Just diagnosed

Hi Nan, first of all really sorry to hear your news, I was diagnosed with terminal Oesophagus cancer nearly three years ago, my own experience if it helps (everyone’s cancer is there own journey) so, one of the first things I remember was when I was first in hospital and having been diagnosed and like you awaiting further tests a loverly Macmillan nurse would come and sit with me and chat with me, one night she said that I had two choices, I could go home and curl up on the couch and just feel sorry for myself, or I could try and be positive, so went for positive!
with my family and friends I found it better for me to take the lead with conversations, and would say to you that keep talking to your family and explaining how you feel, one of the positives I found is that all the things we tend not to say to friends and family came pouring out, also instead of talking about things we would like to do we got on and did them.

am almost three years in from diagnosis and have been through many ups and downs with ongoing treatment, and have days when feel very sorry for not just myself but my wife, children and friends as realise how much they mean to me, I wish you all the very best for your ongoing journey, but remember your not alone, keep talking and try (easy to say I know) to be positive.

if you need to ask anything please feel free.

Thanks so much. I have taken the curl up on the  sofa route which I know is not good. I think it is the not knowing. I have a CT scan on Monday and then they are going to devise a plan for treatment. It’s so scary when you go into hospital thinking things will go ok and they don’t. Everyone there was lovely though. My family is great and at first I put up a front but now am finding it better to be totally honest. It’s great to have people to talk to who are going through a similar thing so thanks again. 

Hi Nan, sorry to hear your news, but well done for reaching out there are great group of people on here to help you along your journey. It's easier said than done, but you need to try to relax and be patient. The docters will be working in the background to ensure you have the best treatment plan. Please do keep us updated as to what the docters say. How are you feeling apart from waiting? You eating ok?

Hi there. I’m ok apart from feeling very tired. Food still going down but I have to chew very slowly and it often hurts. The news is so devastating though and it’s still all a bit new! 

I know buddy it's tough and not easy news to take in especially when waiting. My advice would be to avoid looking at Google and to try to be positive. My motto from day one has been to believe in the drs, get the right nutrition and be positive. It's done me really well so far. If your struggling with food maybe look to adapt your diet. I found meat apart from chicken was difficult for me to swallow when I first started getting symptoms. Really take your time and make sure you chew everything properly. I found this difficult as I eat like a pig, but it helps.

Good advice about Google. I have made great strides in tackling my OCD problems but this week has made it tough not to go down that road again. I had breast cancer 13 years ago but beat that. I remember the waiting being so difficult last time. Thanks for your support. This site is such a good idea. 

1. Hi Nan. When my husband was first diagnosed and we were waiting for CT scan and results, I remember that being a very scary and overwhelming time. I found it best for us to get on with things as normal wherever possible. I wrote down some of my fears so that I could understand where my feelings were coming from. I tried to hope for the best outcome and I talked to lots of friends and family. Having support is everything. Someone on this forum said "It takes a village to get through cancer" and this is so true. Don't try and do any of this on your own. I really hope you will have good news after your tests. Breathe deeply. Stay calm. You can do thus.

Thanks so much Martha. I love the saying about the village. I have a fantastic family and lots of supportive friends so I am very blessed. I am finding it a struggle to do ordinary stuff at the moment but I think I am still suffering from shock after the diagnosis. It is fear of the unknown isn’t it? Got my CT scan later today. 

Hi Nan. The fear is completely understandable (I've seen it referred to on this forum as 'scanxiety'). But I've learnt to regard fear as Enemy no. 2, because it knocks you sideways, when you need all your strength to stand up tall against Enemy no. 1 (Cancer). The best quote I found, when dealing with this myself was "Inhale Courage; Exhale Fear". Try it. I am hoping for the very best for you today.

Thanks Martha. I had my CT scan yesterday which was fine but now I have to wait for the results. It’s the hardest bit when you don’t know what you have to face. Emotions all over the place.