Hi, 53 year old female diagnosed with early Oesophageal endocarcinoma at the end of June after 4 years of nighttime acid reflux. I was first referred for an endoscopy under the 2 week rule because I started to have issues swallowing - bizarrely it was some of my tablets were getting stuck.
I have a number of pre existing medical conditions that immediately ruled me out of major surgery.
I am lucky to live in an area where a neighbouring Health Authority hospital offers endoscopic resection.
A further endoscopy showed that Tumour was bigger than they initially thought and it was also deeper than expected which meant that they weren’t sure I was suitable for the resection, however they agreed to a sub mucosal dissection but we’re clear it may not be curative. I had the surgery last week of July. It didn’t go as well as hoped because the tumour again was deeper than 1st (and 2nd time) they thought. It was growing into the muscle, rather that the mucosa and sub mucosal as thought.
2 weeks later I had a major bleed from the tumour site - it wasn’t much fun bringing up bowl fulls of pure blood, I honestly thought I wouldnt make it.
It wasn’t curative and in 3 weeks time I start chemoradiotherapy, with treatment aimed at curing me.
Having radiotherapy at the same time as chemotherapy seems pretty daunting and I’m scared. I am trying to remain positive but it is really hard. At the moment I just want to curl up under my duvet and hide away.
can anyone who has had the chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the same time let me know realistically what it may be like?
thank you
Hello Popsypup
Welcome to the forum, I am not going to be able to answer your questions, but I am sure others will be along soon enough, who have had both, Radio and Chemo combining therapies.
Curling up under the duvet always brings an image of comfort, maybe that is what you need at the moment, reassurance and comfort.
Your experience with the surgery sounds especially horrific, I am really sorry that you had to experience that...but it does seem that a great amount of different activity is being considered for your treatment in an attempt to at the very least control, if not cure you.... (let's hope it is the latter)
Since late June/early July you have had some time to process this difficult diagnosis, I think you have been extremely strong up to now.
Macmillan have a helpline 12 hours a day, should you want to talk to someone who is available to listen, the number is in my signature below.
As mentioned above others should be along soon to discuss their experience of dual treatments.
I wish you every success.
Lowe'
Thank you for replying, I am sorry to read that your symptoms are getting worse... I want to reply to your other post here, so I will head over there...
Lowe'
Sorry Big Jill, I have only just seen this, it must be a terribly scary time for you both, how is your husband managing his food ' drink now?
Lowe'
