Hi Nicole,

How're you doing? I'm so sorry to hear about your mums diagnosis. I can't answer your specific questions, it's probably best to speak with your mums doctors and nurses, but if you're not already I recommend having a pen and paper with you for all appointments/calls with the doctors as it can be a lot of information to assimilate and digest. I'm 28 years old and back in September 2020 my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophagus cancer, he's 64 and otherwise very healthy. My dad had a couple of scans to determine the extent of the cancer and the best course of treatment. Unfortunately it was too far gone for an operation, there were some further tests to determine certain proteins that he had to see what type of treatment he could have. My mum was is primary carer and is doing a wonderful job of it which i am sure you will to. Your mum is very lucky to have such a caring and thoughtful daughter by her side to go through this with her. I hope you too have family and friends to prop you up along the way. There will probably be a lot going through your mind right now,  but everything you feel is valid. Every body is different and our experiences will all be different but know you are not alone and what ever comes next there will be people around to support you (a pen pal stranger such as myself :) ). It's very good to talk. No doubt it all feels incredibly scary right now but someone gently told me when my dad was diagnosed,  that while there is pain, fear and so much unknown, there are also special moments to come. With my Dad being stage 4 (it had spread to his lymph nodes and liver) and going by how he was pre chemo (not eating much, food getting stuck, losing weight, weak and fatigue) we weren't sure on our timeline. I am delighted to say, as of this week, following his first cycle of Folfox chemo his cancers have shrunk and he's back to eating normally (he loves his food so this was a big relief for us and a special moment). The cancers shrinking was unexpected and the fight still goes on and he will continue to have chemo but I wanted to share a positive story to let you know that they do exist. From what you have said your mum has options for treatment which is a good starting position to be in. From our experience my mum did a lot of research about types of chemotherapy and nutrition which helped a lot (although, be careful google doesn't always tell the truth and stats aren't always up to date). If you'd like any recommendations on nutrition I'm happy to ask her. Again, every one is different but it may give you some ideas to try. 

There is no instruction manual on how to deal with such situation, no right or wrong emotion to feel. Take time for yourself and be patient with yourself. Sending you and your family lots of love. Izzy xxx 

Mum is currently having the operation to remove her cancer on the 28th of June so ver nervous at the moment. Sorry I have not been on it's been a crazy few months. Thank you so much for the lovely message, I hope your dad is doing well xx

Mum is currently having the operation to remove her cancer on the 28th of June so ver nervous at the moment. Sorry I have not been on it's been a crazy few months. Thank you so much for the lovely message, I hope your dad is doing well xx