Hello. I was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer

Hello, so sorry about your diagnosis and you have a big, personal, decision to make.

Our experience was very different, at diagnosis my husband’s OC was inoperable so there was no decision involved.  He was offered chemo and this led to a complete turnaround and surgery became possible, he had a full oesophagectomy in 2009.  I know that he would always have opted for surgery had it initially been possible so, for him, there was no hesitation and 12 years later he has no regrets.

I hope you have good support for the time ahead but, at the end of the day, it is for you to decide - make sure you have all the information you need so that you are comfortable with whatever you do.  The OC threads are fairly quiet these days but someone who has been in your position will hopefully be able to give you some more personal advice soon.

Take care.  J x

Hi Steraw

I dont know who has told you that you will potentiallly have breathing difficulties for the rest of your life?

I was diaginosed April 14 2017 T3N2M0 

Had ECX chemo pre and post op

I will be 4 years post op/ post cancer on the 23rd Sept( you go into the Ivor Lewis with cancer and have every chance to wake up cancer free).

I had asthma pre diagnosis and now go to the gym 5 days a week. Run and walk unaided amd without any medication. I made a deal with my Surgeon to be as fit as possible pre and post op. 

I feel fitter than I was 10 years ago.

Mindset and approach can sometimes be more than half the battle if you are lucky. 

Keep positive, keep fit - best of luck

Best Wishes

Pete

myoesophagealcancerjourney.wordpress.com/

Hi I had a 5cm growth had chemo, then operation 29th March. Same symptoms and decisions to make. Swim, run and use gym regularly. Started back to work full time August. No problems what so ever. Please give it a go its well worth it. 

Hello, you may have made your decision by now. But I wanted to tell you about my experience. I had such oesophageal cancer six years ago and had chemo and radiotherapy and the Ivor Lewis operation. I wanted to give myself the best chance of survival and I’m glad I did as I’ve now recovered. It was quite difficult during recovery and I did wonder whether I had made the right decision but now I know it was right. I’m pretty much back to normal apart from only being able to eat small meals, But that’s a small price to pay for survival. Good luck with whatever you decide. 

Hi Steraw, Like you I have a small growth , I do have some pain when swallowing but not too bad at moment. The consultants have recommended straight in for surgery early in November. I have had my doubts as well, but I am coming round to the idea. Not sure about the breathing problems as that has not been mentioned to me. Whatever you decide, good luck, stay strong and accept help when offered, we all find it hard to do that, well I certainly did and still do, life is going to change for us in a big way, but life is so important that we have to beleive in the specialists.

Again good luck

Hi my husband is having chemo then the operation he has just followed the advice from the professionals

Best wishes to you both. 

I have a 4 cm tumour, aged 75 I had no hesitation to have the op.  Just finished session 3 of 4 chemo.   Not sure what happens next but now building up strength for the op January time.

I am on artificial feed as from the start i could not swallow, but now I can take liquids and medication by mouth and for me that is evidence the chemo is working.   I have not.beem told about breathing problems,. Is this a condition related to you?.

     I am confident I will overcome this, slightly apprehensive but looking forward to the day I will leave hospital.

      Good luck whatever you do or decide.

Cheers Buzboombang

How have you found the chemotherapy my husband is about to start in the next week or so followed by the op