Diagnosed yesterday!

Hi SuzieW

I’m really sorry about your diagnosis and you are in that horrible limbo stage waiting for tests/results etc when your mind is all over the place.  It’s obviously too late to say try not to read too much online, the positive stories very rarely get a mention and there are plenty of them. Please take heart that there will hopefully be options for treatment and once you have all the results your medical team will put together a plan.  

Ask questions any time and stay strong and positive.

J x

Hello Suzie, 

Sorry to hear you news, however you have come to the right place. Your at the worst stage, the uncertainty and anticipation is awful. Please don't google anymore, I did that then I found this place. Read through the stories of others on here and you will see there are many kind and brave people who will give you advice. My hubby is having treatment now and everything has improved. Hopefully soon you will have some answers and then things will improve for you. Take care. 

Thank you both for your kind words I absolutely know I shouldn't be on Google but couldn't resist it :-/  it's only been 24 hours but it feels like years.  Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting to know others on here.

This early period is very hard Suzie, what can I say other than that you will find some solace in the support of the online community. If you haven’t checked out Facebook yet there are some wonderful groups like the Esophageal Cancer Patient and Caregiver Group and others that have many posts a day including from people who are beating this beast.Stay strong. Lisa

Hi Suzie, my head was in a complete spin when I was told 5 weeks ago and I am lucky to have chemo starting next week. If you are still eating ok and would advise getting as much calories down as possible. I am at a stage where eating is tough and wished I had stocked up when I had the chance. When I 1st heard I fell into the worst case scenario in my mind, a place I had to visit but the best case scenario is such a better place to be and gives hope and strength. Stay strong, you got this, Bill 

Thanks Lisa. I've joined the FB group :-)

• Hi Bill  thanks for your kind words and advice. It's the not knowing and hoping it's not stage 4 and that there is still a chance for treatment.  I think the most devastating thing for me at the moment is that I have a 12 year old son.  This is not what I want for him. I'm really hearing you around good calories. My appetite is pretty low but I think that's mostly about shock. I do have a wicked sense of humour and I was laughing at the fact that I am desperate to start chemo. I'm pleased we can hang in here together! I hope you start to feel better soon. Please let us know how you get on.

Hi Suzy what can I say is hang on in there it’s hard and for   the waiting’  well what can I say I think that’s the hardest at first because you don’t know what is the route they are going down to help that person because as you know what might b best for one might not b for the other  they kept saying about the calories but I said it’s hard when you can’t eat   You have to Build your strength up for when you have the surgery I was one of the lucky one  I didn’t have to have chemo   I was diagnosed in the April went for all the test camera down throat ect   And had open surgery in the may it not easy it hard and the doctor said this cancer takes deternation and grit I was put on a feeding tube after surgery and just came of it last week I hope it all goes well for you and do keep smiling even on your lowest day I am a survivor of this horrible disease I wish you well and remember you are not alone .

Hi Suzie, I would echo Bill’s advice about the calorie intake - my husband is diabetic and I asked about rich foods and I was told (kindly!) to forget about the diabetes and just get the calories down. I used to make him smoothies with full fat milk, double cream, ice cream and fruit and also every day a juice from a head of broccoli, a large orange and a large carrot.  The drinks might be easier to cope with if your appetite isn’t good so perhaps worth a try.  A sense of humour really helps, it’s a tough challenge but you can do it. xx

Thanks Mindya. It sounds really positive around your treatment! Did they catch it early. Please let us know how you get on