Radiotherapy only as treatment

[CliveT]

Hi. Found a tumour (stage 2) in my oesophagus in Feb. Unable to have surgery so just had 4 weeks of Radiotherapy. Anyone here had similar? Thanks

[Brett77]

Hi, why is surgery not an option? No chemo or immuno?

I had all 3 but have heard of a case of a woman who just had chemo and radio, refused surgery, and was cured.

[CliveT in reply to Brett77]

Hi Brett77. I have stage 4 kidney disease and was told not fit enough for an op after doing a 10min bike test. It seems Chemo may trash my kidneys so that is not a great option. Have to wait until October for a scan and results.

[Libuse]

I was diagnosed with same cancer 16 years ago. Surgery was not an option because it was so large. I had 6 weeks radical radio and chemotherapy. I have not been able to swallow since (I have a j peg intravenous tube and I cannot project voice very well but I was able to return to demanding stressful managerial post in FE for 5 years and now have successful career as an artist. Go for everything that’s offered you and accept that life will be different afterwards but it’s all worth it.

[CliveT in reply to Libuse]

Hi Libuse. Thanks for your reply and the very positive outlook. Its hard for me to get some positive thoughts at the moment until I get the results after a CT scan in October. I am 71 so don't have to worry about work, just to enjoy retirement. I have stage 4 kidney disease so I have always been prepared for life changes when my kidney function becomes useless. So as long as i can move about and do a few things then I think i can cope with whatever comes my way. Thanks again for you very positive views it helps a lot. CliveT

[Hidden in reply to CliveT]

Hi Clive I had stage 4 oesophagus cancer was very fit only 58 so had chemo and surgery it was touch and go and not without its problem. However I have been here for twelve years and had to cope with life changes but I am so pleased I was given these years. So Whatever you are being given go for it and enjoy your retirement. All of us have different problems so be lead by your team. The operation is complex so you need to be very fit. Chemo is also very intrusive and does affect other areas of body. Libuse is right try it and see how it is. Kind regards. Brenda(Pilates)

[Libuse in reply to CliveT]

I am 71 too and other things going a bit wonky but I keep going, so must you. They made em tough in 1952, Clive. I do understand how you can’t think ahead until you know what’s going on in October. I tried to cope with the uncertainty of whether I was going to live or not by literally living from day to day And finding at least two pleasures I could record at night. Sounds daft but it kept me sane!

[CliveT in reply to Libuse]

Libuse, thanks again for your positive vibes. I play bowls a few times every week and that helps no end in taking my mind off things. Good luck to you and the 71 crew. Clive.

[Kentishred]

Hi Clive. I was diagnosed stage 3 in 2019 I had chemo and raido treatment then surgery in February 2020 and I did quite a bit of meditating and visualisation . It was tough but I had fantastic results and now at 76 the only thing that slows me down is an arthritic hip but I still keep going and still enjoy life. So stay positive. Loraine

[CliveT in reply to Kentishred]

Thank you Loraine. Surgery was promised to me immediately after diagnosis. But after a few meetings and tests the surgeons just said I was high risk and they all disappeared after 2 months. Only a requested meeting with an Oncologist gave me the radiotherapy option. So if I dont make it i will come back and haunt those b*ggers. Thanks Clive

[Kentishred]

It's the radio therapy that seems too do the trick the chemo from what I understand ( I have no medical background ) is to mop up any stray cells. I think a positive mind is the best weapon and although I found that harsh at times I worked with meditation and visulation. OK some of it seemed a bit weird but I don't went with it.If you're not happy with your oncology team ask for a second opinion it's something you are entitled to it's your body and your life. Good luck with it all

I'm sure you'll get there

Loraine

[CliveT in reply to Kentishred]

Hi Loraine. I am very happy with Oncology its the surgical prima donnas that p*ssed me off. But what is done is done. I have to focus on the treatment I am having and now what may have been. Thanks for you supportive message. Clive.