if we try a meal out and he has a starter, he feels unwell needing a lie down so we have to go home. Its the same eating throughout the day at home. Have just looked through your tips with interest. He does drink a lot of wine and maybe avoiding around meals might help. He has never got on with the prescribed protein shakes or dairy foods, they cause dumping. All the best Lesley

Hi Lesley

I am eight years post surgery. I still have to be careful eating and drinking. I found from the very start once I start to eat I cannot have a drink for anything between 30-60 minutes after. If I do, I feel unwell and need to lie down. I once broke this rule while in a restaurant and had to get a taxi to take us 200 yards back to our hotel! Provided I stick to this rule I don’t get too much dumping unless I eat too much. So relatively small meals are the order of the day and make sure I have a drink before meals. 
Not everyone finds this a requirement but we are all different and need to find our own way. 
I hope your husband finds what works for him. 

Hi Brent, thanks for your reply. He carries on having liquid when eating so I think this is definitely worth a go for him. If we could eat out without any problems for him that would be marvellous!

Hey Lesley, Really sorry to hear about your husband and the news of it coming back. Life with cancer is still life and its all about trying to enjoy it as much as possible, so many have been told they are incurable, but their lives have improved with treatment so keep positive and keep fighting.

I agree with your husband regarding protein drinks they usually taste like rubbish, I have never liked them. However, do try the fresubin ones as they don't taste chemically at all I actually quite enjoy them especially the toffee and cappuccino ones, if he doesn't get cold sensitivity I would try freezing them too they taste like ice creams.

Someone like brent would give much better advice than me who has had the op, but I have a juicing machine as well which is good for getting some calories into me, I know sugar is an issue with dumping so veg juices may be an idea? This comes from someone who didn't like lettuce in a burger, but I make myself a apple, celery, carrot and cucumber juice every day which is actually really nice.

Its going to take some will power, but I have made a conscious decision that I won't drink again (Or coffee which I love). This isn't easy as we have such a big drinking culture and I am well known for being a party animal. For me Wine was always a complete nightmare as it used to give me really bad acid reflux. I have read that Gin (Yuck) is one of the least acid drinks and is the best for acid reflux sufferers.