My name is James, and I’ve consistently led an active and busy lifestyle. I worked in construction for years, enjoyed the outdoors, and never thought much about my health until one day, I started having trouble swallowing. At first, it seemed like just a minor irritation—food would occasionally get stuck in my throat, and I’d experience some heartburn after meals. But soon, the problem became more persistent, and I found myself losing weight without trying. That’s when I decided to go to the doctor.
After a few tests, I was told that I had oesophageal cancer. The news hit me like a punch to the gut. I was in my mid-50s, and the last thing I ever expected was to face something so serious. I wasn’t a smoker, didn’t drink much, and had always been healthy. My doctor explained that my cancer was in the early stages.
My Diagnosis
When I first heard the diagnosis, it was hard to wrap my head around it. I kept asking myself how this could have happened to me. My family was in shock, too, but they immediately rallied around me. My wife, Katy, especially, became my rock. She made sure I had all the information I needed. She contacted the OPA Cancer Charity, and they provided tremendous support. At the time, I wasn’t sure how I’d get through it, but the support from my family and this charity kept me grounded.
My Treatment Plan
My treatment plan involved a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The goal was to remove the tumour and ensure that any remaining cancer cells were eradicated with chemotherapy.
The surgery was scheduled first, and I was nervous about what it would entail. I knew it was my best chance for recovery, but that didn’t make it any less intimidating. The surgery went well, but the recovery afterward was tough. I was in a lot of pain, and swallowing became a huge challenge. I couldn’t eat solid food for a while and had to rely on liquid nutrition to get by. It was a difficult adjustment, but I kept telling myself it was temporary—just a step on the path to healing.
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Once I’d healed enough from the surgery, it was time to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard the horror stories of how difficult it could be, and I was nervous about the side effects. The treatments were exhausting—nausea, fatigue, and the feeling that I was constantly drained. There were days when I didn’t know how I was going to make it through the next round, but I kept pushing myself. The helpline at the OPA was a true lifeline for me. I was able to connect with a patient buddy who had been through a similar experience, and it made all the difference.
Post Treatment
I remember the day I got that news that my cancer was in remission – it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. But as relieved as I was, I knew the real work was just beginning. I had to regain my appetite and adjust to life after treatment.
Swallowing was still difficult, and I had to learn to be patient with my body. Eating small, frequent meals became my new normal. My doctors worked with me to adjust my diet, and slowly, I started feeling more like myself again. I found the OPA literature beneficial.
Looking Ahead
As the months went by, I started to appreciate life in a whole new way. I took nothing for granted anymore. Every day was a gift, and I was determined to make the most of it. My family and I made plans—small things, like walks in the park, little trips away, and cooking meals together. Things I used to do without thinking now felt like a celebration.
I’m still here, still fighting, and still grateful for every moment I have, and this experience has taught me the true power of strength and the importance of never giving up.
