Just waiting on my plan after having an endoscopy and ct scan for narrowing of the oesophagus

Hi

Sorry that you find yourself on this journey.  Its quite the roller coaster! Like you I had acid reflux for years and then started to have swallowing difficulties for several months before diagnosis. 

Keep yourself reasonably busy. While you're trying to process the diagnosis and waiting for all the test results is so anxiety provoking.  Definitely have questions written down and take a notebook to your appointment where they explain the results. Definitely find fun, absorbing activities to do. Things will likely feel better once you have a treatment plan..

Take care

Hi Sparky 1066. Is is such an anxious time, probably the worse in many ways as you’re waiting to find out the results and expected treatment. You’re in limbo land where you understand what’s happening but still in disbelief (that’s how I felt anyway). Once you get a plan I think it makes you feel more in control and a fighting spirit emerges.
in answer to your question, during those early days I found comfort and calm in using the headspace app. The guy who takes you through the exercises (of which there are many for many different reasons) also had cancer in his earlier life. I found listening to him and following the prompts on breathing and becoming restful really helped me feel calmer. I used the same one at bedtime. I’m not the sort of person that would normally use this type of therapy, but i found it beneficial. There are different exercises for different reasons but I used the one relating to a cancer diagnosis. Hope this helps. With best wishes, Julie.

Hi Suzie

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I will definitely take a note book and my wife to make sure we get all the information we can. I am trying to focus on our holiday tomorrow and keeping busy. Thank you again for the kind words 

Hi Sparky1066,

Welcome to this forum. The one that none of us ever wanted to be part of. Which results is it that you are waiting for? Have you had an endoscopy? CB

Hi cool blue, 

yes didn’t want to be here ( no disrespect)

I have had a endoscopy and a CT scan will have the results next Tuesday. In the meantime I am trying to get my head around going on a family holiday tomorrow. 

what’s your situation?

Hi Sparky1066

I got my dreaded diagnosis in October, after an endoscopy and CT scan. After that, things moved quite swiftly on with PET scan and laparoscopy in November and then started chemo in December (4 rounds of FLOT). Surgery was on 29th Feb and then I had 3 more rounds of FLOT. Do I am now 21 weeks post surgery and, while I know I have several more months of recovery to go, I am doing okay and slowly getting back to a new normality. I hope that when your results come back you are a candidate for the same sort of treatment. It is undeniably tough (ask anyone on here) but potentially lifesaving. Do let us know how you get on. You will get lots of good advice and encouragement here. Best wishes and enjoy your holiday. CB

Hi Cool blue

That does sound tough but sounds like you are on the move forward. Well done! 
Thanks so much for the well wishes I hope I am as lucky as you ( in a positive kind of way if you know what I mean) will keep you updated. 
 Thanks again 

Hi CB. 

So yes I have Cancer but they said it was curable and hasn’t’ Spread. I feel so lucky! I will have to go for a PET scan and laparoscopy then start Chemo. After that I will have major surgery ( remove the top part of my stomach and bottom of my oesophagus and then reattach) then some more Chemo. 

How did you cope with the Chemo? Is the op similar to what you had? 

oh yes I had a fantastic holiday as well!!!

I hope your well CB 

Hi Sparky1066,

I’m glad you had a nice holiday. Hope it took your mind off things at least a bit? Sorry that you received the news that you were part dreading and possibly part expecting. It sounds like exactly the same news that I received in October. That word “curable” was the one that I clung onto throughout subsequent treatment. The chemo is pretty tough. I coped ok with the first couple of rounds of it but it definitely got harder after that. For me, the loss of taste and appetite and the crushing fatigue were the worst aspects. I tried to get out for a walk most mornings but, by the afternoon, I was just exhausted and usually in bed by 9pm. No point in trying to fight it though. I had to learn to “listen to my body”. Your planned surgery is the same as what I had. The operation takes about 10 or 11 hours. That was a very tough day for my wife - waiting for the phone call. You are at the start of what will be a long and challenging journey but you can get through it. Keep in touch. CB

Hi CB

We made the holiday an escape bubble so while we were there we enjoyed ourselves like nothing was wrong. To be honest I’m not looking forward to the next few months ahead but that word curable is keeping me going as some people are not as lucky! I have my wife to thank for that as she got me to go to the doctors as soon as I struggled swallowing, if she hadn’t pushed me to go I would not have gone ( a man thing I suppose). I will definitely keep in touch as it’s nice to hear from someone who has been through the journey that I am starting on. Thanks for the listening ear CB