Starting Chemo for T2 cancer of the oesophagus, nervous

I am fit and healthy 50 yr old who up to 4 weeks ago was running marathons and training hard for a number of events this year. Then I got what I can only describe as shattering news, I was told I had T2 cancer of the oesophagus just above my stomach, after many sleepless nights was told this was curative and would need FLOT Chemo for 4 cycles followed by Surgery and then more Chemo. I am currently lying in bed unable to sleep as my Chemo journey starts tomorrow. I am extremely nervous about what the future holds but determined to beat this and get back to my running. I use my running as a control for my mental well-being and health. I was wondering if there is anyone who like me runs and would love to know if this is something I can return to and if running during treatment is something I can continue with even if on a reduced scale. My surgery will remove a third of my stomach and oesophagus so not sure how this will impact on me. Any advice is appreciated 

  • Hi

    I hope your chemotherapy went well today, the anticipation is worse than the actual chemotherapy.

    I started chemotherapy on the 16th of February, the next day I was doing arm weights, I think this was due to the amount of steroids I was given, I had a few days off weights after that! I was out walking every day didn't have enough energy for running, The Friday was a struggle just to keep awake. The first week was a really hard mentally, I wanted to train, but everything just seemed pointless.

    Today I feel better than I have for ages(I've had 2 surgeries over the last year) back training, running just wish the squash courts were open.

    X

     

  • Hi Giggsy

    thanks for the reply that's giving me hope that I can get out and keep active. Still sat in the chair and then home with a pump for 24hrs, so may have to give running a miss tomorrow but will be good to get out when I can. Hope your treatment keeps going well and u can stick with the training.

    Gaz

  • Hello Gary & giggly.

    Dare I say welcome to the oesophageal club! One you would no doubt rather not be a member of!
     

    What on earth is going on out there, the amount of young fit blokes popping up here with Oesophageal cancer is incredible, they are literally breeding faster than rabbits (:

    You are bout the 8th in the last 2 weeks- I really like telling my husband he is common as muck! (:

    My husband was diagnosed on August the 8th last year, just like you very little symptoms, just a bit of occasional clogging. Send by his wife (me) to the GP- I can be a bit of a persuasive kinda bird.

    Omeprazole, no change, endoscopy on 29 th July, scans etc etc, then official on 8th August.

    His treatment plan is exactly the same as yours, he is now just about to do the 3 rd post op chemo. (No more platinum though- allergy)

    ask away- trust me when I say it is all still VERY fresh in the mind........