Recent diagnosis

you have the right attitude for sure positive thinking is the main thing with this "uninvited guest "

my husband was diagnosed a year ago and told palliative but doing very well other than fatigue.

A good specialist, a positve attitude, this forum and support network all help to deal with first the shock and then the treatment to live and get the best out of life

I wish you all the success if I can help please fire away

Thank you, once I know more I can share more. Sorry to hear about your husband, whilst it is about me, its about my wife a 6 year old daughter that drive me forward.

Hi

Sounds very similar to my situation about 4 years ago. I posted some of the details on my journey about a month ago in the same group (called Four Years since Diagnosis). I won't repeat it all here but I am happy to answer any questions that you may have along the way.

I had a positive attitude throughout which served me well and you seem to be taking the same approach. To me it was just a challenge that I tackled head on.

Hope the PET scan goes well in a couple of days.

Hello and so sorry that you find yourself in this situation. To find out on Christmas Eve too was doubly cruel. Like yourself, I had no other symptoms,apart from difficulty swallowing, whenever I went to see my GP in Oct ‘23 (aged 59). 2024 was the toughest year of my life and one that I hope never to repeat. I’m afraid that 2026 will be a similar one for you and there’s no point in trying to pretend otherwise. The care of your medical team (surgeons, oncologists, specialist nurses, physios, nutritionists, etc.) and the support of your family will be crucial in getting you through it. At the moment, I would encourage you to get yourself as fit and healthy as you possibly can as, if you do go down the surgical route, your suitability for surgery will very much depend on your body’s ability to cope with it. It is brutal! I am coming up in 2 years post-surgery now and by body is still slowly recovering. Come back here anytime for advice and answers to specific questions from people who have trod this path before you. Do NOT google as you will find little reassurance there. Best wishes to you. CB

of course they will be with you all the way and not hesitate to inspire you and drive you forward as i have tears sometimes but mainly positive and taking it on as a crusade to win with my best wishes let us know how you do

Thank you

Thank you, Fingers crossed, 

Hi. Sorry to read about your situation. However you have done the right thing in joining the forum. You will find lots of support on here from people who have made or are currently making similar journeys. You are a young man so I am sure you will cope with it well. You are going to meet some fantastic teams at Soton Hospital  that will get you through all of this.. I made the surgical journey in 2023 so that is a route I am familiar with but others on this site have been treated via non surgical routes.  So there will be different advice and experience available according to the route you are sent on.Good luck and please stay in touch.

Thank you, I'm sure everybody starts like rabbit caught in headlights, not knowing wherever turn or what to do.

Its the waiting that makes it harder, when you just want answers and to get on with your life, I'm lucky in my job being outside inspecting trees, keeps me calm and very grounded.

It a marathon and not a sprint and I will deal with all the obstacles as they come along.

Thank you for you support I hope everyone gets to recover and live their lives, they are much shorter than we think, and you never know what's around the corner.

Welcome !! It’s a bit of a shock at first to say the least but all will become clearer when you get your treatment plan. One thing you have to get used to is waiting nothing happens overnight but there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will get there !! 
I am now 9 months post op and feeling fine small life style changes but small price to pay !! Just stay positive and take one day at a time Tricia xx