[Cancer] Oesophageal cancer - latest research and mini rant

CathyMoran

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6267269.stm

I saw the above article - hope that it helps some people, unfortunatly I have squamous cell...

Getting a PET scan on the 1st and my oesophagus removed on the 9th, still fighting to beat it.

tbh

so Cathy, if you don't mind me asking, what are the effects of getting your oesophagus removed? What changes will you have to make if any?

Anyway, you know we're all rooting for you, being the kindest person on boards and all

tbh.

CathyMoran

tbh wrote:

so Cathy, if you don't mind me asking, what are the effects of getting your oesophagus removed? What changes will you have to make if any?

Anyway, you know we're all rooting for you, being the kindest person on boards and all

tbh.

Well, I know that it is a MAJOR operation and that I will be getting an amazing scar (some that I have seen look like a shark bite). I am very lucky in that this surgery was not available a few years ago. I have not looked into too much detail of the operation yet - I have been told by my best friend who is a doctor that I will always be skinny afterwards but that is about all I know so far...Shane can update you in my absence. I will be in hospital for at least 2 weeks, in ICU for one of those weeks and the first month is the most riskiest in terms of me dying but once I get past that things look up a lot. I do not think that they will let me eat for 2 weeks but then I will be on a soft diet for quite a while, will not be allowed to lift anything heavy for a LONG time, I do not think that I will be able to eat as much as before but that should be about it in terms of side effects. Looking forward to my birthday in March. Sorry that I can not be more informative. Will be funny getting tummy ache further up.

tbh

don't worry, I was just wondering on a general level - you're a real trailblazer here. Best of luck for the op, and I'm sure there will be many more birthdays to come!

CathyMoran

Sorry if I was a bit down in the dumps earlier, you get your moments. It is great news for those with that form of oesophageal cancer.

I think that the main long term effect of the op is that I will not be able to eat as much and I will have an amazing scar to be very proud of, apart from that I should be fine

LegacyUser

Hey Cathy

Have not posted before so am a newbie

But I have thyroid cancer and after 3 surgeries i have a lovely 'unique' scar on my neck .. I just wanted to let u know that on frustrated days when i want to cry and just give up (And let me just say im aware of your situation and appreciate the struggles you have) i think of things i would say to people who stare at the scar .. some choice replies , all im my head of course, go as follows .. 'oh that! I got in a fight with a shark .... I won!' !!!!
Also .. 'I bite back' !!

I dont mean to sound flippant due to the seriousness of it all but as a fellow member of 'the club no-one wants to be a member of' .. i think u are inspirational and just reading your posts made me feel i was a little less alone in my battles..

I wish you and your Shane all the best and i wish you luck and peace

PS you looked beautiful at your wedding

All the best

Bree

CathyMoran

Just back on boards today and catching up on mail and posts - have my 3 amazing scars now and think that they are cool, one really looks like a shark bite, looking forward to wearing a bicini.

Cancer chick - I think that you are amazing for getting through it.