A diagnosis of cancer is a tough challenge for most people. There are a number of ways that you can find support to help you cope. Not all of them work for everybody, but one or more of these could be helpful:
- make sure you keep talking to your friends and family - they can be a powerful source of support
- communicate with others who are in the same situation
- find out more about your condition
- set reasonable goals
- take time out for yourself
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Recovery and follow up
Most people with oesophageal cancer have an operation as part of their treatment. Getting back to normal after surgery can take time. After having oesophageal surgery, it will be a few days before you are able to eat or drink. To begin with, fluids will be given to you through a drip, which is inserted into a vein in your arm. You may also be allowed the occasional sip of water. It is important that you do not eat or drink immediately after having surgery so that your oesophagus has time to recover.
You will be able to start consuming soft foods and liquids gradually, before eventually being able to eat and drink normally as you did before the operation.
Following surgery you may find that you lose some weight. This is normal and you should begin to regain the lost weight once you are able to eat solid foods again.
Other treatments, particularly radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can make you very tired. You may need to take a break from some of your normal activities for a while. Do not be afraid to ask for practical help from family and friends.
Follow-up
After your treatment has finished, you will be invited for regular check-ups, usually every three months for the first year. During the check-up, your doctor will examine you and may do blood tests or X-rays to see how your cancer is responding to treatment.
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Relationships with others
It is not always easy to talk about cancer, either for you or your family and friends. You may sense that some people feel awkward around you or avoid you. Being open about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help may put them at ease. But do not feel shy about telling them that you need some time to yourself, if that is what you want.
Support
If you have questions, your GP or nurse may be able to reassure you. You may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or to someone at a specialist helpline. Your GP surgery will have information on these. Some people find it helpful to talk to other people who have oesophageal cancer, either at a local support group or in an internet chatroom.
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Money and financial support
If you have to stop work or go part-time because of your cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have cancer or you are caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to one or more of the following areas of financial support:
- If you have a job but cannot work because of your illness, you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
- If you do not have a job and cannot work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
- If you are caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
- You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or if you have a low household income.
Find out as early as possible what help is available to you. Speak to the social worker at your hospital, who can give you the information you need.
Free prescriptions
People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate, giving them free prescriptions for all medication, including medicine for unrelated conditions.
The certificate is valid for five years and you can apply for it through your GP or cancer specialist.
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Dealing with dying
If you are told that there is nothing more that can be done to treat your oesophageal cancer, your GP will still provide you with support and pain relief. This is called palliative care. Support is also available for your family and friends.
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