Hi I was recently told my cancer was treatable but not curable and I'm really worried what this means I'm only 31 and it's in my neck oesephugus and possibly in my lungs can anyone help
So sorry to read about your diagnosis - which is very similar to my own. It is a lot to take in and can be devastating news - especially if you had no previous idea of what might be going on.
There's no way to say this diplomatically, it basically means that there are treatments available which may control your symptoms and slow down, stop or even reverse your cancer - but they don't think they will ever get rid of it completely. Someone should have explained this to you when you received your diagnosis and offered you some support. It would be worth giving the nurses a ring on here (0808 800 4040) or talking to your care team about your options and what support is available to you and your loved ones..
Hi Stacie, sorry about your diagnosis it must all be a blur at the minute.
I too was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, treatable not curable 12 months ago, I'm 48 married with 3 kids. I have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy to reduce the cancer and stall it in its path - so far so good I'm still at work and enjoy family life greatly.
Speak to your allocated nurse specialist and cancer team who will be able to advise you accordingly and with additional support from Macmillan and Maggies you will have a great support network to help you through.
Thank you Dave yeah the lady who told me the news didn't give me a great deal of information on the whole treatable but not curable I thought it meant a death sentence straight away because of that word incurable but thank you for your reply and the telephone number I'll give them a ring and speak to someone about it
Thank you for your reply so how does the chemo affect you because I've read lots of different side affects. I haven't started treatment yet so I'm very worried about it with the whole hair loss and the sickness everyone is different but I'm so glad family and work life is treating you well and I hope that carries on in the future for you and your family
Hi Stacie, I was also told that my cancer is not curable but they can hopefully control it. It did scare me to be told that, I have a rare form of lymphoma and it's a slow growing cancer at the moment, I'm on my 4 th chemo treatment and doing very well. The anti sickness tablets they give you now are much better than they used to be. Even the nurses said that as they don't want you being sick, if one doesn't work they will give you another. The worst bit I found was the first clump of hair to come out, three weeks after my first chemo but I had a lovely wig waiting for me. I didn't shave it off, I couldn't do that but I have coped well, wig and sleep hat at night. Only two more treatments to go hopefully. I wish you well x
Thank you for your reply how has the chemo affected your appetite. And that's another big worry of mine is my hair I know they have fantastic people that talk to you and sort things out for you but it's still a big thing. Im so happy to hear that you've almost finished your treatment and I wish you all the luck in the world x
Hi, I lost about 2 stones before my diagnoses , I’m only 7 stone at the moment but I’m glad to say that the steroids I’m on have given me back my appetite and I’ve put on a few pounds, I had to go and buy new clothes, everything I had was too big. Like you it was the hair thing I was dreading, but really it’s not too bad, get a nice wig, mine is actually better than my own hair and looks very natural. My head is so cold at night I wear a sleep hat. Takes me a minute to do my hair in morning lol. Keep positive thoughts and you will get through this journey. Take care x
Diagnosed with stage4 colon cancer and rare. It doesn't get any better. I AM WAITING TO HEAL FROM MY COLOSTOMY SO THEY CAN BEGIN CHEMO. You bet Im scared. i have no idea whats ahead. I just want to live pain free for a couple more years. Everyone says stay positive it will help your chances. A lot easier said than done. Sometimes I wonder if ending it would be easier.
It's refreshing to know they can give you lots to replace what you've lost ie weight and such yeah I've lost quite a bit of weight already so I know to expect to lose more but I can put it back on. Yeah i suppoelse look8ng at the positives I can choose different colours and lengths.thank you for your reply take care of yourself too x
I'm really sorry to hear that you are feeling like this but all of us on here are strong together and we will all be there for each other when needed so those thoughts you are having please remember they are temporary and the next part is tuff but it'll make you better stay strong x
