Feeling worried

[Jac2009]

Has anyone had treatment of Oesophageal cancer at the QE2 in Hertfordshire.

My partner has been diagnosed today and am trying to work out options of where we go from here.

Also any advice on anything relating to this cancer would be great. We have a 9 year old daughter so if anyone has any advice on how to explain to children would be really appreciated.

Thank you

[slobjohnb]

I am 71 and had the Ivor Lewis operation 8 months ago at Broomfield Hospital near Chelmsford. Although certainly life changing I have been really lucky and having lost 3 stones in weight (I needed to lose it) I am living a nearly normal life now. Cooked a roast lunch for 7 people on Sunday and was able to eat about 1/3rd of a portion. You need to find out at what stage the cancer is, they will tell you the options and I would take their advice. Read all you can about your condition, this society has some brilliant publications - all free and a good video 'What can I eat now'. Until you know more it is difficult to say what the outcome will be. All the best for you both. Please let us know more as you progress.

[PhysioD]

Hello there. So sorry to read your post. It’s a difficult time around diagnosis but I have to say when my father in law was diagnosed earlier this year, I found it a great comfort to use this forum so you’ve come to the right place.

I know plenty of people on hear will say don’t Google it as it will stress you out even more than you already will be.

I don’t know the hospital when your partner was diagnosed but I can only say the treatment my father in law has received (he had an oesophagectomy early July) has been outstanding at St James’s in Leeds and I’m sure this will be the case with the NHS nationwide.

Talk to the consultant and also, your partner will be assigned a specialist nurse who you can call any time to discuss your concerns.

In terms of talking to your 9 year old, I didn’t tell my 11 year old about his grandpa until it was decided on the treatment plan. This is not the same I know but I hope this helps a little. There are people on here far more qualified to talk about this condition than me but I just wanted to offer you a virtual hug during what I know is one of the most distressing times of your life. Take one step and a time. Things will become clearer when you speak to your partner’s consultant I hope. My father in law is doing well just to give you some encouragement. He is 79 years old and was home after 10 days post op. It’s not been easy for him but it has been “easier” than what I expected and he does not regret having the surgery one bit. All the very best to you and your family. Xx

[gardner1]

Hi I had the ivor lewis operation in January. I have 3 children the youngest only 9 years old. I agree with the previous post and didn't say anything to the children until I knew what treatment plan i was on and was so fortunate to be put on a curable pathway. I told the children the truth and promised them I would always be honest and tell them what was going on but with my 9 year old didnt go into too much detail. I also spoke to the children's school so they could get support from there if needed.

I had my treatment in London st Thomas's and the service and care was amazing. You need to find out what stage the cancer is and if it has spread to anywhere else and what the plan for your husband is.

I send lots of love and will look out for your post to update.

[liz_crisp]

Hi I am 8 years Post treatment and doing well. I was treated at Queens in Romford, at the time I was 48 and a single mum of a 13 year old. The initial period is a blur of tests and scans and finding out what stage the cancer is at and the treatment options on offer. It is a very overwhelming time. I discovered that my son and well meaning parents of his friends hit the Internet and read up on the cancer, including that the survival rate was not great at the time, so I had to be fairly honest with him as to what the docs were saying. (Google is not always a good thing) I also wouldn't say much to your 9 year old until you know what the treatment plan is unless they are likely to find out from anyone else.

I did say that he could come with me to any appointment he wanted too so he didn't think I was hiding anything from him. But otherwise I just answered questions as he asked and tried to keep things a bit normal for as long as I could. Once I knew the treatment plan I talked with his School and kept them up to date on what was happening. They were fantastic and very supportive also providing an outlet for his anger at the situation that was away from home. I know there is a huge difference between a 9yo and 13yo but hope it helps.

Big hugs

Lizzy

[kiddy]

Hi there i am a 56year old women from Hertfordshire. I had my treatment at royal Free and UCLH. This is the worse time the waiting game where the team have to make decisions on your treatment. If he hasn’t already he will have scans to determine the grade of cancer. The treatment normally is chemo before and sometimes after an operation.

The operation is a big op and although life changing he will have a new normal life ahead.

I am2yrs 5months post op eat little and often, exercise and walk. Enjoy holidays and days out with my hubby.

I would wait and see what plan is ahead but you will have to tell your daughter. Macmillan will probably have a booklet on telling children.

Best wishes to you all

Debbie

[Hidden]

Not this hospital but mine was at ST THOMAS, london,, and i was lucky the 2 sessions of chemo shrunk the tumor enough for the op,,, if it had not, id have been on palliative care,,, I had the OP 23 May this yr,,, other than i have a heart condition and after op spent 4/5 days in ICU, all went well,,,,,