Just getting started

Hi Stu, I'm sorry to see you have joined this group but you seem to have the right attitude. Of course you will have had good days and bad days on the emotional rollercoaster ride. Having a positive attitude really does help you get through this. I chose not to have any chemotherapy and radiotherapy prior to surgery, purely for personal reasons. I was 57 and had been a smoker for about 45 years and not exactly fit, the idea of having my right lung deflated for 9 hours didn't appeal to me. You must do what you feel is right for you, what will give you the best chance of a long life. I decided to ignore statistics and just to concentrate on getting through the surgery. Don't be afraid to ask questions, write them down and write the answers down. You have age, strength and fitness on your side , try to gain weight before any treatment as it is normal to loose weight throughout the whole journey. I had the Ivor Lewis surgery in October 2016 and was given a chance of 20-25% of survival of approximately 5 years and I'm still here. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

Wow Frank that's amazing and certainly gives me hope. Sterling job.

Hi stuB, sorry to see you on this website, I was diagnosed in sept21, had 4lots of chemotherapy now, and Ivor Lewis, two weeks ago. I’m 55yrs . I managed to train and keep fit right from the start, I always kept fit anyway. I’m half way through this treatment journey. All I can say is to repeat what everyone else will tell you, keep positive mentally and physically, it’s hard but doable, try and eat it well if you can. Your be surprised how resilient you can be. Onwards and upwards,all the best Haybag 

Hi Haybag, thanks and stay strong and well.

Just by way of an update the PET scan has come back clear so its not spread, bonus! I need to have a laparoscopy to just confirm my stomach and its surrounding Lymph nodes are good and then press on. Next step is to see the Oncology Consultant next Wednesday to discuss treatment etc. 

Hey stu, hope you are well buddy and recieve good news from your pet scans. Regardless of the news you sound like you have the right attitude I'm only 35 so young to and extremely unlucky to get this type of my cancer at such a young age. However it also puts you in a great position to deal with the symptoms and for your immune system to fight for you. I was told I have stage 4 and incurable 4 months ago, but I have reacted well to treatment and things are turning round. Your motto going forward needs to be to believe in the docters, focus on getting the right nutrition and a positive mental attitude. How is your eating by the way buddy?

Superb news it really is. I'm eating fine, until i'm sick or can't swallow that is but its not to often at present thank god. I've lost about 5-6kgs of weight and about 2 holes on my belt but... I have been training hard so its possible that 's got lots to do with it. I'm desperately trying to have 2 good meals a day with two high protein shakes as well in the hope i can get up to about 90kgs. 

Have a read of my profile buddy I got a jucier which has been amazing for me in terms of getting the right nutrition I use is every day even now I'm eating finr. If you haven't done already speak to your docter who can prescribe you the protein drinks for free. A great trick to boost calories from them is add to a blender the protein shake, some full fat milk, a banana and some peanut butter/Nutella. Boosts a normal protien drink by about 150 calories and tasted delicious. I also like them frozen 

That's a great idea about speaking to the GP for protein, i hadn't thought about that. I'm banging loads of extra protein in at the moment Chia seeds, Porridge oats, milk, etc even TOFU which is jam packed with it!  

Great to see you on here after surgery, I've been quietly stalking your posts as I have the same surgery due in the 23rd feb. Heal well!

John

Stu, I'm not an expert but I think fat is important to help you store weight it's not all about protein. Regarding exercise maybe speak to your GP, I understand the need to be quite fit but using energy when you need to build up weight because as far as I am aware you can lose a lot of weight during treatment. And if you have surgery my consultant told me that many people struggle to gain weight after treatment and surgery which can make recovery difficult. Good luck whatever you do, kind regards Frank.