oesophageal cancer

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:

• use sauces and gravies to moisten food and make it easier to swallow
• soften meat and vegetables with long, slow cooking
• finely chop meat and vegetables in a food processor before or after cooking
• blend or process meat or vegetable casseroles or curries to make soups
• make fruit smoothies or milkshakes in a blender
• try tinned fruit and add custard or cream
• have ice cream, yoghurts and mousse

Foods that can be difficult to eat

Avoid foods that are hard to swallow and might stick in your throat, like

• raw fruit and vegetables
• tough meat
• soft, doughy bread

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'

1. hi lowedai ,thanks for the welcome,i would very much like to keep in contact, because I'm sure you can help me along my journey, because somedays i have trouble keeping my mind right, i to have trouble finding the right food to eat but with trail and error I'm getting there , i have a long way to go with my treatment i know but with someone to talk to it can only help,  thanks once again and look forward to talking again.     

I am 37 years old, and was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer August 2021 - with a grading as of yesterday of T3 N3 M1 - the couple of lymph nodes that lit up are just outside of the operating area. All the best to you!!

Hi Richard, 

How did it go yesterday?

Lowe'

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'

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis keep thinking positively and keep talking its surpriseing how it helps,