just been told i have esopghagus cancer

micklemuk · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

hi all,
ive just been told i have esopghagus cancer at stage N1, i sppose i should be gratefull, it coul dhave been a lot worse,the doc today said he wants todo 2 more tests. a Laparoscopy and a Endosonography, as far as i know theese r to see if my lymph nodes i think, so this means another week or maybe 2 weeks of delays, im from northwest uk, and have to say the nhs have been very good so far, has taken 2 weeks from me going to my doctors to having a camera down my throat biopsys done and a ct scan, if anyone has any more info i would be very gratefull etc

kind regards mike...

micklemuk · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

14 views and not one reply,come on guys Shocked

ive come here for help and support Crying or Very sad

anewdawn · Regular Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 30

I am sorry to hear you were diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I too was diagnosed with this cancer on 12/31/03. I was stage III. The cancer was at the juncture where my esophagus and stomach connect. So I had cancer in both my esophagus and stomach. I went through many tests before treatment could begin. Upper GI series,chest xrays, CT scans, MRI, and PET Scan. I met with a radiologist, oncologist and two surgeons. Once every thing was completed, a course of action was decided upon. I would have radiation every day for seven weeks. I would also begin chemo three times a week for seven hours each time. After I completed the radiation and chemo, I would be retested to determine if the tumor had shrunk and prepare for surgery. In April I went through the tests I listed about and the tests showed that the tumor had shrunk quite a bit. I was now ready for surgery. On May 20th,2004 I went into the hospital for surgery. The surgery lasted 9 hours. They removed two thirds of my esophagus and 1/2 of my stomach and removed some lymph nodes to biopsy. At that time I also had a feeding tube inserted because I could not eat. I was in intensive care for three days and then transferred to a regular room. The rehabilitation was very intense and I was so sick. But I was alive and determined to make it through. Since my surgery, I have had to have my esophagus stretched every three months to prevent food from getting stuck. I have also had two surgeries to repair large hernias that developed in what little bit of a stomach I have left. I still have problems eating food, but not all of the time. The point of my message to you is that no matter how bad things will get and believe me they will get bad. You can make it through this. I am almost a two year survivor. Is my life back to normal? Hell No!! But I am alive and enjoying every day that God is giving me to be with my family. I know you have a rough road ahead of you, but stay positive and fight like hell. Do not give up!!

micklemuk · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

many many thanks for yr reply, words like that sure as hell make me feel better...

3pturk

micklemuk,
Iam sorry to hear that you have cancer. I am a breast cancer survivor of 1 year. I dont know what lies ahead for you but I do know that you need to be positive, keep good thoughts in your head. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there!!
God bless and be well......
Jill
_________________
Dx 3-17-05,breast cancer
40 yrs young, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 2.5cm
ER+/PR+, Her-2/neu Negative, Grade and Stage 2
1 Sentinel node pos. 17 neg., chemo AC/Taxol ,
rad.tx

anewdawn · Regular Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 30

Dear Miklemuk,

I wanted to add one thing. Please make sure that you see a specialist in this type of cancer. You can do research on the internet to find a thorasic surgeon at a major medical center. Please make sure that you get a second opinion also. If your doctor is not familiar with this type of cancer and has no experience in treating it, you should seek treatment elsewhere. Please keep me updated on your tests and doctors appointments. I think of you daily and pray that all is going well.

Dawn

3pturk

anewdawn,
Hats off to you, you are so strong. I believe that keeping a positive attitude is the key to survival. Keep hanging in there. You have been through so much yet you have the right words to encourage others. I wish you all the best!!
God bless and be well...
Jill
_________________
Dx 3-17-05,breast cancer
40 yrs young, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 2.5cm
ER+/PR+, Her-2/neu Negative, Grade and Stage 2
1 Sentinel node pos. 17 neg., chemo AC/Taxol ,
rad.tx

anewdawn · Regular Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 30

Dear Mikelmuk,

I have not heard from you in a few days. I wonder how you are doing? Have you seen any doctors or had any more tests? How are you eating? Is food getting stuck? One of the most important things you can do now is keep up your strength. If you are having problems eating/swallowing, you can try several things. Nutritional supplements like ensure or boost is good, but they can be expensive. I drank carnation instant breakfast which has many vitamins and nutrients and is not that expensive. Milkshakes are also good. I would also buy jars of baby food. The desserts are especially good. If it reaches the point where you cannot swallow anything, please ask your doctor about a feeding tube. Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you suffering with acid reflux? They are options available for this as well. Use as many pillows as you can. Or you can go to a medical supply dealer and buy a bed wedge. These are not very comfortable, but they do help with acid reflux. I purchased a mattress genie which is wonderful. They can be found online at www.mattressgenie.com. I hope that this information is helpful to you. Please let me know if you have any questions. I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner.

Hang in there,
Dawn

anewdawn · Regular Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 30

Dear Jill,

Thank you for your kind words. Iam glad to hear that you also are surviving this terrible disease. I believe that God spared me so that I can share my story with others who are suffering. It is important for everyone to know that while Cancer is horrible and affects not only the patient but their family members as well. There can be life after Cancer. And it is up to us survivors to encourage those who are currently suffering. I hope and pray you continue to do well.

Dawn

micklemuk · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

hi all ,
yes i can still eat, some days it hurts more then others, weekend was great-ate plenty went out for a great drive with wive,we actually went for a test drive to see how long it would take us to get to blckburn hospital where i have to go on wednesday for this ulatrasound, but over the weekend has been like a normal day, had chicken kiev baker spud last night for dinner that was kinda sticking some not much but it did,all i can do is wait until theese two tests r done,which is doing my head in-but nothing i can do,so life goes on as normal, no point in worrying.

thanks all for the kind words

regards mike

mousa

Dear MIke,

How are you doing? We haven't heard for a few days. I know this is a tough time for you and your family. When my husband and I were in similar position 19 months ago first 2 things I did were to (1) tell all our families and friends and asked for their support and prayers. #2 was to learn Reiki Healing on the advice of a doctor who said "I don't know why it works but it does". Our relatives and friends were fantastic and the Reiki treatments were good for both my husband and myself. Also, a friend wrote "share something good with your husband every day". As it happened my husband's cancer was inoperable but at the beginning of Nov 05 PET scan couldn't find any cancer and recent CAT showed stomach wall to be 5mm, down from 23mm in July 04. My husband's treatment was aggressive chemo x 10 and he is now on oral chemo and back at work! Mike, know that all is going to be OK. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs to you and your wife.

micklemuk · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

thanks for yr reply, well teh latest news is its operable yay...
i had my last test thursday was a LAPAROSCOPY, the treatment i am to get is 9 weeks of chemo then 6 weeks rest, then have the ivor lewis op then some more chemo. coul du please tell me more about Reiki treatment and what it is please, a cancer support worker called me last friday and told me how lucky i was as she said only 5 people in a 100 r ok to have surgery, Shocked

and not to be worried about the op as i wont get much pain cos they give u a epidrul and stuff/phew.

kind regards to all mike

Laughing

mousa

Dear Mike,
Good to hear from you but sorry you have to go through all this. But what has to be done, has to be done. Glad to hear cancer support are already in touch with you and your wife. To answer your question: Reiki is a form of energy that can heal both body and spirit. It is simple, safe and natural. A practitioner who has been specially attuned lays her/his hands on or over you and the energy flows into and through the practitioners hands into the 'patient'. It is very soothing and calming and often the patient will sleep. My husband asked for and I gave him daily treatments. Reiki distance healing can also be done, ie. the practitioner will send healing from any distance just by thinking of you and sending the Reiki symbols. As our GP said "I don't know how it works but it does"' I am sure the cancer support people will know practitioners in your area. Always remember that the thoughts and prayers of all your friends here on the forum will be with you and your family. When you are in hospital could your wife stay in touch with the forum? Love and hugs.

mousa

Dear Mike,

How are things? Did you start chemo? Its tough but remember that we are all here for you and your family.

Love and hugs from me.

micklemuk · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 9

yes i started my chemo last tuesday im on cisplatin,epirubicin 5fu for 9 weeks
then have a 6 week rest then surgery then maybe some more chemo, first few days last week after chemo i was pretty ill, but seemed to come okish, at least i have started my treatment etc....

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