It was only a couple of months ago that I passed my five year milestone yet only this week it has been confirmed that my cancer has returned. It is a bit of a blow but I have been here before and will find a way to manage through it and am looking at my treatment options. Don’t let the news of my setback discourage you because I have achieved so much over the last five years, just remember your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy, so keep it on your side and it will stay friends.
So to everyone looking in take care and keep up the good fight,
Steve
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I really am sorry to hear this. As Yorkshirerose say's your comment's have been helpful to lots of us on here. I would like to wish you all the best in dealing with this, I hope it all turns out ok.
I am unable to to change things only look for the best outcome for me and it is just another part of the journey.
Steve
The fear of recurrence is a worry that sits on many people's shoulders, but we do wish you all the very best for the next stages of working your way through it.
If it is any consolation I know of one person who has had a second bout of oesophageal cancer a good many years after an oesophagectomy, and it was successfully treated a couple of years ago with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. So do keep your spirits up!
sorry to hear this news Steve, just as you had passed the 5 year milestone..you never know what is around the corner, that is something I always say and to make the most of every day. Has the cancer returned in a different place Steve,? my own Dad's cancer returned after 14 years but he beat it that time as well. Keep your pecker up, we are all on the journey with you. Bernadette
Yes it is at the join of the gullet and what is left of my stomach. I have been cured once and this is a new tumor, it is small and has not spread so things are not looking so bad. I am waiting an appointment with regards to chemo/radiation.
I am so sorry to hear this news Steve. We all know this can come back at any time but it is such a shock all the same. You have, as many others have already said, been an absolute inspiration to so many of us. You helped me so much when Paolo was going through it all and I cant thank you enough for that. Your positivity and all our love, support and prayers for you will help you get through this again.
I know how you feel. I'm two years post op and my cancer has returned too. Starting radio and chemotherapy next week. Five weeks continous treatment. Like you i'm maintaining a positive attitude despite having to cancel a holiday and put my gym membership on hold. I'm planning another holiday towards the end of the year so there's a goal to aim for. Keep your pecker up mate. We beat it once, we can do it again.
Hi Steve sorry to hear your news but U sound very positive about the battle ahead. I had my IL operation last Oct then had to have operation to remove a tumour from head and now they have found three lesions on one of my lungs. They cannot start treatment due to me health after all the operations. I go back 5th Aug to see if they can start treatment. So lets rock on and beat this thing. I will not give up and good luck to you as your an inspiration to us all.
Sounds to me that you have been through the wars. I do so hope you can build up your strength soon in order to recommence the battle. Use your time well and don't overdo it between now and your next appointment.
Hi Steve.... its angela so sorry to hear your news but your positive attitude will give you so much strength as I believe you've always had , so keep posting if I don't see you in work as I return on Monday, Ray doing well on the long road each day is another step forward, so take care and keep positive , Angela x
I am back to work tomorrow and a late on Monday so will look out for you. I am glad Ray is doing well, yes he has a long road ahead but I know he can do it.
My first was 1991 and the second in 2009 -- I don't know if it's in bad taste to say that practice makes perfect but at least this time round you know the ropes -- we are all willing you the result your heart desires.
Just to let you know that I am having chemo/radiation but need a pet scan first and have put off treatment so I can have some time off work before it begins. I will be having FOLFOX and am so glad it is not ECX again. The chemo is in 22-46hr infusions with five and a half weeks of radiotherapy at the same time. I may be able to go home with a chemo pump so I do not have to stay in hospital for infusions, however I will have to go for radiotherapy each day Mon-Fri for five and a half weeks. It will condense the treatment down and will not be so drawn out as ECX, and I will know if it has worked sooner rather than later. If it does not cure me it may slow down the growth and buy me some more quality time, but most importantly, won’t make me a slave to treatment. I am aware the odds are not good but there is some hope. Apart from the swallowing becoming more difficult I am really fine and enjoying the weather, although it has been a little too hot on some days. If anyone has had experience of FOLFOX I would like to know.
I'm just beginning my second week of chemo/radiotherpy. Like you i'm on Folfox weeks one,three and five. Two hours on the drip then the pump is connected. Disconnected 48 hours later. Daily zaps of radiotherapy whether i'm having chemo or not. So far my only side effect is sensetive finger ends, particularly cold items. No soreness of the chest or throat yet but it's early days. I'm keeping positive and i'll keep you appraised of any new symptoms. I'll be grateful if you will do the same.
We are all in this together. When I get down I just think of all the things I have achieved despite this evil illness. On the 24th of last year I was carrying the Olympic Torch, so will keep hold of that image. We are reminded every day of what has happened to us, even so there is still so much for you and I to achieve.
Things did not go well yesterday as they failed on three attempts to get the PICC line in which has left me a little bruised, despite the lady doing her very best to carry out the procedure. My treatment has now been put back and there is also a delay in the radiotherapy PTV (Planning Volume Target) i.e. how much safe dose to give to margin areas without damaging my organs. I am just now waiting for them to get back to me with an updated plan. Without the line which is fed through my arm and into the main vein near my heart I won’t be able to go home with the chemo but will have to stay in hosp for three days on each infusion. I may be able to have to have a Hickman line fitted that will go into my chest which will have to be carried out under the radiotherapy department and will mean I can go home with the chemo attached. I am a little disappointed because I have prepared myself for each procedure and wanted to move on to actual treatment. Still on the positive side I will try and do something at the weekend, last Sunday we went to see Let It Be by the Beatles at the Savoy followed by a walk along the Embankment which was a good day out.
I hope everyone is keeping as well as they can be,
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