diagnosed with stage 2 Esophageal Cancer

[Nay]

44. I am so sorry you are going through this. As a cancer survivor (so far), may

I make a few suggestions and observations?

Right now, starting with the visit to the gastroenterologist, RECORD every dr visit, treatment, etc., in an Excel spreadsheet; record the date, doctor's name, doctor's specialty, office/hospital of the visit, reason for visit, and a comment box for you to record everything that happened during that visit/treatment. Otherwise, you will never remember what happened when because the whole process is complicated, you may have many doctors/nurses/PAs, and your emotions will interfere with your memory. Take this spreadsheet with you to every visit so you can answer any questions your docs may have. Also, keep a spreadsheet of your medications (name, dose, dosage times). This saved my sanity.

If needed, take a trusted friend or family member with you to (at least) the first few appts and ask them to record what the doc says for your spreadsheet -- you may still be in shock and be upset and miss things.

Your emotions will be all over the place and that's very normal. Don't try to repress them or do anything with them other than feel them and allow them to come and go at will. Cry when you want to, amuse yourself if it helps, call a friend or family member when needed.

Watch that Vice:Cancer program that someone else recommended. It was eye-opening. Cancer treatment is changing very quickly.

You now need to see an oncologist for a second opinion and recommendations on a course of treatment. If you feel the need, get a second oncologist's opinion. Discuss with both of them the option of the new treatments. Do lots of research for yourself and don't be afraid to discuss any of it with your doctors.

I don't know that much about your cancer, but Stage 2 is better than Stage 3 or 4, so get hopping and get into treatment. People go into remission every day, and you may be one of the lucky ones.

Then, when you and your doctors are on a course of treatment and you have done all you can do, make sure to do something fun or gratifying every day. We each have only the present day before us to do with what we will. So go and do it.

I'm sending you good vibes!