Uncurable oesophageal cancer but been offered chemo and immunotherapy to give me a chance of living longer

6 years ago I had cancer which was cured . Unfortunately at beginning of march I was taken to hospital with chronic stomach  pains it was found I an inflamed pancreas after a ct scan also some tumours were found unfortunately this time can not be operated on . They said because Its serious this time and terminal they are going to do their best and give me chemo and immuno hopefully that will shrink them and give me a 65 percent chance of living longer than 18 months . The immuno is a new type I am having it as a trial which is brilliant . Loads of appointments  though 

Parents Reply
  • Thanks Farmer Ed hope you are keeping well . This treatment I am having is very draining the pump on arm for 48 hours is dam nuisance. But if it helps all well and good . If I was having to pay for cab to and from hospital it would be £36.00 there and £36.00 back so I am glad the drugs company are paying for it . Still the weather is supposed to be getting better again so be able to spend more time in garden but covered in factor 50 and avoid the hottest part of day 

Children
  • Fresh air is really good for your your health and keeping up spirits. Like you I'm fortunate to have a garden. Good to see you protecting your skin from the sun. The cancer I've got is from over exposure to the sun and would have been entirely preventable had I known and taken more care. Your mention of going to Great Yarmouth has got me set on a trip to the coast, I've got treatment tomorrow then no hospital appointments for 12 days so will choose a nice day when Ive got a bit of energy.. 

    Ed

  • Good idea go fot it enjoy it whilst you are appointment free . I find that Tuesdays and Thursdays are appointment free for me . Also they have said if we want to have some days off tell them and they can work round it which s good 

  • Well Farmer Ed had my second round of immuno today feel fine . Keeping out the sun now though 28° here . Got 2 appointments next week I think . Might as well move in to hospital grounds in tent haha . The nurses today were brilliant . Afterwards we went to Maggies . And sorting out what benefits I am entitled to they are very helpful . Have you got one at your hospital 

  • Hi Navaraman,  sounds like you are more at the hospital than at home.  Sometimes it feels like that.  You are lucky you have a Maggies close by that you can go to.  We don't have one near here because I believe that they are fantastic support and help.  Glad your immunotherapy is going well.

    Lee x

  • Shame you have nit got a maggies near you because they are brilliant . They help you alot give you advice plus they make a good coffee as well . We are going to see them on Tuesday afternoon to see if I can get any help finicially as my cancer is terminal . And yes I am at hospital more than at home . Seems 3 appoitments a week is par for the norm . Still if it holds those bloody tumors at bay its worth it 

  • Hi Navaraman, the benefit system can be complicated, good that you are getting help.  I worked for the DWP for 22 years and still find the system complicated.  I have incurable cancer too but still have a good life.

    Lee x

  • Cheers why they make it so hard is to put people off I am sure . Crazy though 

  • Hello navaraman

    Im glad the nurses are looking after you well. Maggies has a very good reputation sadly my nearest is over 100 miles away. At our hospital we are assigned a Mcmillan nurse who can offer support or put us in touch with other agencies and provide advice if we need it. 

    Ed

  • That sounds good to Ed we got sppointment on tueday to see what help I can get money wise maybe rent rebate and council tax rebate etc . Cant get pension credit though becsuse our private pensions and state pensions put us over amounts . Still hopefully will get help have a good weekend and stay out midday sun especially tomorrow and Monday 

  • Hi Navaraman

    Hope you can get some financial support sorted out, we pay taxes and NI all our lives so that we have some insurance if our circumstances change. I'm in a similar situation that I paid into a pension fund for 45 years and also have savings so not eligible. However I consider myself fortunate to be in a position where living with cancer is not also compounded with money worries. Looking like a hot week ahead and planning a trip to the coast for the cooler air, a swim, fish and chips and a beer or two. While my other half is looking forward to a cream tea. Drink plenty keep cool avoid midday sun UV is 7 this week or sunburn in 30 minutes.

    Ed