oesophageal cancer and the big op.......

 

My partner was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in July, she is nearly finished her chemotherapy now and is due to have her operation in December. I'm here looking for any advice on what to expect during and after the operation from people going through the same situation. I've read up on the practical side of things but would be good to know anything from anyone actually living it and in the caring position.

  • Apologies I meant to say your wife not husband!! Could I ask how old she is? 

  • I'm new to this site and think I've responded to myself instead of you? Did you receive my response?

  • My case was exactly the same I was also diagnosed July 2014 had chemo then op 18th Dec then post op chemo after. All went well, but unfortunately they've just found secondary in my lungs. I would really push for a scan post op if you can? Where will your wife be having her op and where is she having her treatment? 

  • Hi Kris and kaygeejaypee

    Hello to you both on a very rainy day in my part of the world.

    Kris, I think what has happened is that you responded to kaygeejaypee on the discussion thread you started, which is here.

    It can take a little while to find your way around, but we are here if you need any help.

    All the best to you,

    Jane

     

  • I'm really sorry to hear your news. The not knowing seems to be the worst of it from our experience and then when you find out things like that it really knocks you sideways. I do hope you've got a good support group with your friends and family as well as the hospital, it's such a tough thing to go through.

    She is fairing well through her chemo and seems to have a good team at both hospitals in Birmingham between Russell's Hall and the major operation being done in the Queen Elizabeth. We've been in today and had an end of chemo chat in preparation for the next bit, but still not quite sure what to expect when she gets out of hospital. I guess that everyone is different and you just have to go with it on a daily basis. 

    Thanks for this, it is really appreciated, Kirsty

  • I'm glad I can help and it helps me to. If your partner has done well through chemo that's great news. She should bounce back after her op I was out after 9 days and took it easy for some weeks after, you need to adapt yourself ie diet Nutrician etc..and take your time. 

    I have a brilliant family and friends network and that helps. But discussion with people in the same situation is priceless. Keep in touch and positive vibes to you both K 

  • It's alright, no need for apologies. She's just turned 58. Never really drank much, a very occasional smoker, not even one a week sometimes. She doesn't fit into the usual category for oesophageal cancer at all. She had very few symptoms, an occasional swallowing problem but not every meal and was always able to continue and finish her meals. It came as a huge surprise, as I'm sure it does with most people but she's coping well and staying positive. 

     

  • I was exactly the same but hadn't smoked since being a teenager! It's just extreme bad luck!! I'm staring my chemo on Wed and even though I'm really scared I've got to do it for my kids and hubby!! I'm not going anywhere...yet. I had the same outlook before my op and it all went well..I'm sure your partner is a strong lady and has a positive attitude..it really does get you through. Kee

    Keep in touch all the best Kx

     

  • Really wishing you all the best with your chemo. Jayne (thought I'd just dive right in and use names) finishes her first 9 weeks tomorrow and is preparing for her op. The usual scans and tests to make sure she's fit and ready. 

    Can I ask you what stage you were at with your diagnosis? Jayne was diagnosed as T3-4, quite low down, so she's having a bit of her stomach removed.  Can I also ask how long it took for you to get over the worst of the operation? Seems a bit horrid to skirt over what your going through at the moment and it is completely understandable if you don't want to get into it, but we're not getting too much info regarding this and it would be good to have a rough idea. Again I know everyone is different and recover at different paces but a rough idea would be appreciated. 

    Wishing you an easy time through the chemo, it hasn't been too bad for Jayne, so hoping that will be the same for you, take care x

     

  • Hiya no I don't mind at all it keeps me busy...I was out of hospital in 8 days. The op is a big one, I had to drink double cream just before, that's to show the surgeon a leak if that happens?! Then I had an epidural..woke up with lots of tubes etc.. But all went well. They got all the tumor out and a couple of cm's each side. I had my eosophagus removed and my stomach created a new one. Mine was also T3/4 near stomach opening. I was nil by mouth the then water then soft food like mash soup and build up drinks. Physio helped me get moving. After a few days I had the drains removed..doesn't hurt. Then off the drip and lines taken       out then home. I had help from a dietician to make sure I got enough calories in and took small steps, I then had more chemo (3 cycles) to ensure it had all gone and all was good and I went back to work in May..and here I am now with a bigger challenge, however I did have a harmless nodule on my lung that I think wasn't so harmless now. Have they told you they deflate the lung? It sounds scary but as I said I was totally fine, just wondering how much info you have? Both take care and keep in touch