Hi Nicole, this must have been an awful shock, am so sorry. My husband is being treated for same cancer, diagnosed in November. His original tumor was 4cms, but PET scan revealed spread to lung and lymph nodes. Your mums scan will help them check for any spread, and decide the best way forward for her treatment plan. Although its easily said, try not to be too scared yet, there are lots of positive stories here of people who have successfully batttled this cancer even when they were told they wouldnt. It is wonderful that you are such a caring devoted daughter, and clearly putting mums needs first, just don't forget it is important to take care of yourself too, its not an easy situation to deal with. We are always here if you need any support, wishing you both the very best of luck going forward x

Hi Nicole, this must have been an awful shock, am so sorry. My husband is being treated for same cancer, diagnosed in November. His original tumor was 4cms, but PET scan revealed spread to lung and lymph nodes. Your mums scan will help them check for any spread, and decide the best way forward for her treatment plan. Although its easily said, try not to be too scared yet, there are lots of positive stories here of people who have successfully batttled this cancer even when they were told they wouldnt. It is wonderful that you are such a caring devoted daughter, and clearly putting mums needs first, just don't forget it is important to take care of yourself too, its not an easy situation to deal with. We are always here if you need any support, wishing you both the very best of luck going forward x

As you know yourself a very big shock and currently finding it difficult to deal with but I think it's because it's still new. I see thanks for explaining that for me, so after the PET they decide the treatment plan, if you don't mind me asking what was the plan for your husband? Yes I certainly am trying to remain positive but very scared of losing my mum it's heartbreaking and with everything at the moment with COVID it's very hard. I will look after myself too , been trying to remain well for her and to be able to care and support her throughout the tough road ahead. Thank you for your response I really appreciate speaking to someone in the same situation xx

Of course I dont mind. They have put my husband on EOX chemotherapy, and this is every three weeks, so far its been a mixed bag, first cycle was not too bad, second one, he got very tired, and upset tummy. 
They also tested his tumor for HER2, and his was positive so he can have a targeted theraoy alongside his chemo, that will hopefully delay the spread (Herceptin) only one in five people have the gene. 
He is not able to have an operation due to the spread, but had it not spread they would have operated and that is a common outcome for this type of cancer. (Oesophagotamy) 

He was struggling to eat during the first cycle, but the second round shifted something, and at the moment he is eating well! He is a fit 63 year old. 
We have found all the medical staff so kind and helpful so far. Dont be tricked by google, there are many many people living many years with cancer these days. I was totally overwhelmed to being with, but am already feeling more informed, and more positive. I am sure other people will be able to contribute much more than I can, as I am a newbie too! Sending you a big hug. Take each day as it comes x

Thank you so much, you already have given me hope which Google as you said doesn't really provide lol. I think as time goes on you sort of have to deal with it but it's the unknown at the moment but fingers crossed . Best wishes to you and your husband, keep in touch and I hope he recovers soon xx

Sending lots of luck to your mum for her tests, if you need any help understanding her results please don't hesitate to ask here. 

Hi Nicole,

Daisy’s response covered almost everything I was going to say. 

The only thing I can add is make sure someone is with your Mum when she discusses the options for her treatment plan with her oncologist. Some people don’t expect to be given options so it is best to be prepared for that. Don’t be afraid to write down any questions you have before the consultation and write the answers down as research shows most patients forget about 60% of what they are told when they are stressed - we often even forget to ask questions which are important to us. 

We all get scared by Dr Google as there is a lot of outdated data and misinformation out there. Each patient and each cancer is subtly different from the next and responds subtly differently to treatment. My own side effects from chemo were relatively mild with little hair loss and I was lucky enough to have a better than normal outcome. It’s a bit of a lottery and agreeing to start treatment is like buying a lottery ticket, no chance of winning without one.

A loss of hope prevents many people from choosing to start treatment, which is why it so important to help out loved ones remain hopeful.

I do hope things go well for your Mum.

Good luck

Dave