Cancer has returned

It’s really hard when you get a diagnosis.  Even tougher when you get a relapse.  I’m on my third dance with oesophageal cancer and its treatment.  I’ve been living with it for 12 years.  It’s not fun but the treatment options and their effectiveness are so much better today than even 5 years ago.  Don’t give up hope.  Keep fighting.  Mental attitude is as important as anything else in beating back this illness.  Rooting for you both.  Ron

Thank you so much Ron for taking the time to reply. Very much appreciated. We’re now waiting for results of the PET scan to determine treatment. Can I ask what happened when you had relapses. Was it in different areas of the body? 

The first time was so large it was considered inoperable and incurable.  The second time it was a small spot on my oesophagus but had spread to my lung, so again, inoperable and incurable but chemo knocked it back into remission Third time it was small and confined to oesophagus so underwent Ivor Lewis Oesophagectomy in September this year.  Latest scan results show no cancer but am on monthly doses of immunotherapy, post surgery, to try and keep it that way.  
It hasn’t been easy on me or my family.  When the cancer has returned it’s brought with it the thought that “this may be it.” and each of us have had to prepare for the worst.   But despite such thoughts, each time the NHS has offered treatment and the treatment has worked.  Cancer treatment is rarely, if ever, easy.  But I’m still here. Still enjoying my life and thankful for each day.  And there are many, many others who have a similar story to mine.  So keep hope alive.  Don’t give in to despair.  Ron

Hi Ron, your medical team must be so happy for you. You give so much reassurance to us all. What a nasty disease.