Hi All,
Unfortunately, I find myself joining this group.
After six months and multiple appointments for gastric issues - along with losing nearly 20kg - I was finally referred for an endoscopy. It took another three months to get the appointment, and though it was on a ‘non-cancer’ referral, they found a 4cm tumour at around 37-41cm down. Thankfully, a proactive GI doctor had ordered a precautionary CT scan prior to the endoscopy, and I’m now set to see the cancer centre consultant on 7th November.
To add to the situation, my partner was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. She’s now nearly three weeks post-lobectomy, and although her recovery is progressing well - she’s off morphine and doing her best - she’s still not in a great place physically or emotionally to manage this new development.
I’m 35, with two young children (1 and 3 years old), and they’ve told me twice that the tumour is likely quite aggressive. My GP even shared a link with information suggesting a five-year survival rate of around 24%, so the wait until my appointment feels like a lifetime.
In the meantime, I’m adjusting my diet to include more polyphenols, starting intermittent fasting, and trying cold exposure (very cold showers) to boost my immune system as much as possible. If anyone has other recommendations, I’d be very grateful.
I’m also planning to push for a referral to the Royal Marsden, as I believe being treated in a specialist centre would make a difference, and I’m hoping to explore any available immunotherapy options.
On top of everything, I’m self-employed and only recently got my business going after a long period of nothing coming through the door. Because of my diagnosis, I’ve now had to let go of some much needed contracts, as I won’t be able to fulfil them, and now we’re preparing to sell our house and other assets to ensure my partner and children are financially secure through this.
Apologies for the brain dump, but thank you for reading.
