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Glebe 1 month ago

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Hi, I am at the beginning of a journey many of you will be familiar with. I started having problems with my swallowing in November and contacted my GP straight away. I knew the risk as my mum had esophageal cancer.

Things then moved quickly I was booked for a biopsy which was when they told me it was squamous cell esophageal cancer and I then had the CT and PET scans. The PET scan has shown it is also in my tonsils so i now have been referred to ENT team and have a biopsy booked in 2 days time. I have an appointment with consultant same day for the results. I also have my first appointment with my oncologist in 8 days time. My nurse has already told me the team has decided surgery is not an option due to my medical history so they have decided on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I expect I will find out if they will remove my tonsils following the biopsy or if they will agree on just the chemotherapy and radiotherapy as treatment.

I have already found this site so helpful reading how others have coped on their journey.

Bilious Bob 1 month ago

Hi Glebe

You're in the right place for sage advice that's for sure. I'm not familiar with your particular type of cancer but I'm sure you'll soon get a response from others who are.

Good luck to you on your journey

Take Care

Anthony

Glebe 1 month ago in reply to Bilious Bob

Thanks Anthony

Crochetherapy 1 month ago

Hi Glebe

Sorry that you find yourself here, but its good that you have reached out.

I had squamous cell carcinoma, mid oesophagus, T2N0M0, in March 2021. I had chemotherapy (cisplatin and capecitabine) and radiotherapy at the same time, no operation. I had a stomach feeding tube because the tumour blocked my oesophagus completely.

I was 53, never smoked, rarely drank, generally fit and (other than this) healthy.

I'm 3.5 years clear.

I hope that your biopsy goes well and that you get some answers when you see your consultant.

If you have any questions, please ask.

Glebe 1 month ago in reply to Crochetherapy

Hi Crotchetherapy,

Thanks for your reply, it helps hearing from someone who has had the same cancer, and received the same treatment who is now in the clear.

I won't know until I see the consultant which chemotherapy they plan on using with radiotherapy, but my nurse did say the aim is to cure, so that is reassuring.

I don't know if they will offer me the feeding tube I am currently able to eat a soft diet so long as I chew everything up small. I have even put on a couple of pounds thanks to the energy milkshakes. Before I started those I lost 2 stone in weight.

I will update after my biopsy when I have seen both consultant's and know their plan of action.

Thanks again

Julieanne60 28 days ago

Morning Glebe. I have just read your post and can relate to your symptoms and diagnosis. I also followed the Cisplatin and Capecitabine route with the last five weeks of treatment alongside daily Radiotherapy. The whole treatment lasted for 11 weeks. I didn’t suffer any major side effects, mainly lethargy and tiredness. I did have the operation 31/10/23. I found that after a couple of weeks of the Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy finishing, I felt really well and was able to really focus on eating and getting my strength back. I hope the biopsy went well and that you have a positive meeting with the Oncologist. Keep strong and know that you are always welcome to seek advice. Take care. Julie

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