Hello everyone

Hi Maureen

your not being pathetic at all, I was diagnosed last month and start chemo next week, and like you it terrifies me. 
I can’t get the word cancer out of my head either 

I know a lot of people on here have had the operation and will be able to tell you more.

sending all my love 

Denise x 

It is scary first of all , but think positive as hard as that is , if they are gona operate that's good news as theres life after this cancer . I have my op tomorrow morning im really exited now been a long nine weeks , my sister has just arrived to look after my son who lives with me we've been looking at places to go away this year in this country aswel . I feel blessed im in a position to be operated on as some of us sadly dont get that choice and youll be fine with surgery they are so clever I gotvstabbed in the heart when I was 17 and had open heart surgery and my mum had this op ive got the same surgeon...these guys are miracle workers x I send my love to  to all and positive vibes x 

• Denise thank you,  it helps to know others feel the same, this week is hard, love to you, I'll say a prayer for you when I start mine next Wednesday xx

Oh my goodness,  so many good wishes to you for tomorrow.  I pray you'll make a good recovery and get on with life.  Best wishes also to your son and your sister, it's so hard on the family.   Love to you x

Hi Maureen 

I too am in the same situation and didn't think I would be joining this club either. I just feel it is happening to someone else. Very strange. Despite carrying on with work and life as normal, and keeping positive, it is there in the back of my mind too which I think is why I feel so tired. I too am terrified of surgery and what recovery will be like afterwards but I am being strong and just got to get on and do it. I keep saying to myself that I will have to go through the pain and discomfort in order to get better and come out the other side. We are all here for each other which is very comforting xx

Wishing you lots of healing vibes x

• Hi there,  this feeling that it's happening to someone else is so bizarre.  I feel ok, not ill in any way, but I have this thing, this unmentionable word, that strikes terror into my heart.   Be strong, we can do this, lots of love 

Hi,

You are still in the very early stages of coming to terms with your diagnosis and all that lies ahead. I can well remember those feelings from when I received mine in October 2023. Take some comfort in the fact that, while the path that lies ahead for you is going to be tough, you have at least been offered a curative pathway. Not everyone is so lucky. Having just been through what awaits you I can confirm that you have a difficult year ahead but hopefully many good ones to look forward to after that. The fact that you have no swallowing issues suggests that your tumour is small which should allow the surgeons to obtain good margins around it. MacMillan produce a good booklet explaining all about the treatment and surgery you will be having. I read it several times and it helped prepare me for each stage of my journey. You just need to take one step at a time and not look too far ahead. Each step will present its own challenges but you can get plenty of support and advice on this forum from those who have been there before you. I am 16 months post surgery now and life is pretty good. Keeping a positive mental attitude and having good support from family/friends will be importsnt in getting through the next few months. Good luck, CB 

All the very best for tomorrow

I just want to wish you all the best for tomorrow you are strong and positive and that really helps, I wish my husband had that strength but hopefully it will come, he has his surgery planned for 21st July . Big hugs for you and looking forward to hearing from you after surgery xx