Newly diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and the Fear

Hi I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer last month and I have had a laparoscopy and having an endoscopic ultrasound tomorrow. I wondered if anyone has any ideas how I can help the absolute overwhelming fear that I am experiencing. I am having really bad dreams and hardly sleeping. The smallest mention of cancer on TV sends me into a panic and I am so worried about upsetting my wife and 20 year old son. It seems to never leave my thoughts. 

  • Hi all so today I am now sitting outside the Cancer unit  and about to go in and have my CT scan done to see how the chemo has gone. I’m so scared of it as it’s yet another result to wait for. The operation absolutely terrifies me however so does not being able to have it. This silly damn disease just turns people into irrational looneys. You ladies that care are the most important people in our lives and it sometimes just needs a hand hold and nothing more. Our moods are up and down constantly and any time we seem irritable or just a moody git really is not meant against you. Sometimes just going through the doors of the hospital is so horrible but we try and pretend it’s ok. Thank you for all you do 

  • Hello Boxbrain0

    Just picked up your message and I am moved at your words.

    And want to say here for handholding venting hysterical laughter ( more me probably eek)

    And any other shares.

    I hope the CT scan brings good news / and the Cancer is doing a runner for you 

    Sending Hugs

    RB x

  • Everything you say I can identify with as I see it with Dean. He's been a right mardy git many times - still he was even before all this!

    I hope you get really great results from your scan. As you have been able to eat so much more easily I'd take that as a very good sign its shrunk, but I get it that you don't try and anticipate with this.

    Deans terrified of the op as well & I understand why. On the one hand you're 'lucky' if you can have it as so many can't but it looks an ordeal. At least you will have an amazing story to tell for years to come once you are through this part of it. I was only thinking this morning if only we could fast forward 12 - 18 months and it all be behind us.  

  • Hi Karen

    Oh yep mood swings especially from steroids not fun to be on receiving end and horrible for our loved ones going through it.

    A heads up the cancer and the chemo can cause low iron /anaemia which can add to the fatigue .

    Hubby having to have blood transfusions to bring it back up so bare in mind and keep checking blood results.

    Obviously not being able to eat a good diet doesnt help either.

    Fear of the operation is understandable its not a small thing to undergo. Its not an option for hubby so cant say more than that.

    Re looking back 

    We have been on this path for over a year you quickly become all about the cancer and adapt to things but 

    I see we are still dealing with "the new" every day

    Sometimes it wears you out and you really dont "get it right" for your

    Loved one but we are doing our best and we are all human.

    ..ultimately it really is one day at a time 

    Id say 

    Do stuff to keep you a float cos its a long road.so you dont lose yourself and also gives you the energy to be there.

    I take my hat off to anyone enduring cancer treatments they are all awful grueling and traumatic. 

    Strength to everyone

    RB