Hi has anyone survived this after being told they can’t have surgery due to distant lymph node above collarbone involved? Fit and healthy otherwise, so been a complete shock.
I can understand that this diagnosis has come as a shock and I hope you're coping as best as you can. Don't be afraid to lean on those closest to you for support when needed and do talk to your medical team, as they may help address the question you have.
It's difficult for us on the forum to answer but, if you'd like to speak to a cancer nurse outside your team, we have a free nurse helpline available if there's anything you'd like to discuss over the phone. The number is 0808 800 4040 and lines are open 9 to 5 Monday to Friday. You can also find information on many aspects of oesophageal cancer on our website.
Like you i was recently diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. I had an endoscopy and they told me there and then! Totally in shock like you, wasnt expecting it. It is an adinocarcinoma lower oesophagus. So far mine is T3 N2 Mx The x is because they found 2 areas on the ct that could be spread or not! Im waiting on a pet scan to find out. The waiting is dreadful thats for sure. If there is sread then im going to be palliative only.
I have found many stories of eople that have survived inoperable o.cancers on the macmillan forum, so lets have hope x
Sorry to read about your diagnosis. You are right, the waiting and the uncertainty is horrendous. Despair is our worst enemy because it can lead to us making bad choices such as refusing treatment which could extend or even save our lives.
A lot of people get phased when they hear the words inoperable and palliative. Surgery is just one option and many people conflate palliative care with end of life care. Even some health professionals are guilty of that. One MacMillan nurse offered me a visit to our local hospice to enable me to make an informed choice about my end of life care … this was before I’d even started chemo! I told her through gritted teeth that this was an inappropriate and insensitive suggestion!
Sorry to read about your diagnosis. You are right, the waiting and the uncertainty is horrendous. Despair is our worst enemy because it can lead to us making bad choices such as refusing treatment which could extend or even save our lives.
A lot of people get phased when they hear the words inoperable and palliative. Surgery is just one option and many people conflate palliative care with end of life care. Even some health professionals are guilty of that. One MacMillan nurse offered me a visit to our local hospice to enable me to make an informed choice about my end of life care … this was before I’d even started chemo! I told her through gritted teeth that this was an inappropriate and insensitive suggestion!
