Hello my name is richard and was diagnosed with stage 4 gullet cancer 3 weeks ago, had all the scans which came back that the cancer hadn't spread elsewhere, then was told that i had to have keyhole surgery to see if it was operable or not ,it came back that it was inoperable (devastated) So here i am having trouble digesting food, what food to eat, i have been told that palliative care and chemo is the only treatment ,so i would like to speak to people who are in the same predicament as myself so we can exchange experiences good or bad. i haven't started chemo yet not even seen the chemo doctor to see what treatment I'm going on. they say i have a very bulky tumour extending 33cm to 50cm, I'm hoping that when i start chemo not a pleasant thing i know ,is that it just makes life a little better because at the moment some days definitely are not.
Hi Richard
Thank you for popping over from New to the community' I am sorry I was not here to answer your post there, but MrsBJH gave you some great advice and a lovely welcome.
I am sorry to read that you have been given this diagnosis and that you bulky tumour is inoperable, I fully appreciate why you are devastated by this news.
Food
Soft diet suggestions - as given on the cancerresearchuk.org site state.....
A soft diet can help you eat more comfortably. Try scrambled egg, soups and mashed potato. You can also:
Foods that can be difficult to eat
Avoid foods that are hard to swallow and might stick in your throat, like
You can use a blender to process solid foods.
My Husband has his food blended for many weeks, and we always added more gravy, or liquid to make things easier... even now he eats very slow and has gravy, mayo, pickles, sauces, added to his plate to ensure things go down as easy as possible.
We have a blog, which if you would like you can read by clicking on our picture and then clicking on blog posts, scrolling to the bottom and working your way up.
Diagnosed May 2020, incurable, inoperable, but treatable. ....
It is very scary, for me anyhow, he on the other-hand seems to take it a day at a time... He does not fear his treatments, he welcomes them, I know that many people struggle with their treatment, and he has had a few side effects, but overall, he is focussed and accepting that the treatment keeps him here. I hope somehow, you are able to do something similar and once your treatment starts, it is kind to you.
I am happy to chat further if you would like, Dal does not actually write on here, but he does offer up his thoughts and advice for me to share... it is very different being the person on the other-side, but if It helps, I am here.
Good Luck
Lowe'
R l Goulsbra
Hello Mark_O
Welcome to the forum, I am sorry to read of your diagnosis, and I understand how difficult comprehending the information you are being provided is.
My Husband Dal, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer with secondaries in his lung, liver and lymph nodes, at the beginning of May 2020, T3N3M1 GOJ, with treatment including immunotherapy he has continued to do extremely well, beating his suggested prognosis.
I do hope that you have support around you and that you are able to stay positive, you may find posts on here where others who were initially refused surgery, went on after therapy to have it, and continue in recovery for many years.
The Macmillan team are here to help, they are contactable on the number in my signature
Happy to help with other advice, or chat if you are ok with that.
Sending strength.
Lowe'
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