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Oesophageal Cancer

SusanGM
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Hi my name is Susan. My husband Glyn was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer 13th April 2016. It was at stage 4. He started Chemo on the 23rd May. With 6 cycles consisting of an 8 hour day session, with 3 weeks of chemo through a portable pump. He had to have chemo cancelled for a total of 3 weeks because of low Neutrophils. But after an appointment on the 1st August we were told the results of the scan he'd had showed good news. That the tumour was shrinking. A further scan and another oncology appointment on Friday 7th October. We were told it had shrunk more. He has a week left of his pump. Then in about a month he is to start radiotherapy for 5 weeks. Along with another 5 weeks of chemo.We are from Deal Kent
 

  • Hello Susan, 

    Welcome to the forum. I'm really pleased to hear that your husband has been responding well to treatment. 

    One of our lovely regulars here at Cancer Chat - DaveK - also has stage 4 oesophageal cancer. If you'd like to try and get in touch with him I'm sure he'll respond as soon as he is able. 

    If you feel that you'd like to talk to one of our nurses at any point, then you can call them on 0808 800 4040 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

    Do keep on touch Susan and let us know how you and your husband are doing.

    Sending you our best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi thankyou for the link to davek. Can you advise how I can look at his previous posts ? 

  • in reply to SusanGM

    Hi Susan, 

    You can see his previous posts by clicking on his name here: [@davek]‍. As I have now tagged him in this post hopefully he will be along soon to say hello and to share his experiences with you.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Susan,

    That sounds quite encouraging, I hope Glyn's radio therapy goes OK.

    Best wishes

    Dave

     

  • Offline

    Hi Susan,

     

    I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's cancer. My dad has just been diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer. He had no symptons until he started to have trouble swallowing on holiday. Needless to say we are all in shock.

    Does your husband's treatment plan involve surgery?

    x

  • Offline in reply to RachelH
    Hi Hun, No it can't be operated on as it's in the wrong place. I think they mean that's it's too close to organs, and would be dangerous. His symptoms were unable to swallow, and kept being sick. Our GP sent him for an endoscopy. And they told him straight away the size (4cm) and that they were 99% sure it was malignant. They took a biopsy. Which showed it was a squamous cell carcinoma. Graded at stage 4 - and gone to lymph nodes.
  • Offline in reply to SusanGM

    Susan, I will be thinking of you over the next few weeks as your husband has the radiotherapy. I hope that they manage to shrink the cancer to a make the cancer manageable. I took a look at Davek's profile and he's a great example of how the cancer can be proactively managed if not cured. I'll hope you're in the same boat. 

    How is your husband feeling on a day to day basis as he has the chemo?

    x

     

  • Offline in reply to RachelH

    He's been great, tired, but apart from that no side affects. He's continued working. Not full weeks as Monday's he always has the hospital for the pump change. And Fridays for pre chemo clinic. Which are always in the middle of the day. His hair has thinned out, but not lost it all.  His sence of taste goes now and again. Has your dad started Chemo ? What stage is it . It's all so daunting. We have a daughter of 39. We lost our youngest aged 16 20 years ago. Xx

  • Offline
    Hi, Susan. I am in a similar position to you though not identical. My partner was diagnosed with T3 oesophageal cancer in April. He had 3 rounds of chemo followed by surgery and is due to have 3 further cycles of chemo as decided at today's hospital appointment. It is so difficult for the patient but very lonely for the partner. I do hope you are getting the support you need.
  • Offline in reply to lindabroadstairs

    Hi Linda, I take it from your username that your from Broadstairs? We're  from Deal, what hospital are you under ? It is nice to talk to someone in the same boat. ( if nice is the right word) x we have a daughter who is being brilliant, although she sometimes has trouble handling things. Xx

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