Feeling glum

[Vitex]

Just been talking with doc who was very clear that my cancer isn’t operable due to size plus extra carcinoma at top of stomach. When questioned about the chances of a cure just from chemo radiation he said about 40%. Which my maths tells me that I have a60% chance that it can’t be cured and that my life expectancy is what, a year or two? Dunno. Sorry to dump this on people, just feeling very on my own.

[bigemu]

My was opposite 60% positive 40% negative, I know how it feels, however everybody body is also unique

I am now 12 years on with no real side issues.

Be positive that 40% could be my 60%.

[Vitex in reply to bigemu]

So did you have only chemoradio and no surgery? Thank you for replying

[bigemu in reply to Vitex]

I had only surgery. Bit surprised at no Kemp.

[bigemu in reply to bigemu]

Kemo (predictive text)

[MyBigC in reply to bigemu]

Me too, but I'm 5.5 years on from Ivor Lewis ....

[Libuse]

I have diagnosed with oesophageal cancer 16 years ago. The tumour was too large for surgery and the only option was radical chemo and radiotherapy with 8% chance of survival. I am still here aged 71 with a successful career as an artist. Hang on to the 40% Xx

[Vitex in reply to Libuse]

Thank you, I need those positive accounts!

[Vitex in reply to Libuse]

May I ask you how long you were under treatment and are you now cancer free?

[Libuse in reply to Vitex]

Yes, you can ask me anything you want. I was diagnosed July 2007 and received 6 weeks intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy which made me feel terrible at the time but it worked and I have been cancer free ever since. There were consequences however. I cannot swallow and have been intravenously fed ever since. I hook myself up a machine every night for 8 hours to get the nutrition I need to keep going during the day. Also I cannot project my voice very well and avoid talking on the phone if possible. Don’t let this put you off please. I returned to a full-time stressful managerial job in FE for 5 years and have since resumed my former career as a professional artist - doreenfletcherartist.com

I was very frightened but I survived one day at a time. Each day finding very, very simple pleasures , never looking beyond the next week.

[Vitex in reply to Libuse]

Really appreciate this feedback, esp as I live in France and while my French is good the networks aren’t the same. I am one week into five weeks radio with four cycles, every two weeks, of chemo. If you were cancer free after that initial treatment that sounds incredible. And you are right about simple pleasures as I have just been for a walk and listened to a woodlark while looking at the Pyrenees in the distance. As your situation is similar to mine I might ask you more questions if that’s ok. And I’ll have a look at your website!

[Libuse in reply to Vitex]

I think we should ‘talk’. We spend half our time France, would have moved there full-time were it not for my food situation…These days in Normandy not the Cevennes.. I will pm you my email address

[HONORIUS in reply to Libuse]

Amazing. As is your work. Excellent advice there. I too have returned to my practice following surgery for OC in 2016: Instagram @wsummers555

[Libuse in reply to HONORIUS]

I have just requested to follow you on Instagram

[HONORIUS in reply to Libuse]

And I you!

[Cosmobabe]

Hi there! Positive attitude and the determination to beat this is what benefits you the most.

Without that nothing tends to work.

Everyone is different so don't lose hope. Be a winner against this.

My determination was to succeed this and attend my daughters weddings.

Kind regards,

Cosmobabe

[Vitex]

thank you

[Sarahvit]

Hi Vitex, I agree with what the others are saying. I have known so many people who was given a poor prognosis but defied what the doctors said and they lived 10, 20 years or more then what the doctor had said and lived a high quality of life. God is the only one who calls you home after what He has you here to do. Stay positive❤️

[Vitex in reply to Sarahvit]

Thank you,

[Hidden]

Hi I agree with all the above I was told they would operate and it would give me me a couple of years but I have been here 14 years. Had a few problems but have seen my daughters get married and have four grandchildren. I had cancer in oesophagus and limp nodes. Good luck .

[Vitex]

thank you, loving positive stories!

[Lab1]

So sorry to hear your news. But as you can see there is a lot of people like my self who have beat the odds. Good luck I am 10 years post op. Had 3 lots of chemo before

[airforce1]

My amazing mother was given a 40% cure indication for chemo and Ivor Lewis and is now 4 years cancer free.

[purplekey]

Hi was diagnosed during covid and had the chemo/ radiation as they weren’t doing surgery at that time. The treatment is really tough but I managed to complete it all despite side effects. McMillan nurses were brilliant went the nausea got bad and I need a pump. Afterward the drs couldn’t tell if I had still got cancer from the scan or if it just showed inflammation from scar tissue so they did the op. The biopsy showed no trace of cancer at all. I was never given any odds but then I didn’t ask. Don’t dwell on the figures it will drive you mad! Good luck with the treatment. X

[Vitex in reply to purplekey]

Thank you