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...out of Diagnosis and into treatment

PJLQueen
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After being diagnosed with 2 separate cancers, 7cm Oesophageal Cancer and 4cm Lung Cancer I had my first Oncologist appointment today, it went very quickly it didn't help that the computer network was down so he couldn't show me anything, I had 3 options, 

1. Intensive Chemo and Radiotherapy over 5 weeks, it will be hell on my body  but it will hopefully cure it completely hopefully by Christmas. 
2. Chemotherapy alone slower but with the same outcome

3. Palliative Care. 

I chose option 1.  has anyone had any experience of this who could give me an idea of what to expect. 
i will be having Paclitaxel and Carboplatin, but because its intensive the Oncologist said that the only possible side effects would be ,headaches,  mouth ulcers and sores, pins and needles in my hands, hair thinning ( he stated I would be really unlucky if I lost it all), then he added I would feel absolutely awful and my chest would be very painful as I will be having Radiation in 2 places.  
 

  • Hello PJLQueen

    I'm glad to hear that you were able to meet with the Oncologist this week and that despite being diagnosed with 2 cancers at the same time there are treatment options available for you. It sounds as if the Consultant is hopeful that things will be successful which I'm sure gave you some reassurance. 

    I think some of the members here would agree that sometimes it can help to know if the regime you're embarking on is going to be tough. Fore warned is fore armed as they say! Hopefully knowing these things in advance, and that the Consultant is aiming for a positive outcome, will help you through the rough days. 

    Keep in touch with us here when you feel able to and I'm sure the community will do their best to offer their support. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with our nurses at any point then please do give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Sending my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Has anyone  any information on intensive Chemradiotheraphy, as I can't seen to find a lot about it. 
    Are the side effects worse or less as normal Chemo, the leaflet the Oncologist gave were for normal Chemo and that doesn't help as he said I wouldn't have alot of it ( makes me wonder why he gave it me). 

  • Offline in reply to PJLQueen

     

    HI PJL Queen,

    I have breast cancer, so am not sure whether your cancer protocol is the same.

    Since Covid a number of people on this forum seem to be going through this intensive chemo. I am not a doctor but from what I've read, this seems to be harder on the patient, but gets it all over quicker and, presumably reduces the time when your immune system is compromised - an important factor with Covid still hanging about.

    Have you been given a start date yet? I hope that it all goes well for you.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    I start it next Monday 17th August, scary but worth it if it cure me

  • Offline in reply to PJLQueen

     

    HI PJL Queen,

    I know that it's scary, but should be well worth it.

    I hope that it all goes well. Keep in touch.  I'm nearly always here if you want to chat.
    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline

    Hi just wanted an update. How are you and your husband doing now?

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