New to this

Hi Paly

Thank you for your kind words. It is definitely BOOM and you are in a very different place. Normal routine is replaced by appointments, scans treatment and in some cases surgery.

My op is scheduled for the 29th Dec after seeing registrar of surgery team yesterday.

I don't feel very brave this morning more like terrified on what the op will be like especially afterwards. I know I'm in good hands but it is a big op. I also know life after will be difficult too but if it all works it will be worth it.

Everyone on here are so kind and supportive and that really helps a lot.

Good luck to everyone on here and many others facing their own battle

Dean

Hi Sergio

Welcome to a forum that no one really wants to be on but here we are.

We are all here to help each other on our difficult journeys. Not sure what stage you are at but I will say get yourself as strong as possible because it is a tough road. Some fair better than others but there is always support on here and from your specialist cancer team. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions on each stage, it helps make the treatment go as well as it can do.

I have my big op next week all being well. That is my next hurdle to get over.

Wish you well on your journey

Dean

Dean 

I am not going to sugar coat my words . After having had my operation on the 8th August 2023. Make no mistake it a very big operation to under go it will change your lifd for ever . But remember  you will have a great team behind you . Ive lost around 6 1/2 stone eating us my biggest problem not getting it right , so suffering with bile and sickness still. I am back at work just till mid day but slowly  getting better each week . Do let this worry  you . Stay strong its a long journey  you are on 

Regards 

Nick

Hi Nick

After seeing surgeon yesterday I know what I'm facing is going to be difficult so getting as strong as I can be, walking and cycling every day which I hope will help a bit.

Op is next Friday the 29th Dec. I'm ready for it but apprehensive at the same time.

They plan to do it by keyhole surgery but no guarantees.

So next hurdle is the op and then see how it goes

Good luck with your recovery

Dean

Dean 

Fittness is a big help i think my problem i expected to much to soon and tried thing to soon and your body will tell your doing something  wrong . 

Best wishes and speedy recovery for your up coming operation 

Thanks Nick

Yes the registrar yesterday said it's a marathon not a sprint and there will be bumps in the road along the way.

Thanks for you kind wishes

Dean

Yes - I have kind of neglected the fitness - I am quite fit already (my opinion) - but now you have said that I will up my routines from next week to ensure I have the greatest chance of a quicker recovery. I know that the biggest challenge will be weight loss and the side affects that go with that. I am strong in mind but still very susceptible to 'mood' swings - the thoughts and feelings about my condition never go away. It is with me morning, noon and night. I have broken sleep every night.

For me the unknown is my greatest enemy - so any advice or case studies here are appreciated. I do know that all of us have similarities, but each of us must look at it case by case - however, I do suffer from the anxiety of the unknown and not knowing what and how my body will react - either to Chemo or the operation - to remove the stomach and part of the oesophagus with the cancer.

I am asked by my family for an update nearly everyday which I do find annoying - mainly because that is just me.

I am trying to, day to day, be as normal as I can be and 'keep that stiff upper lip' but as each day passes and the operation date gets nearer - wonder what 2024 will bring and how that will affect me and the people around me. The feeling of being out of control of my own destiny is the scariest thing.

HI Dean 

Try to be strong. Very testing times but nevertheless - an operation is a positive thing to remove the disease once and for all. Good luck and keep us up to date on your journey.

Hi Sergio

Yes it is  good they are able to remove the tumour but there seem to be many potential complications either during or after op. I know it needs to be done and staying positive.

Regarding chemo everyone is different but my main problems were lack of taste, diarrhoea and pins and needles in hands and feet. They can adjust strength to help with the pins and needles which they did on my last round of 4 cycles. I was rough for about 2 days but got over it quicker than the previous 3.

I also felt a bit spaced out and tired at times. It also depends on what type of chemo you are on, mine was FLOT. 

Im a regular cyclist so fairly fit too and my pre op had good results.

It is so hard for everyone in the family to understand but they are only trying to help.

Of course I will update on my progress when I can and wish you all the best on your journey

Dean

Good morning all

Following on from my Laparoscopy and second endoscopy I was given an appointment with the Oncologist for today that has now been cancelled due to Doctors strike and biopsies not been reported on.

Now it gets confusing 

yesterday early evening I receive a phone call from the specialist nurse after yesterday’s MDT meeting to say they’ve decided I don’t need Chemotherapy or major surgery and my cancer can now be removed (Hopefully) via an endoscopic procedure (EMR) I know this is brilliant news but what has changed overnight after my surgeon telling me face to face that I’ve got a tumour in my Esophageal junction with a couple lymph nodes also being effected. Does cancer just disappear like this or am I missing something 

Thanks Paly