New diagnosis

I am at or near the other end of what you may be starting. Try to lean on each other and dont avoid any topics that may seem difficult. But, most of all keep positive and await the outcome of the tests.

Once you have a treatment plan you both will need to work hard to get through what may seem to be an impossible process of hospital visits and scheduled treatments. Keeping positive and trusting the clinicians has got us both through to positive outcome after chemo, radio therapy and a lot of surgery and now immunotherapy. Hard road, but worth the slog. 

1. Keep positive.   

Thanks for those words of advice! We must stop googling things and listen to the experts as everyone is different

i am glad you are through a hard time and I am sure we will get there x

Hi JCA- so sorry to hear your shock news, unfortunately I think it hits all of us in the way you describe, I had just got over my first Cancer event and they found my Oesophagus cancer on my 4^th routine scan so it came as a big shock to both of us, also the first Cancer was dealt with an operation and no secondary treatment, the thought of the possible treatment plan ahead of me was quite distressing.

You are both also in the early horrible waiting part of it all the results/tests and treatment plan, the first thing is make sure both of you go to all meetings with your Oncologist and lis all the questions you both have, 4 ears are better than 2 as they will explain loads but on his own he will miss things as our mind is at times overloaded.

Don’t think your plans for your retirement are over as still plan but the timings may be upset at this time and also the possible additional cost of Insurance if you were planning to go abroad a lot, I am still working at 73 and surviving 2 Cancers and a possible 3^rd that could have kissed the guy in Urology when he said it wasn’t Cancer

Keep going and everything will hopefully come right for you both to spend time travelling-think ahead – and DO NOT USE Dr Google only Mac Millan or Cancer Research !!!

Take care both of you

Tony

Hi JCA

my husband and I are in the exact same position as you other than he was retiring in august. We have 2 cruises booked and planned to do a lot of travelling and our lives have just been turned upside down, we were so shocked with his diagnosis as really did not expect it.  I have no tips to help you but just wanted you to know that I am here and in same position if you need to converse with someone who is going through it with you.

We had the PET Scan and there is no spreading however there is a small area in his bowel  they need to check. He starts  Chemoradiotherapy next week 5 days a week for 5 weeks then op then Imunotheraby if he needs it. The future seems so uncertain, worrying and frightening.  I hope your husband has a good prognosis and I wish you both the very best. Xx

Also as everyone has said ….stop using Google … it’s of no help as so generic and I found was just worrying us more xx

Hi, I am yet another on this journey. I am in the same position as yourselves. Waiting for tests results, prognosis and next steps. It's a worrying time. Not doing Google as it's not helpful. Am finding it better chatting on here. At least I know advice and stories are real and from others going through the same thing.

It is definitely devastating getting that cancer diagnosis. I thought I had a stomach ulcer.

Got my head around the fact that I will need chemo, op and more chemo etc. If I'm lucky. Don't know how I'll react if it's worst news than that but nothing I can do about it so will keep believing in the first option for now.

Keep loving and caring for each other. Your old man and you could be back on your travels soon.

Good luck going forward.

Oh thanks so much

just talking to someone that knows what we are going through helps so much

when we found out I felt like we were all alone and very scared and I understand we have a long and worrying road ahead

so good to hear some positive words and so pleased for you that you have got through so much x

Thanks so much 

Here’s hoping that you both keep strong and thanks for being there! X

Hi JCA, We are in the same boat, my husband was told he has a hiatus hernia, had a scan that showed he had stage 4 cancer of the oesophagus.  He never even saw his GP.  We are also angry and upset, as took early retirement and looked forward to spending time travelling.  Best advice I have had is take each day at a time and try not to get upset.  I hope results will be good.  All the best, Pippi. 

Oh so sorry to hear your news it must have been devastating

My husband was anaemic but didn’t realise the reason for this until his endoscopy 

Still early stages and a long journey but we must be positive as there are many success stories out there

Thanks for your reply, it means a lot xx