Hi guys. Sending love to you all. We have just lost my mum to this cancer after only 6 months post surgery. My advice push for the chemo after and push for all the scans you can get after too. If this had been possible for mum then she might still be here. Xx

Hi

I too would advise, push push push.  My brother had been visiting his GP since March with fears of this dreadful cancer and was pooh poohed and told it was acid reflux.  Eventually at the end of August he had an endoscopy and a biopsy.  By this time he had lost 1 and half stones in 6 weeks.  He was rushed into hospital on 20th September, and passed away on 25th October without having had any treatment.  I could go into far more detail but would not wish to distress anyone on this forum.  It was obviously too late for him and I find it extremely upsetting that in spite of him doing the right thing and going to his doctor, (and advising the doctor that his paternal grandfather had died of the same disease) he was sent away and not seen to in sufficient time to give him a few months quality of life.  

Make a nuisance of yourself, push and push for scans and tests and treasure every moment you have xx

Hi Ruth,

Like Hilts Im an 'onlooker' . It's hard to know re the tiredness as it can be caused by many other things. One thing I will say is that your staging is moving at speed which is good. My husband was diagnosed at the end of October and started his chemo on 29th January so a long time, especially during lockdown. However the staff and care has been very good and thank goodness for the NHS! It is better once you have a plan and something to focus on. I wish I could say/know more but I hope it helps to know others are going through similar and care.
 

Hilts thank you re 'wobbles'. As you know I've experienced very difficult situations before but my husband was always there  to support and this is different. I'm trying to stop researching as much. At least we are able to get out a bit more now before his op. He's tried the stairs and managed 3 mins! Work in progress but thanks for the advice. Off out for a walk .... 

Mandy 

Thanks Millie and Hilts,

I really do appreciate your insights into all this. It has made things easier knowing that we can all support each other as we go through it. 

With the tiredness, you could be right Hilts, I went from a super active and busy lifestyle pre covid to a much more relaxed one. As well as not being able to see friends and family or my partner. This definitely could have brought on some tiredness.

Had my PET scan yesterday, all went well, they even found a vein first time, which is unheard of for me. :) EUS on Monday, which I'm not looking forward to, it will be my 3rd endoscopy in 4 weeks but I guess I just need to get used to them. 

Hope all is going well for you two ladies, and again thank you for the support. It's amazing how talking to strangers is sometimes easier.

Rx

Hi Ruth,

I agree, chatting to others who have a shared experience does help. Pleased the PET scan went well. My husband was 'sedated' for the ultrasound EUS which he found better. I thought we'd learnt enough new terminology because of COVID - clearly not! 
 

Mandy (aka Milly)
 

I know it's funny. I have learned so many new words and procedures the last couple of weeks. 

I'm a bit of a science geek to be honest and only for my career took a different path in my early twenties I always had the want to be a pharmacologist. So if I'm honest I am finding the whole think fascinating, scarey absolutely but also finding out what they can do now is great. 

LOL Millie, I am an ex - Nurse and I have learnt so much new terminology!!!
One thing for sure though, I would never have an endoscopy without sedation- if I'm ever offered that I always take it (:

We went yesterday to see the Oncologist- We/he was discharged .....yippee, BUT there is always one, for once it is for a good reason.. a clinical trial offer. The Aspirin one.  They spent what felt like ages discussing the bio chemistry of Aspirin, him talking about making it as a student and how he will know if he is taking placebo etc. At this point I 'discharged'myself and went for much need retail therapy (: fascinating stuff though, looking at the inflammatory process and cancer cells. I wonder if eventually the key to killing cancer will be found from nature.

I have decided he needs to get back to work soon, when I can home this afternoon he is watching Zulu!!! I do love it at the end when they both salute 'fellow braves' (:

What tomorrow I wonder (:

take care

Hilts

Hilts that is great news. Delighted to hear your hubbie has been discharged. I'd imagine that is a huge weight lifted.

Hope you treated yourself to some lovely treats on your retail therapy trip. From the sounds of it it was definitely well deserved. :) 

Is it ok to ask your symptoms ? 
I go for an urgent gastroscopy on the 17th . 
my gp and upper Gi consultant were all within 5 days and 10 days altogether for the gastroscopy , very quick . 
The consultants exact words were I don't want to scare you but we will be looking for cancer . 
my paper work has just come and it says biopsies . 
ive come on here because I've not heard anything about voice change . 
mine has and if I say more than a few words it strained very squeaky and I feel like it's going ?? 
hope you don't mind 

Thankyou 

Hi all,

Firstly, great news Hilts! You definitely seem to be on a quick route. Don't blame you doing some retail therapy - you definitely deserve it. 

We have been to meet the surgeon this afternoon. Apparently two will be performing the operation planned for 4th May. A lot to take in despite my research. 

RayB like you it's likely he won't be allowed visitors so any tips on what to take in would be appreciated. Doogreg did you have open surgery too? 

#keeping the faith Hilts 

Mandy or Milly or maybe Molly

Hi, 

still under the surgeons though, but next seeing them in June,

I don't think we asked the surgeons very much - apart from ' get rid' (:

I think it was useful NOT knowing the inns and outs as we felt 'what choice did we have' !

I think or at least hope that you take some comfort/reassurance from us lot on here, Knowing that there are (quite a few of us) are out the other side, in reasonable shape. 
Ask away though for what is that saying ' the lived experience' LOL

I didn't buy much LOL, but I just liked wandering around town, with quite a lot of other humans about, sun was shining and the coffee was hot........a good start (:

hilts

Hi,

It definitely helps knowing that others have come through the op and available for advice. Thanks.

Pleased that you enjoyed your new bit of freedom and it will be interesting to hear how trial progresses. 

Mandy

Hi,

It definitely helps knowing that others have come through the op and available for advice. Thanks.

Pleased that you enjoyed your new bit of freedom and it will be interesting to hear how trial progresses. 

Mandy