Tumour

[bill_t]

Last Tuesday I went to the hospital for a gastroscopy and they told me they had found a tumour lower down just above the stomach . I am due to have a CT scan on Tuesday and an appointment with the nurse practitioner the following Monday . Right now I feel my life has come to an end . I am only 61 and feel so alone .

[SteveJ]

Hi Bill. Please don't feel as though you are alone, there is always someone to talk to on this site. It will be very helpful to you if you contact your local Macmillan Center they can offer lots of advice and support. I really do know exactly how you are feeling at the moment. When I was 55 I had the same bombshell dropped on me and I live in a slightly remote place as far as this type of illness is concerned so I too felt alone. I am now coming up to my 65th birthday and doing really well. What I am trying to say is if this tumour does turn out to be malignant it does not have to mean your life has come to an end. Lots of people survive Oesophageal cancer these days as many people on this site will attest to. Easier said than done I know but if you can try to stay positive and use any help available.

Kind Regards

Steve

[brucemillar in reply to SteveJ]

Bill

You are not alone. As SteveJ points out, on this alone there are many survivors (I am one). If it is cancer? then it is survivable. I am now two years post op and back working full time and enjoying my daughters and wife and restoring my old cars. I have no pipes or tubes and no bits hanging off me (that weren't there before).

It is important to remain positive. Keep asking here if you need help or advice.

Good luck.

Bruce

[haward]

The OPA runs a Hotline and support groups. The meetings, where you can meet survivors, are listed on the website opa.org.uk and the helpline is 0121 704 9860

I hope it all goes well. I am 3.5 years post op and doing well, l>ving a normal life

Haward

[sallym]

I was 58yrs old when I was given the same news. The world stopped and then the fight began. A very unpredictable journey started not an easy road but I'm now 81yrs old, slightly fraying round the edges at times but oh was every day worth it. What kept me going the unbelievable support that suddenly appeared from all areas, support that has kept me going when I needed it and is still around today. Take care and remember , it is one step at a time a lot of people out there will support you sally

[bill_t]

Thanks for all your replies , you have given me some hope that it's not the end .

bill

[Jax34 in reply to bill_t]

Hello Bill..I am 67 years old and although my cancer is different to yours ( I have had my stomach removed) I know exactly how you are feeling..After months of going it alone I decided to do something about it and rang [e-mail] help line. They put me in touch with the OPA association and I spoke to a guy there called John Taylor who is the most wonderful person you could wish to meet..I also now go to the Robert Ogden centre in St James's hospital in Leeds who look after cancer patients with lots of group activities etc..No one told me of these things while I was in hospital. I had to find out for myself so you must do the same..You are not alone believe me. There are lots of people out there struggling with this awful disease. My advice to you is to do lots of different activities for distraction and don't sit in the house mulling over things..I go out every day! Like every one else says stay positive. You can always talk to me..

[bill_t in reply to Jax34]

Thanks for you comments and advise Jax34

[glennon in reply to bill_t]

My wife is 71 and had the op in February this year. She now eats normally all be it a little smaller meals than she did.

The op has not stopped her shopping or coffee with friends and a she is driving herself. We even enjoyed a holiday in Cyprus in September with no problems.

I too was very worried at first but already I see good signs. You have to say to yourself I will beat you you >>>>>

[Mikey2711]

Having gone trough a similar experience one thing i can say is you will Never be alone..Good luck with your scan

[bill_t in reply to Mikey2711]

Thanks for your comments Mikey

[champagnelover]

Hi bill t I well remember receiving the news 7 years ago and despite having a loving family feeling all alone, but you are not alone, as all the other replies have said there are organisations you should contact if you want to. I have to say the waiting for tests/results is most definitely the hardest, - once you know what you are dealing with and treatment is decided upon - the only way is up. All the survivors here and there are many of us should give you hope that your life is NOT over! Good luck and keep in touch! We are here for you.

[bill_t in reply to champagnelover]

Thanks

[kiddy]

I Found out last october i had a tumor joint stomach to oesophagus. I had chemo Dec for 63 days op march, chemo which finished in July. I am cancer free. It is hard waiting for results and a period of my life i hope will forget. I found this site very helpful I went to a support meeting the other week at the OPA .I am a female just turned 55. I have to eat differently to before but still learning, gaining strength but still recovering. I hope you realise you are not alone.

[bill_t]

Thanks to everyone who has replied , your comments have given me hope . I had the CT scan on Tuesday and go to see the specialist on Monday to get the results and my treatment plan . Just hope that it has not spread .

[cherrybailey]

Hi Bill too true never alone although you feel it hearing the news. I was 47 mine on the join stomach. I know my fight, determination, positive good support got me here now. I nick named my lovely surgeon Mr take away took my stomach and lower oesophagus few lymph nodes late stage T4. keep strong, positive, fighter! I never have a good day one thing and another live with a pathetic old body wont give in!! Aiming for 10 years next March beat odds! You can too!!

[cherrybailey]

Please trust me you are not alone it just feels like it. It is a horrible journey but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel if you get the right support, could be medical, family, friends. I was 47 tumour on the join turned out late stage T4 beat bad odds nick named my surgeon Mr take away, stomach and lower oesoghagus. Live with all sorts crap pathetic body not been easy fight. My determination, (stubborn side) keep positive helped. I am looking forward to 10 years since my op next March every year a mile stone. Can look back smile see the funny side hospital eventful! So much more the good out weighs the bad! KEEP POSITIVE!!!

[bill_t in reply to cherrybailey]

Thanks for your reply , just want Monday to come when I'll find out if its spread .

[cherrybailey]

Good Luck try not worry too much x p.s Sorry wrote twice did not know the first one had sent.

[bill_t]

Thanks and no problem about the repeat , very worried at the moment .

[gwood80 in reply to bill_t]

Hi Bill

I'm in the same boat. Awaiting ct results hopefully tomorrow to find if it's spread. Have tried to keep busy but felt pretty bleak at times today being completely honest. There's some good advice and very good people on here I've found.

If I believed in that kind of thing I'd pray for us both to get a "good" result, but instead I'll just have to have everything crossed for us both.

Good luck and you'll be in my thoughts

[bill_t in reply to gwood80]

Lets hope we both get good results .

[rayw55]

Stay strong! I was 51 when diagnosed, I am now 58 and living a pretty normal life - I believe much of it is about mental attitude - try to keep doing what you enjoy and stay focused - life is good and you only get one chance at it

[bill_t]

I went for the results today and got the worst possible result T4 and its spread to other organs , the best I can hope for is Chemo which may prolong my life . Now have to get used to the idea of my life coming to an end . Thanks for everyone kind words and advise .

bill

[rayw55]

I was so sorry to hear the results for you Bill, all I can say is you will not be alone in your journey and whatever happens on the way you will always have people to talk to , seek out those you love and don't be afraid , in a weird way you have an advantage of knowing that EVERY day is valuable.

Ray