I'm so sorry for the worry and stress this is causing MarkJoanne,

I hope this information we have about treatment for oesophageal cancer and how to manage diet problems, including what makes swallowing easier with oesophageal cancer, will help address some of your concerns but our cancer nurses are available on 0808 800 4040 if it would help to talk things through with them. They'll be back in the office from Tuesday onwards, between 9a.m - 5p.m

We do have quite a few members within our community who have been on this journey so now that I've replied, you hopefully won't have to wait too long to hear about their experiences and gain some valuable insight and advice.

We're thinking of you MarkJoanne and sending you all our strength at this rather challenging and uncertain time.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Mark Joanne 

You are not alone 

Please reach out if you feel up to it 

My hubby has this too

Hi there I have been diagnosed with Inoperable oesophageal cancer about a week ago so I know what you might be going through.My very first symptoms was a feeling of painful pressure as I swallowed food and it fell into my stomach.I have a 6 cm tumour in the 3rd of my gullett before stomach.I was gutted to then find on further PET-CT that I have metastised in my liver.SO no surgery. I'm about to see oncologists tomorrow to hear what they plan for me.BUT there are 2 facts that keep me positive one is someone commented that they are " LIVING with Cancer" I prefer this language to " palliative pathway" because also palliative doesn't mean Terminal.Secondly who knows the Chemo/radio/ Immuno therapies I could be offered tomorrow could shrink the tumour and mets, you just never know.I know it's very frightening I am frightened too but fear doesnt help it change anything.Im not ready to die yet and I hope you will find strength from my reply.

Hi LIz

Your upbeat outlook and attitude will help get you through whatever lies ahead for you. Yes to we are living with cancer and palliative does not mean an imminent expiry date. Im on palliative care with immunotherapy and responding well, it is not a cure but has given me an extended period of quality life. Take every treatment on offer or at the least give it a try. And never give up hope even on those darkest days.

Ed

Thanks liz

Hi,

I hope it helps to tell you that it is eight years since my first diagnosis for the cancer you have. I was 67 years old then. 
The care, support and treatment I have had since then has been, and still is, fantastic. Chemo, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Yes, you will have to bravely face some difficult times, but along with them will come new and positive  insights into life, and even great pleasures and satisfaction. Hard to understand how that can be at the moment, but in my experience, that is how it has been and continues to be. I’m sure you will surprise yourself and your loved ones about how brave and cheerful you can be. 
I lead a normal active and happy life …I still have an infusion of Herceptin ( immunotherapy) every three weeks, which I’ve been having for over 5 years. No side effects, and always a joy to be in the company of the wonderful oncology staff. 
Good luck and best wishes. Your very positive mental attitude will help greatly. 
John 

John such an inspiring story, it made me cry.You are a very positive inspiration.I live without family as they're all gone now.I have great friendships and support from my old Aquafit colleagues.One of the nuisances of Chemo is I can't swim as it's one holistic thing for me.Still I can sink into a bath and imagine!!

My brother died 9 years ago of this same Ca in same place, exact same time of year...so I'm hopeful I will change the trend.Seeing oncologist this afternoon so will soon know poa.Thankyou so much.Well done for helping others with your story.x

Thanks again L1z,

Funnily enough ( though it’s not really funny!)before I wrote to you this morning, I was feeling a bit out of sorts. After writing I felt entirely the opposite! So, and I’m not sure that we can do this sort of thing, I really enjoy writing and am always on the look out for ways to develop my sense of purpose ( hence the conservation work and singing)…I will happily give you my email address if you feel the need to correspond with someone who has been through similar stuff. My partner lost her husband to MND 15 years ago and now spends quite a few hours each week as a voluntary official visitor. That helps to fulfil her sense of purpose too.
Anyway that is just a thought. A little bit of writing, say once a week, might be of use, though I will also be happy to continue to correspond on this site if that suits you better.
John  

Of course John I'd be happy to make email contact with you off site.I journal everyday as I sit and have my morning coffee so I know exactly what you mean about writing it all down.Im not sure how to go about letting you have my email address privately..any ideas? Liz