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Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Hi from a new member

JohnEH profile image
13 Replies

Hi

My name is John and I am nearly 60

I have just had an endoscopy and been told I have cancer near the junction of my esophagus and stomach. I am waiting for the biopsy results and a CT scan.

I made another post before I realized I had to introduce myself sorry.

Thanks to everyone who has answered

John

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JohnEH
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13 Replies
Amycaz profile image
Amycaz

Hi John, my dad has been told the same thing today. He is 56. Xxx

JohnEH profile image
JohnEH in reply to Amycaz

Hi Amycaz, I am sorry to hear that, I wouldn't wish this on anybody. Like me your world has been turned upside down and this is a very dark time. They told me biopsy results in about 5 days CT scan in about 10 and I guess it is the same for your dad. Its a horrible wait. Support and hug each other, cry a lot, we have. The replies to my posts have been so supportive they have given me hope and if you have read them too I hope they have helped you both.

I'll be thinking of you, good luck & God bless.

John

Amycaz profile image
Amycaz in reply to JohnEH

Yes they said similar times. Where abouts are you?

We are in Staffordshire.

My dad has had blood results back and these are all normal, liver function and no anemia etc. I'm not sure if that means much?

Just so scared to hear if it has spread and the stage. I have heard that you usually get no symptoms until it has advanced. I'm not sure if this is true for everyone.

My dad started with acid reflux and swallowing difficulties about 8weeks ago.

All we can do is hope and pray for a positive outcome for my dad and for yourself John xx

JohnEH profile image
JohnEH in reply to Amycaz

I am in the middle of moving house but haven't changed GP yet so currently we are 'living' at my father-in-laws in Glossop Derbyshire because our old house has been sold. The new house is in Peacehaven in East Sussex ( near Brighton). We had moved in but not changed the GP--- then this happened

All this started with me about 6/7 weeks ago I went to my current GP a fortnight ago & had the Endoscopy on Saturday. Not had any blood tests the GP sent me straight for an Endoscopy.

There is a 3 week time line for cancer to get the tests done.

The doctor who did the Endoscopy said the cancerous ulcer looked about 6 months old. I am told this isn't a long time. I am also told that the cancer can take years to develop before the symptoms show. So I am coming to the conclusion it isn't just the timeline but the ferocity of the cancer and me and your dad wont know that until the biopsy results come back and we've had a CT scan. As far as I understand it the three together determine the type, stage and spread of the cancer. Once the doctors know that then they will decide how to proceed. They also might ask for a PET scan as well.

Sorry, its cold comfort I know but we just have to wait it out, its a horrible time for us both and our families and any other poor souls who are in the same boat as us. This site has been a Godsend in the last 2 days . Do talk to others here as I know so little as yet and wouldn't want to give you bad advice. The people on here have been through what we are going through, their kindness & experience has given me hope and I hope you too.

John

Amycaz profile image
Amycaz in reply to JohnEH

Good morning John, I hope You and your family at ok.

I just thought that I would let you know that my dad has had a CAT scan date for next Monday. My mom called the number of a nurse that was given to her at the hospital and she gave him the date.

Might be worth a chase up if you haven't heard anything.

Amy

JohnEH profile image
JohnEH in reply to Amycaz

Hi Amy, I have spoken to my nurse and she says they have till the 16th Dec to get the scan & biopsy results and basically I have to sit tight till i hear something. After the tests are done they have a case meeting about me to decide what can be done and then meet me.That will be 19th or 20th at the latest. It is going to be a tough time till then and that meeting is going to be the worst time ever.

good luck for the 12th

John

ccfc profile image
ccfc

Hi John. I had my op 4 years ago and I am 58 now. You are probably going through the worst part waiting for results from scans. Once they get on with the treatment you can start on the road to recovery. Chin up and best of luck. James.

JohnEH profile image
JohnEH in reply to ccfc

Thanks James, your reply and the ones to my other post help so much at a very dark time

thanks again

John

Dear JohnEH

Welcome to the site!

The period between diagnosis and getting all the scans etc done and a treatment plan organised is a difficult time, not least because you have to get your head round the diagnosis and the fact that it has happened to you. There will be this mental track to travel along for you and the family as well as the parallel medical one. It is definitely a test of resilience and for developing the ability to confide in and support one another.

The outcomes vary, primarily on the stage that the tumour has reached. When it is caught early, the results can be up along with the good results from the cancers with best outcomes. but you will not know where you stand until the full tests and analysis have been done.

mageesnow profile image
mageesnow

Hi John

Just seen your post. I was 58 when I was diagnosed the same as yourself. I am 61 now having been through the whole cycle of scans ,result ,treatment and recovery. It all comes down to your test results which will determine your course of treatment. Every person reacts differently to their treatment but there does seem to be some similarities in what happens and how the body reacts based on what other people have said.

I am very happy to talk to you about any aspect of what you are going through and how I coped and still coping with it.

Regards

Mick

Duke76 profile image
Duke76

Hi John,

I'm sorry to learn of your esophageal cancer. Mine was diagnosed Aug 15th. I selected the Cleveland Clinic for my treatment so I can participate in phase 2 of a clinical trial. I've had 4 chemo treatments over 8 weeks. The primary infusion is with Folfox. I tolerated the chemo well. The results I got just last week. The before and after PET scan show an almost total disappearance of the positive lymph nodes and a reduction in the GEJ tumor of about half.

My esophectomy is tomorrow and I'm terrified. It may include removal of all or part of my stomach. The surgery sounds brutal.

After a six week recovery I will begin daily radiation treatments for 25 consecutive days. I will also repeat the chemo treatments at that time.

I hope this treatment outline helps you plan for what may be ahead.

You have my prayers and best wishes.

Jeff

sallym profile image
sallym

I was also 58yrs old when diagnosed, for whatever help and hope it gives you I am now 81yrs and still going strong. It is an unpredictable journey but one step at a time. Plenty of help and fantastic support out there when you need it. Best wishes as you start this journey.

sally

JohnEH profile image
JohnEH

Thank you all so very much its a great comfort.

John

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