New diagnosis, shocked and scared

Hi Jessy, it is not an easy journey, one that I am on myself along with a lot of others on this forum. You have come to the right place to learn more about the condition and it's treatment, from those suffering with it.

Do not Google it, there are some horror stories out there and it's worrying enough without adding to the stress.

Get your cousin to sign up and come in the forum. Speaking about it and asking those who know helps. We are all unique and there isn't one answer that fits all. Treatment can vary and with all the modern therapies and equipment together with all the medical expertise and experience means that there are some excellent outcomes. Take it a step at a time. 

It's a shame your cousin's GP didn't refer her for an endoscopy sooner but it probably hasn't made much difference, if any, to the outcome.

Best wishes to you and all your family.

Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them. I wish you well on your journey too.

I will ask my cousin to sign up, not sure if she will, I really hope so.

Hi Jessy,

Support groups are also invaluable if there is one in her area.  I had my cancer last year with the operation in June and I was at the support group from August.  I found it really reassuring speaking to others who had gone through esophageal cancer, some of them over 10 years ago.  It’s shocking your cousin went 6 months without nothing moving forward! This type of cancer is on the rise especially amongst younger people, - I feel GP’s need to be more aware and refer on as soon as they suspect it could be cancer.

Fortunately I have an excellent surgery where I am and was having the endoscopy within two weeks of initially contacting them. Mine was 3cm and aggressive so chemo started around 2 months later with the operation in June and fortunately it hadn’t spread so I’m cancer free.

I wish your cousin all the best on her journey