I've had trouble swallowing a couple of months ago and eventually had a endoscopy last week. Along with the endoscopy I had a CT scan and was told I have cancer of the oesophagus. Sadly it's already quite advanced and has spread to lymph nodes in my chest, down my gullet and into the lymph nodes in my stomach. I'm going to have a further CT scan to see if it's gone down to lymph nodes in my bowel.

I'm 59 years old but in decent shape for my age. I was planning on taking up competitive masters masters swimming so I was training really hard in the pool, swimming 15,000 - 18,000 metres a week until two months ago when my problems started..Hopefully my raised level of fitness will help in the almighty battle I have ahead.

I'm about to attend a meeting at hospital later today to find out what treatment I'm going to have. I've already been told to expect a plan involving lots of chemo and radiotherapy followed by surgery. 

I remain calm, strong and upbeat. I'm mentally prepared for whoever my journey may take me. I have too much to live for and have no intention of giving up but I'm also realistic enough to realise that the final outcome is far from guaranteed.

I should be terrified but for some reason I'm not. I'm surrounded by great family and friends and I fully intend to stay mentally strong for their (as well as my) sake.

I love them enough not to tell them off when they tell me I'll be fine, all it takes is a positive attitude. I know they mean well but it really is a pretty dumb and patronising thing to say.

It's great to come across this forum as I will now be able to share my hopes and feelings with people who know exactly what I'm going through..