Andy L

[6fE8]

Hi, am a 59 year old man who has been diagnosed with what I have been told is esophageal cancer which is terminal. I have been on chemotherapy treatment for 6 months now and have been eating so much better than before my treatment so I feel it has done me some good. If there is anyone who has the same condition can you please tell me what happens after chemotherapy treatment.

Many thanks Andy L.

[Vitex]

hi Andy. I presume you aren’t able to have surgery for whatever reason? I had tumour in oesophagus, had chemo, then a pause, now more chemo with immunotherapy. Maybe immuno is next for you? Every one is different but good luck with whatever is next

[6fE8 in reply to Vitex]

Hi Vitex. Thanks for your reply no I could not have surgery as my cancer was too close to vital organs so was not a option for me. Immunotherapy I may bring that up with my next consultation to see if that's an option for me. All the best Andy.

[focused1]

Like Vitex points out /treatments are different and in the UK vary from hospital to hospital and who is your care team . I would write down all your concerns first then make an appointment to see the specialist. Ask what are the next steps and are there choices / options as from having a relative with similar it depended how the illness developed and their bodies reaction to any given treatment but I think this needs a face to face chat and consider taking someone with you as they sometimes pick up on something you may overlook as these appointments are not the most pleasant conversations but in our case they are needed . I would diary before the appointment what you are eating as this is helpful to the medics as what you are eating / patterns / amount and also sleep - your daily life etc . It is easier if you attend armed with this information even give them a copy . If this changes and you are still at home not having seen anyone for a few weeks then let them know . We were in the same situation a few years ago and the only way we got any quality of care was to keep all our support team informed of any changes which we did with daily notes .

[6fE8 in reply to focused1]

Focused 1, Many thanks for your reply i will take your advice on taking notes as well as writing any concerns down that I have. Very best to you Andy.

[focused1 in reply to 6fE8]

And you Andy .

[strangetimes in reply to focused1]

Hi, I would think next stage is scan to assess how tumour is responding to chemo. As a side note I was told ( 12 years ago and post surgery) that my tumor didn't look as though it had shrunk but that could be due to scar tissue that forms as the chemo kills the cells.

My brother , who also had oesphageal cancer but his was inoperable, had chemo and then rads.

Though I think they now offer immunotherapy which I understand is more tailored to tackling the individual cancer.

[focused1 in reply to strangetimes]

Wishing you all the best . Hopefully advances in treatments will help you .

[6fE8 in reply to strangetimes]

Thank you for your reply. I have been told my next treatment after this last chemotherapy treatment will be immunotherapy though that will be confirmed after my next consultation appointment.