chemo/rad

topaz1947
topaz1947 Member Posts: 24
in Esophageal Cancer #1
have finally got strong enough to have further treatment. I donot know how any of you went back to work after surgery. I always thought I was a strong person, but not anymore. I am still not strong enough to work. Still losing weight slowly because I fill up so quick. Seems like I am eating all the time. I donot suggest this as a diet . I still have my sense of humor most of the time. I lost a cousin to cancer a few weeks ago. They were not sure where her cancer started but the drs. said possibly stomach or esoph. She passed in just a five month period after diagnosis. I totally agree with I HATE CANCER. Do not know why I have been one of the lucky ones but am grateful for it. I congratulate all of you who keep pushing forward. Not sure I could ever be that strong. Thanks for reading my rambling. Have a great day everyone.

Comments

  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #2
    one step and then the next step
    Dear Topaz,
    When did you have your surgery? and you are getting post op chemo? You have to be patient. I had the 3 incision Ivor Lewis surgery and then had to have post op chemo, so it was 7 months from surgery before I felt like I could be semi normal. A lot of people have said the same thing here, about 7 months. Some had less extensive surgery with no complications and they might have moved faster. Try to get high nutrition in, sip some Ensure or Nestles high volume fluids during the day. So glad to hear you still have your sense of humor, it always helps. So when I came here, someone said about taking one step and then taking the next step, it helped me and hopes it helps you. You have to eat those 6 small meals and keep it up, it does get better and you will get your strength back. Good luck!!
    Donna70
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #3
    It is just taking one day at
    It is just taking one day at a time. It took me months to regain my strength. I became very discouraged at times.The cancer caused my bubble to burst. For the first time in my adult life I had to depend on others. I had a false since of independence and I wasn't always receptive to others helping me.
    You sound like me. Even though I did eat, I lost 99 pounds the first year after surgery. I've gained 9 pds back and it has stayed there for a year and a half.
    When you look back on all you've been through, you will realize how strong you are and how far this journey has taken you,
    I,like you do not recommend this diet, but I have to say I feel pretty good now,
    Sandra
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #4
    Hang in there..it does get better
    Topaz,

    I know it can be frustrating when you are in recovery mode after surgery. It seems like it takes forever. Of course everyone around you wants you to get better quickly. Their expectations are based on surgeries that they are familiar with and don’t realize how challenging a recovery from this particular surgery can be.

    All of us here who have had surgery, particularly surgery followed by chemotherapy, will tell you that it takes about 7 or 8 months before you start to feel “normal” again. It was a bit longer than that before I could eat most things and not have some unpleasant surprises occasionally.

    But it does get better. Some of the lifestyle changes can be frustrating at times, but the gift of being alive and the ability to spend time with the people you love make the changes worthwhile.

    It is easy to get frustrated and depressed when you have one of those days when things don’t go well, but hang in there. It really does get better.


    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    6/21/2010 CT Scan NED
    3/14/2011 CT Scan NED

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

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