Chapter 2
Living with a Stent

Chapter 3
Living with Palliative Care

Sections

1)
Introduction
Background
Endoscopy
2)
Initial Diagnosis
3)
Telling the family
4)
First Appointment
Taking the tests
5)
Second appointment after tests
6)
Treatment -Chemotherapy and Radiation
7)
Remission
8)
Coping at Night
Coping with Fear
9)
Relationship with Doctors
Keeping Track of Medications
10)
Deciding on a Stent
Conclusion

Last Revised, 05-Nov-2002
Copyright © 2002

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Initial Diagnosis

        At this point I assume that you have received a diagnosis of cancer otherwise you would not be wasting time reading this!

        I was returned to the waiting area, still on the stretcher. I asked for my wife to be with me. I had to insist as the young nurse said it was policy not to allow visitors. I politely explained where that policy should be “filed”, and my wife was allowed in. Have your spouse or friend with you when you are wheeled back to the waiting area as it is possible that you may be given information and you may need help dressing, etc.

        It was fortunate that my wife was with me as the Dr. who conducted the Endoscopy arrived to tell me the results. In my case she explained that it was evident I had cancer of the esophagus extending from the stomach to about 10 cm up the esophagus.  Although I was already sure of what the diagnosis would be, I still found myself  in a state of shock probably somewhat tempered by the left over effect of the
medication I received during the procedure.  I was extremely happy that I had insisted that my wife be with me in the waiting area. With her help I got dressed and we left the hospital and she drove us home.  The Dr. and the team that did the scope were excellent and supportive. The Dr. did not try to conceal the fact I had EC but at the same time she was gentle, supportive and sympathetic.

        I found that knowing for sure I had EC was easier than the months of fear I went through thinking I had cancer while I was being treated for “gastritis”.

        As my wife drove us home, we decided to try not to think of all the possibilities of what could happen to us and try to wait and hear what the Drs. at  the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre (KRCC) have to say. Until then we would try not to think of all the worst case scenarios.

        During the period of waiting for our appointment with KRCC and the month or so prior to having the scope, I went about setting my finances and papers in order. We had our wills and power of attorney updated, insurance polices checked, and even wrote out all the things that have to be done if something happened to one of us. It may sound strange, but it helped me keep from worrying about the cancer and all those things that may or not happen. It helped both of us keep on an even keel.

        Also during this period we saw the statistics on EC, what radiation treatment was like and how rough the chemotherapy could be. The Drs. will tell you that each person has different reactions to the cancer itself as well as to the treatments. Be aware that you will react to treatment and medications as an individual and stories of other people’s
experience will not likely apply to you at all.
 
 

Contact
livingwithec@yahoo.com

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