Diagnosed yesterday pretty terrified if im honest

Hi Karen29

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  Coming out of the blue is such a shock (I was diagnosed a year ago totally asymptomatic).  It is a really really trying time and your head will be in a whirl for a while.

I know it is difficult but when you have a treatment plan and make a start on it things will seem better and more focussed, and I know from personal experience that there will not be a lot of focus at the moment!

Please try to use reputed sources of information, so go direct to the relevant pages on this and other cancer support sites  - please try and avoid Google.

The Headspace app is a real help to me - they have a Coping with Cancer course which helps you manage your thoughts.

There will be others along with much more sage advice I have no doubt but in the meantime we are all here for you, please use the forum to ask questions, rage, vent etc etc.

If you click on the our names in green or the little roundel to the side you can see our own stories - in time you may want to add some more detail so that others can provide more specific responses.

All the very best wishes

KrisPy

Thank you so much for your reply, i have taken note and will only stick to reputable sources and support groups. Headspace sounds good as does reading other peoples stories. In fact im going to sit down and read some now

Hi Karen. Everybody on this site has been through the same shock so we all know how you feel right now.  Until you get a complete diagnosis  you will not know your treatment plan. There are in fact several different treatment routes. This waiting period during your diagnosis is perhaps the worst part of the process. When you have this information then others on this site who have been down the same route will be able to support you further. In the meantime stay away from Google! 

Thank you for your reply, really appreciate it.

I am most definately staying away from google!

Going tp keep myself busy by going to watch the eclipse with family this evening

Hope you are well 

Hi Karen we all know on here how awful that is - I went in September 24 to be told they suspected cancer as there was a tumour and low and behold there was- it’s a day I remember so vividly my whole world came crashing down in an instant. I was 54 about to become a granny for the first time and thought that’s it I’m done. The journey was horrific there’s no beating about the bush about it I’m afraid. Endless tests, scans and endoscopy’s showed it was cancer and so my journey began. 
chemotherapy and then the major Ivor Lewis op and then more chemo.

life is so different now and the journey and unforgiving gifts this bloody thing keeps giving is part and parcel of life now - but I pulled my big girl pants right up and live every single day like it’s my last. My journey continues almost two years down the line but to me every day is an absolute bonus as in reality I shouldn’t be here. I’ve gone back to work teaching full time, manage my eating and thankful for every single second of everyday.

its an absolute hell of a ride but positively and determination, even in the darkest moments is most certainly the key. My latest endoscopy biopsy’s go to mdt on Wednesday and I’ve further treatment to have to suppress the Barrett’s syndrome but I’m here and that’s what you so need to focus on 

sending you love and strength xx

Sending hugs Sarah hope all goes well xxx

Sending much love right back to you 

And yes the big girl pants are going on, im a granny too and im not about to let anything take that from me xx

Hi Karen

I imagine it was a huge shock.  My journey was similar in March, every cancer journey is different but some more tests  gave a clearer picture.  These tests included a CT Scan, PET Scan, and to see if surgery was an option a Laparoscopy.  When you meet with your medical team write stuff down, you will not remember stuff as our brains are programmed to shut out things we find hard to hear. 

My pathway started with FLOT chemo, it was tough but I got through it by listening carefully to all the advice from my Oncologist and the nurses.  As my cancer had spread to my stomach surgery is not an option as it would be too risky.  If I can give you any advice it is to take your time to let things sink in, be kind to yourself, if you are angry, confused and sad thats totally OK and in fact totally understandable. 

I started today another round of chemo today as the FLOT whilst not able to kill enough of the tumour did stabilise it, the round that I am started today is Paclitaxel and Cyramza.  As I said earlier every cancer tumour responds differently and there are many avenues and pathways that your medical team will guide you through, Cancer is not invincible and you will find love and support each step of the way.  Let all the positivity in and shut out all the voices that will send you down rabbit holes.  

Karen you will get through this you have lots of folks on here and Macmillan folks you can talk to who are just lovely, non judgemental and ready to listen.  Talking to folks outside your family and friend circle is valuable

Regards

Richard

Thank you for your reply Richard

I am so glad to have found this community.

I have a call from the nurse at 9am this morning so guessing that is to get the ball rolling, its a strange feeling isnt it i want to know whats going on but i really dont want to know too! 

Wishing you success with your new treatment

Karen

Hi Karen

Hope that you got some initial answers and an understanding of what comes next from the nurse.   Questions will be continual and the more that you are able to understand where you are in your journey will really help.  I am blessed with lots of love and encouragement from family, friends and colleagues.  Its a blessing but it can get tiring if you try to keep everyone up to speed.  Keep this in mind. 

Continue to use this forum, something really special in that folks that you do not know and will never meet will literally share, support and help you at each stage of your journey.