Hello Emilyb20

I'm sorry to hear about your step Dad's recent diagnosis. It's positive to hear that there isn't any spread. 

We've a number of members here who have posted about having oesophageal cancer and if you use the forum search function you'll be able to find lots of posts. One member that immediatley springs to mind is [@davek]‍ and you might like to have a look at his profile which will tell you about Dave's story. 

You're also most welcome to give our team of nurses a call for some advice and support if you'd like to speak to them. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi Emily, 

I have been watching your post to see what came in before I waded in.

i am in the same position as you. Husband 56, stage 2 oesophageal. Diagnosed completely out of the blue on July 29th. So I am always fishing around for 'good' news posts.  There are few recoveries around on here.

Not sure what treatment plan you have been given. Talk about faster than lightning with ours. CT and PET scan within the week, no spread- phew. Started chemo on  8th sept and has just finished the 4 cycles of FLOT. We have been booked for surgery on 17th dec ( not good as have young children) with all the repeat scans in between. When we saw the consultants I asked the million dollar question " is this curative or palliative", consultant said very much curative (at the mo)

The chemo is nuclear stuff, but he managed it with good grace, his minor clogging with food symptoms disappeared after the 2 nd lot, that was very good news.

There is no doubt that this is a condition we'd rather not be dealing with, but as we have said to each other, it could have been a lot worse, a condition or stage with no treatment at all.

As for the emotional side - wow, I could write a book!! What a roller coaster.

i am also a dr google expert, which makes for very depressing reading, I take a little heart from what the consultant said about curative intent , along with the fact that the consultant also said " we don't usually see people as early (in disease process) as you guys.

best wishes.

Hi Emily

i am 4 months post op stage 2  and 90 % on the mend , trust me the NHS are absolutely top notch at this treatment when you mention the symptons disappearing after two chemo i had a similiar response post op pathology confirmed the tumour had been destroyed and had not spread it sounds like you got an early diagnosis like me so thats good news ,the operation recovery was slow to begin with but really picks up after about 10 or 12 weeks so be patient its a very big op but i was out hospital after 10 days recovery pain is totally bearable rest is the best thing for the first 6 to  8 weeks , i did the Google thing and thought the same but found asking the questions with your consultants and support teams was far better as these are the people who are going to fix you , i could offer you as much information or guidance as you might like , the bottom line is its not a journey to be afraid of and i am in a very good place right now i am sure you will be just fine.

Hi,

I've only just read your post, I've not been on here for a while.

Sorry to state the obvious, but there is a lot of disinformation, outdated information and conflicting views on the internet about this condition.

Recovery rates are far higher now than ever before, people are being diagnosed earlier and treatments are better managed and targetted.

Average survival rates often don't take into account the age, fitness, stage at which diagnosis was made or any other medical conditions the patient has. 

I was diagnosed at 55, was a physically fit non-smoker, first diagnosed at stage 4 but I didn't have any other life-threatening conditions.

The majority of people diagnosed with oesophageal cancer are in their seventies, obese, diagnosed at a late stage and have other conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions etc. This is why statistics should never be applied to an individual case ... but of course we all do this! 

Good luck.

Dave

Hello Dave

My dad 54 has been diagnosed with stage 4 too. How was your treatment?

Hi,

sorry to read about your Dad's diagnosis.

Because the primary had grown around my aorta, chemo was my only option.

It was OK at first but the later cycles were exhausting with many of the expected side effects.

That said, it worked far better than I'd dare have hoped.

Good luck!

Dave

Ello Folks, 

This came in my notifications, I post mainly on the 'other'  board, so don't know how.

Good to see you Davek- glad you keeping up the good fight.

Hi Star- see you've joined the ever expanding Oesophageal cancer club- sorry , I think I'm funny........not.

Nothing funny about OC at all.

We , or rather husband is now 2 years (almost) post op- so a bit different to you guys.

Yes, Davek, I firmly agree that the chemo is challenging, but does what it is good at.

Not sure what the up to date stuff is on the immunotherapy these days- seems those who are getting it are doing okay

Any off now in garden etc

Hilts