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FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi all 

having trouble with food going down giving me indigestion and heartburn and pain under breastbone, went Monday for an endoscopy and they found a 5cm tumour I think 40 cm down so lower esophagus, had a ct Sunday awaiting results.

I didn’t have any other symptoms or problems before, anybody else have this experience 

  • Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I just dropped by and noticed you've not yet had a reply as yet but we all know what's it's like to have to wait for results. I've a different type of cancer but I see you've joined our supportive Oesophagus cancer so I've flagged , the Community Champion of the group to welcome you. 

    It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) . It's helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. You can amend or update it at any time. 

    It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.

    Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

    Sending you welcoming hugs Bx


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    "Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Daz, sorry to read about your current issues; your symptons sound very similar to mine which started around October 2015, I was 49 years old at the time. In January 2016 the resultant endoscopy discovered an 8cm tumour wrapped around the base of my oesophagus where it joined the stomach. After pre-op CEX chemo shrunk the tumour considerably I underwent an oesophagectomy on 1st July 2016 then followed up with "mop-up" chemo. I was very lucky in that no traces of cancer were then detected in the 15 lymph nodes that were extracted during the op.

    So, here I am just over 5 years later, still cancer free, and loving / living life to the fullest!! I hope that your results are favourable (benign) but if not do be assured that it is not necessarily the end; for sure there will be tough times ahead and the treatment is far from pleasurable at times (understatement) but the end result is worth it!

    Wishing you good luck!

    Kev.

  • Hi Daz1975

    Sorry for my delay in responding and to read of the discovery of a 5cm tumour in your oesophagus, a worrying time indeed.

    You have had some great replies here so far, have you had any results from your CT scan?

    I am hoping that if you had no other symptoms that you have caught this early enough for the surgery that Kev has mentioned, But I also want to say the advance in treatment for this type of cancer has been outstanding.

    Fingers crossed and if you can, keep us updated.

    Lowe'

    Call the helpline for free on 08088080000, 8am to 8pm everyday.
    Tomorrow is not promised but it always has potential. Aim for your potential!
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Thanks Kev, 

    I had my pet scan last Sunday, results day is Wednesday where I will find out all I need to know.

    Great to hear a positive as people telling you to be positive is not always the tonic you need.

    How did you cope with food at this early stage, I’ve been told a sloppy diet and I am managing about 2700 calories a day, just trying to make eating a pleasant experience.

    Thanks again mate 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Daz, tbh I coped very well with food in advance of, and all the way through, the treatment; I was very lucky in that my tumour was very receptive to the chemo; post-op was the same, although was encouraged to take these high calorie Ensure drinks to build weight back up but couldn't take to them at all...

    Best of luck for Wednesday mate Fingers crossed My advice would be to have somebody with you when you get the results and have a list on hand of questions to ask! 

    Kev.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Thanks Kev, 

    im having fortisip drinks to build up, roll on Wednesday and Ill know plans for the next 6 months 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi I was diagnosed in Feb with 6cm tumour wrapped round oes tube. I am 65 an started problems with food getting stuck around Xmas. As it has spread to stomach nodes can’t operate as too close to aorta. Did try chemo but had allergic reaction so stopped but Had radiotherapy an after treatment finished was painful for 2 weeks but wow on day 14 woke up an could eat an drink most anything. Spots found on liver so having chemo next week an consultant positive will extend quality of life and keep things at bay. My daughters have been marvellous an had birthday celebrations with family and friends an friends have taken me away on short breaks (Brighton last week) although exhausted now but keeps me motivated. As there are so many positive treatments out there. For me it was being able to eat again so hope chemo Taxol will not be too bad as once a week for 6 weeks. My daughters have got me a Chemo guard an although cost £200 it has good reviews for preventing mouth ulcers an metallic taste. Will be using from Thursday so will keep everyone updated. 

    Could not be doing with those energy drinks too. I was told to eat whatever I fancied the more fattening the better my consultant said. 
    It is a bloody life changing diagnosis but we have to remember we are people not statistics and that our attitude and positive thoughts although we aren’t blooming saints either so we do have down times but we are still here!!! So stay brave x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to MrsBJH

    Went for results today, it has spread to my liver and lymph glands so no operation for me just palliative care, I did ask the question as how long I had got as it’s important to put things in place, but until they see if chemo will help god knows.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    So sorry to here sad results. I saw Consultant an was ready for chemo then get phone call to say bloods bad an too anemic. It’s also been mentioned Chemo not worth it now an she told my daughter I haven’t accepted how far advanced it is. (I gave permission to my doctor to speak to my family) she told her to get any paperwork done an if there is anything I want to do I should do it now. Mine has spread to Liver but to ge fair the steroid an Morphine are helping an I feel well. Did have initially reaction to blood transfusion my blood pressure kept dropping an was in hospital all day but know I will feel better tomo. Only way I keep going is living in the present an if I feel well enough do what an visit who you want. Remember this is your time. Wishing away our lives won’t help so stay strong an as I say live for now. Hugs to you 

  • I am sorry to read this Daz, 

    My husband had similar diagnosis, if you click on my picture you can read our blog. We put things in place as advised and was given a very poor prognosis, but he has out lasted that and it dealing with treatment very well.

    I really hope the chemo works for you

    Lowe'

    Call the helpline for free on 08088080000, 8am to 8pm everyday.
    Tomorrow is not promised but it always has potential. Aim for your potential!