Same

[Bob111]

Ivor Lewis nearly 2 years ago, seem to have breathless issues at times do wonder if I'm getting old . 55 was told it's the over indulgence cancer

[liz_crisp]

Over indulgence, I didn't over indulge, hardly ate I didn't have time!

I was told it came from working in hospitality nightclubs and banqueting, for many years before they changed the smoking rules, eating when I finished a night shift and going straight to bed, causing acid (which I never knew I had, no pain) and living on a main road in an area with high traffic pollution, ( Thurrock) all contributing factors apparently when I was diagnosed over 10 years ago. It was interesting to note qthat I met quite a few HGV drivers as fellow patients. And since then I have seen many younger patients. Makes me wonder about all the kids walking to school at the level of exhausts from all the cars jammed up along the road, the change in eating habits with parents racing to drop kids off at nursery and quick take aways at home before bed due to the parents commute to and from work making family life so hectic.

Re breathlessness if it persists get it checked out. Make sure it's not a chest infection from acid aspiration. I get them and nothing shows up in the docs examinations, no wheezing or rattling in the chest, but when I finally convince them to do an X-ray it's a nasty chest infection.

I would love to see a map of the incidence of oesophagus cancer, the occupations, and age of the patients.

Well done on two years, Take care, stay well

[Spikey]

I was a similar age to you, 54, when I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. I'm now 67 and have suffered bouts of breathlessness on and off for most of the intervening 13 years. About four years ago, after a particularly bad bout, my GP diagnosed mild late-onset asthma. I now use a Clenil inhaler and it seems to help.

As for the over indulgence, I must confess that I had an over indulgent lifestyle, including smoking, before my illness.

[Popsic]

I had to work out then what was meant by " over indulgence", I've never smoked and hardly drink, but I suffered acid really badly, because I had parents who were heavy smokers I was told the cancer could have been caused by passive smoking! Didn't quite know how to deal with that one tbh. I think life styles, daily living etc have all changed therefore could be contributed to it maybe, I guess at the moment we won't really know unless more research is done into it.

[champagnelover]

Interesting comment about over indulgence! I was told OC caused by smoking and too much alcohol. I have never smoked and drank very little but I did have acid reflux for many years. What is also interesting is that I was born and lived in the North East for 18 years and it has the largest incidence of OC in Europe. My parents were also heavy smokers! Another reason and cause of high incidence apparently in Arab countries is the drinking of hot tea (no milk) I had my op 11 years ago but haven't had any breathlessness - maybe visit to GP to check it out.

[Singforyoursupper in reply to champagnelover]

That’s interesting to read about the incidence of OC in the North East- I’m from there too originally - and my first cancer (Thyroid) was also said to be more prevalent up there - though the OC was deemed to be as a result of the radiotherapy they used to treat the Thyroid!

[adela1]

Cancer of the esophagus in the past was mainly caused by smoking and affected the top area of the esophagus (squamous cell) In recent years the balance has shifted, with fewer people smoking, and is now mainly caused by heartburn and acid reflux and affects the bottom area near the junction with the stomach (Adenocarcinoma).

[Mauser1905]

Hi Bob111,

Yes you are getting old and so does everybody else too. No escape for anybody.

With the pun intended aside; what it means is we all have issues/underlying developing or symptoms presenting itself for requiring correct diagnosis. With or without the 2 years old diagnosis of oeasophageal cancer.

With your statement of "at times" makes me assume that the incidences are not dangerous itself as such else you would have sought emergency medical help during those episodes.

1) if I were you I would try and distinguish if this was "normal dumping syndrome" post oesophagectomy or rather something requiring urgent medical help. if you have intense pain around the rib cage associated with any movement and difficulty breathing may require urgent treatment, (eg chesty cough, whizzing sounds while breathing, blood in the vomit or stool, dizziness and other etc)

2) Has your GP offered you an appointment for the PSA test as you are in the age bracket and its essential this is done, regardless of the current symptoms.

3) How are your HbA1C test patterns (blood glucose levels) showing as well routine blood tests?

4) Ask you GP for a spirometer and check the lung capacity using it. (its just a simple piece of plastic in which you blow air from your mouth in a single blow and check how far the indicator moves, reflecting your approximate lung capacity). This is used in the community mainly.

5) its very common to have shortness of breath for the survivors of the oesophagectomy. There are significant variations in the contributory factors which cause this, however as long as you and your carers/family/GP et el are able to distinguish the normalcy of incidences due to dumping syndrome as well fatigue related issues against anything else requiring urgent medical attention is going to be helpful.

Having said that I am not a qualified medical professional, therefore take the medical advice with pinch (bucket to be honest :)) of salt.

The Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) has an article for Managing Breathlessness at the link below. have copied the excerpt for your ease underneath.

opa.org.uk/opa-managing-bre...

"Managing Breathlessness

Common symptoms of breathlessness include distress and fear, laboured and fast breathing, frustration, depression, anger and ultimately fatigue.

Breathlessness may often occur after an operation. Below are some strategies that may be used to help ease your breathlessness.

Preparation

It is important to take some time in preparation for your breathing exercises.

Position

Position yourself in a comfortable chair in an upright position with your hands resting on your lap.

Relaxation

Fully relax your shoulders and the muscles around the neck. Wear loose fitting clothes and ideally have a quiet environment in which to begin your breathing exercises. TAKE YOUR TIME!!

Breathing Re-education

Abdominal breathing Concentrate on your breathing and try to slow your breathing down. Place one hand on your abdomen which should move in and out. There should be a gentle flow between breathing in and out. If this is too difficult, try a short hold between breaths. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed throughout.

Remember..... You are in control of your breathing. Do not give up if changes do not appear immediately. It will take some practice and time to achieve the best results.

Anxiety Management

Anxiety may increase your breathlessness. Remember to try and relax as much as possible throughout your breathing exercises.

Drug Management

Try to ensure when and in what order drugs or inhalers should be taken, as many of them if taken correctly can help to ease your breathlessness.

Counselling and advice

Physiotherapists, ward nurses and Specialist Lung Nurses are available if you need any advice or reassurance.

© The Oesophageal Patients Association "

An article on Dumping Syndrome with very useful illustrations at the link below from OPA website. Suggest having a read on this.

opa.org.uk/opa-dumping-synd...

"Dumping Syndrome and Digestion Problems after Surgery - By James Gossage, Consultant Surgeon"

Also there is a download section on the OPA website, which provides leaflets in online format which you can read online or download/print and take to other's etc.

If required you may email [e-mail] or call on the OPA helpline Cancer & Awareness Support Helpline: 0121 704 9860 (9.00 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday (24 hour answering machine)). and request for leaflets sent to you by post.