Hi all, isn't it a pity to meet like this, but we can help each other, no one understands like others who are treading this same path.
My husband had head and neck cancer 12 years ago, and poor health ever since. And so it's back, oesophagus cancer. Usual symptoms, and complicated because his throat and swallow is difficult anyway.
He has the choice now to do nothing, or to take radio/chemo, 50% chance of success, or surgery, serious stuff, 9m recovery , 10+ hours in surgery, complications from previous treatment, from previous bowel surgery and stomach reconstruction. And 90% chance of coming out of theatre. Quality of life now could be better, and after whatever treatment he decides, will be worse. He always said he would not have had the treatment first time round f if he knew how it would leave him, he's tired of fighting every day. Poor soul, how do you choose.
Thanks for reading, god bless
X
Hi
So sorry to hear your Husband’s problems, in both my Cancers I had little choice with what was recommended, the only time I did have to make a choice was with my Larynx Cancer and that they wanted to do Radiotherapy after ‘just in case’, after weighing up the pros and cons I decided against it, at the time they all considered it a risk but when my oesophagus cancer came along 15 months later (not related to previous) they said I wasn’t a fool as they would not have been able to fully treat it with Chemo and RT, I am now Cancer free but on 3 month checks so I have 3 monthly Oncologist checks and 6 month Consultant checks for the Larynx
I agree with DSlippy you and your Husband need to keep asking the questions and write them down before you go and if anything always go together as he won’t remember what was said or you forget the questions !
All our Cancers, options and treatments are like the reactions and results different but the Community are here and will listen and help if they can
Both of you take care and tell your Husband there is help and good outcomes, you may wish to also post in the following Support Group ;
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/family-and-friends-forum
Take Care
Tony
We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,
call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Onwards and Upwards
Laryngectomy and OC survivor
Lead Volunteer for Hampshire MacMillan Buddy Service
Hi J
Welcome, and thank you for sharing some of the journey that you and your husband have been on so far, there seems so much for you both to take on board and to consider, and when your husband already feels tired of fighting that must make things even more difficult.
You have already had some lovely welcomes and comments, so I just wanted to say, that I do hope that your husband knows that the developments in chemo and radiotherapy over the past years have been amazing. Thing may not be as challenging as he previously experienced and I hope that you can keep strong together over the coming days whilst you get your heads around this new diagnosis.
I do hope for the very best to come your way.
Lowe'
