Hi all
I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer nearly 6 weeks ago after an endoscopy. It was a real shock as GP only referred me because I said I was worried my reflux symptoms were more serious. Thank goodness she did! I have had a CT and PET scan and now waiting for oncology appointment next week to find out my treatment pathway. Initial indications are that the cancer hasn’t spread so really hoping that this means future is positive.
I have a husband and two teenage girls- they are all devastated. Oldest daughter is just about to sit her GCSEs so really poor timing for her! My husband is also due to undergo tests for prostrate cancer due to raised PSA levels after a routine blood test so we are really facing a double whammy although keeping optimistic that everything will be okay. So helpful to find a forum like this! Thank you for reading!
Hi and a sad welcome to the group.
I am in exactly the same position as yourself. My meeting after endoscopy, CT and pet scans is this Wednesday. I'm just desperate to find out what's happening.
Like you I was referred after having some discomfort eating and drinking. I thought it was related to acid reflux and probably an ulcer. Very shocked when they came into the cubicle and just came out with, "you've got cancer in your oesophagus and a hiatus hernia". What do you say to that? Cancer was never in my mind. Now it's all I can think about.
I left and went straight to Macmillan's in the hospital and they have me a very useful book to read on oesophageal cancer. Then I found this site.
You mention the initial indications are that there is no spread. Where/who did this information come from?
My wife knows but I haven't told my family yet. I am waiting for my meeting so that when I tell them I should have some answers for them. How I am going to tell them I don't know. I don't want to upset them.
A double whammy indeed for you with your hubby's high PSA count. I sincerely hope he is ok. It's just so worrying wether your the affected party or a loved one.
I am trying to keep upbeat about it all and am chatting about things with the wife. I have bought a bed for downstairs so that I don't have to climb the stairs if the chemo/op wears me down.
Good luck to you, your old man and your girls going forward. Please keep posting your story. It's helping me by sharing and reading about others going through the same.
I called the consultant after Easter who told me indications are from scans it hasn’t spread. I had agreed with him that he would let me know by telephone when results were back rather than waiting for a face to face appointment.
Best of luck to you with your appointment next week. Not knowing what is happening really messes with your head!.
Hi Flounder15
Welcome, and thank you for sharing with us, it is not always easy to reach out at times like this.
I am sorry to read that both yourself and your husband are having tests and that yours has already reached an OC diagnosis, and also that your girls have to experience this with you, at such a sensitive time in their lives, (no time is a good time though )
There are various things within the Macmillan website that may give you further information on OC, and once you have a clear diagnosis of tumour type and treatment plan, you may like to look into the assistance that the Macmillan team provide. They can be called on the number below in my signature, if you have any questions that you do not want publically published, or just for some support from others who have a deeper understanding of how things will be for you.
I do hope that they come back to you with that Oncology appointment ASAP and work towards a fast treatment plan.
I wish you all the very best on this difficult journey,
Lowe'
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